Muzzleloader and Refuge Deer Hunting Seasons Set for the Next Two Years


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PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission changed the area where muzzleloader antlerless whitetail deer licenses will be valid for the 2017 and 2018 hunting seasons.

To align with current population management objectives, antlerless whitetail deer licenses will now be valid in units 44A and 62A and not valid for units 13L, 17A, 25A, 41A, 50A, and 58A. One thousand statewide any deer licenses and unlimited single-tag licenses for unit MZD-LM1 antlerless whitetail deer licenses will be available.

Season dates are:

  • Dec. 1, 2017 - Jan. 15, 2018
  • Dec. 1, 2018 - Jan. 15, 2019

Adjustments were made to the National Wildlife Refuge deer seasons as well. There will be 10 more resident and one more nonresident any deer licenses for Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge, while offering 10 less resident and one less nonresident any deer licenses for Waubay National Wildlife Refuge. The Commission changed all licenses within Waubay Wildlife Refuge to be restricted to muzzle-loading rifles.

Licenses and season dates for National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) are:

Sand Lake NWR              

  • Resident: 100 any deer and 50 any antlerless deer licenses
  • Nonresident: 10 any deer and 5 any antlerless deer licenses
  • 2017 Season Dates:
    • November 11-15, November 16-20, November 21-26, November 27-December 3, December 4-10, and December 30, 2017 - January 7, 2018.
  • 2018 Season Dates:
    • November 10-14, November 15-19, November 20-25, November 26-December 2, December 3-9, and December 29, 2017 - January 6, 2018.

Lacreek NWR       

  • Residents: 25 any deer licenses
  • Nonresidents: 3 any deer licenses
  • 2017 Season Dates:
    • Oct. 18-24 and Nov. 22-28
  • 2018 Season Dates:
    • Oct. 17-23 and Nov. 21-27

Waubay NWR

  • Residents: 20 any deer licenses
  • Nonresidents: 2 any deer licenses
  • 2017 Season Dates:
    • Nov. 11-18 and Nov. 27 - Dec. 3 and includes Waubay State Game Refuge
  • 2018 Season Dates:
    • Nov. 10-17 and Nov. 26 - Dec. 2 and includes Waubay State Game Refuge

-GFP-

GFP Mission: The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks provides sustainable outdoor recreational opportunities through responsible management of our state’s parks, fisheries and wildlife by fostering partnerships, cultivating stewardship and safely connecting people with the outdoors.