South Dakota Regulation Changes 2025

South Dakota GFP implemented a 15-to-18-inch protected slot limit for walleye on Lake Oahe (South Dakota portion) for the 2025 season after creel surveys showed significant harvest pressure on the intermediate size class. Walleye in the 15–17-inch range were being taken at rates above sustainable levels. The slot allows harvest of walleye under 15 inches (up to 4 fish per day) and one fish over 18 inches, for a maximum daily bag of 5 walleye. The regulation applies from the North Dakota state line to Fort Pierre.

South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks delayed the pheasant season opener by one week in East River counties that experienced the greatest CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) acreage losses following federal farm bill changes, moving the opener in those counties to the second Saturday in October. The delay is a protective measure to give pheasant chicks more time to develop in areas where nesting cover quality has declined due to CRP contract expiration and crop conversion. The western South Dakota and Black Hills pheasant seasons retain the standard opener on the first Saturday in October.