Special Buck
A deer hunting license option that hunters have is the Special Buck license which allows you to hunt in all West River Deer and East River Deer units on private land only. The license is valid for one "any deer" for the dates of each respective hunting season.
Both residents and nonresidents are eligible for West River Special Buck licenses. East River Special Buck licenses are available to South Dakota residents only.
The West River Deer traditionally opens the second Saturday in November. East River Deer traditionally opens the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
- Season Dates:
Special Buck West River - Nov. 10 - Nov. 25, 2012
Special Buck East River - Nov. 17 - Dec. 2, 2012
application Information
- Special Buck Application
(Available - March )
(First Deadline - April 20 ) - Apply Online
Additional Information
- Leftover Licenses
- Drawing Results
- Past Drawing Statistics
- Big Game Regulations
- Request information be mailed
- View all applications / deadlines
Surveys and reports
Landowner Permission Required
- Landowner permission is REQUIRED as a prerequisite to applying
- On the application form, you will find a blank for the name and telephone number of a landowner (West River landowner if you are applying for the West River season; East River landowner if you are applying for the East River season) where you have received permission to hunt