South Dakota Wildlife Feeding and Baiting Restrictions

SDCL 41-1 grants the GFP Commission authority over wildlife. Administrative rules in ARSD 41:06 prohibit baiting big game (deer, elk, antelope, mountain goats, bighorn sheep) on public land and restrict baiting on private land during certain seasons. Federal migratory bird regulations enforced through SDCL 41-8 ban baiting waterfowl. The commission may also designate emergency feeding bans during disease outbreaks (such as CWD) under SDCL 41-2-18. These rules apply statewide. Cities may add ordinances against feeding deer or waterfowl in residential areas, but state rules govern hunting and baiting practices and cannot be undercut locally.

Baiting and unlawful feeding violations are typically Class 2 misdemeanors with fines, license revocation, and possible loss of hunting privileges for one or more years.