South Dakota Waterfowl Hunting

South Dakota Duck Hunting

Ducks can be found and hunted statewide, with varying numbers of birds depending on the fall migration. In the northeastern half of the state, numerous potholes, marshes and lakes, many state or federally owned, provide ideal early season hunting areas. Along the Missouri River, the migration peaks in mid November with 600,000 ducks, primarily mallards. Western reaches of the state also hold ducks on stock dams, rivers and small lakes.

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South Dakota Goose Hunting

Geese can be found and hunted statewide. Western and eastern reaches of the state harbor locally produced giant Canada geese. The Missouri River corridor is the main route for more than 400,000 migrating Canada geese, and eastern South Dakota attracts 350,000 Snow Geese - and blue-geese migrants.

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South Dakota Tundra Swan Hunting

South Dakota is part of a central migration route for Tundra Swans. A limited number of licenses are available for a unique hunting opportunity.

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SD Sandhill Crane Hunting

Utilizing thermals to obtain lift, the Sandhill Crane can stay aloft for many hours, requiring only occasional flapping of their wings and consequently expending little energy. With migratory flocks containing hundreds of birds, they can create clear outlines of the normally invisible rising columns of air (thermals) that they ride.

Ready to hunt cranes in South Dakota?
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