Mountain Lion

South Dakota has had a residents-only mountain lion season since 2005.

A statewide season offers an unlimited number of licenses. This year Custer State Park is included in the statewide license, however, hunters who have received a statewide mountain lion license must apply for limited-issue time slots to hunt in Custer State Park. Click here to apply for these free Access Permits >

The statewide license is sold throughout the season.

  • Season Dates: 2013 Season Pending -
    2012 Harvest Limit: The 2012 mountain lion season will end when a maximum of 70 mountain lions (or 50 female mountain lions) has been harvested. Please check the Mountain Lion Season Harvest Status to view the current status of the quota, or call TOLL-FREE 1.866.895.9067.

    Reporting a Mountain Lion Kill: All harvested mountain lions must be presented to a GFP representative for inspection within 24 hours of harvest.
    - Call 605.394.2391 during weekday office hours (8am-5pm), or State Radio at 605.393.8121 during nights and weekends to make arrangements to meet a GFP representative.
    - Check in at the Rapid City GFP Regional Office (4130 Adventure Trail at the site of the Outdoor Campus West) or at the park headquarters at Custer State Park.

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