huntsafe education

South Dakota's HuntSAFE (Safety And Firearms Education) courses are designed for persons age 12 through 15.

Persons who are 11 may participate, but will not be issued a Hunter Safety certification card until their 12th birthday, unless the card is clearly marked that the card is not valid until the person's 12th birthday. However, if a student's 12th birthday falls on or between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, he/she may be issued a card and is eligible to obtain a license and hunt beginning Sept. 1 of that year.

Adults are also welcome and invited to attend.

There are three primary objectives for courses:
  1. To teach safe handling of firearms, in the home as well as in the field.
  2. To develop safe, responsible and knowledgeable hunters who are aware of our hunting heritage and who understand the hunter's role and relationship with the wildlife and the land.
  3. To certify persons under the age of 16, making them eligible to apply for hunting licenses.

The goal of our HuntSAFE courses is to teach young hunters safe handling of firearms, in the home as well as in the field. We also want to develop safe, responsible hunters who are aware of our hunting heritage and who understand the hunter's role and relationship with wildlife and the land, as well as certify persons under the age of 16 to make them eligible to apply for hunting licenses.More course details...

HuntSAFE Courses

Classes are usually scheduled March-October by volunteer instructors. Information is updated on this page as classes are scheduled.
All Classes - Alphabetical Order
Belle Fourche
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    May 1, 3 & 5, 2012
    First Interstate Bank (basement)
    6pm-9pm on 1st & 3rd
    8am-noon on 5th
    Contact GFP office at 605.892.4968
    View Flyer >
Brandon
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 30, May 2 & 4, 2012
    Brandon Fire Hall
    6pm-9pm
    Contact CO Jared Hill at 605.362.2700
Brookings
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    May 7, 8, 10 & 12, 2012
    Biostress Building SDSU Campus
    6:30pm-9pm on 7th, 8th & 10th
    8am-noon on May 12th
    Call 605.688.6120 for more info.
    View Flyer >
Canton
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 24, 26, 27 & 28, 2012
    Canton Optimist Building
    (Across from LIncoln County Court House)
    6:30pm-9pm on the 24th, 26th & 27th
    8am-12noon on the 28th
    Pre-registration is not required
    Contact CO Jeremy Roe at 605.987.2271 for more info
Chamberlain
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    May 11 & 12, 2012
    6-9pm on the 11th
    8am-5pm on the 11th
    GFP Regional Office
    1550 East King Ave
    No pre-registration required.
    Contact GFP with questions at 605.734.4530
Dell Rapids
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    Dell Rapids Sportsmans Club
    Must pre-register by email or phone: billybuckww@sio.midco.net, Pat at 605.428.3522 or Bill at 605.332.3387
    2012 DATES
    April 24, 6:00pm-9:15pm
    April 28, 8:30am-4:00pm
    April 29, 1:00pm until done
Groton
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    May 24 & 25, 2012
    Groton Community Center
    6pm-10pm on the 24th
    8am-2pm on the 25th
    For more information, call Aberdeen GFP Office at 605.626.2391.
    View Flyer >
Humboldt
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    July 23, 25 & 26, 2012
    6pm-9pm on 23rd & 25th at the Humboldt Community Center
    6pm-9pm on the 26th at Hunters Pointe Shooting Club
    Contact CO Matt Talbert at 605.425.2037
Huron
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    Beadle Co. Sportsmen's Club
    6pm-9:30 on fridays
    8am-5pm on saturdays
    To register, contact the Huron GFP office at 605.353.7145
    DATES:
    July 13-14, 2012
    August 3-4, 2012
    September 7-8, 2012
Madison
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 28 & May 5, 2012
    Izaak Walton League Clubhouse
    12:30pm-4:30pm on the 28th
    8am-4pm on the 5th
    Contact Cody Symens at 605.256.5005 for more information
Milbank
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 30, May 1 & 3, 2012
    6pm-9:30pm on April 30th & May 1 at Milbank High School
    6pm-9pm on May 3rd at Milbank Trap Shooting Range
    To register, call Jamie Pekelder at 605.432.4601 or email jamie.pekelder@state.sd.us
Mitchell
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    Registration held on first night of class between 5:30-6pm
    DATES:
    May 10, 11 & 12, 2012
    August 16, 17 & 18, 2012
    September 13, 14 & 15, 2012
    View the Flyer >
Nisland
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    May 10 & 12, 2012
    High Plains Game Ranch
    6pm on the 10th
    8am on the 12th
    Contact Randy Vallery at 605.257.2365, Fred Wells at 605.456.1420, Fred Lamphere at 605.456.2974, or Ed Culver at 605.456.2156
    View Flyer >
North Sioux City
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 24, 26 & 28, 2012
    North Sioux City Fire Department
    5:30pm-8:30pm on 24th & 26th
    9am-noon on the 28th
    Please pre-register by calling 605.232.4286
Philip
  • Regular HuntSAFE Courses
    May 19, 2012
    Philip Ambulance Building
    8am-5pm, lunch provided FREE
    Register by calling Kit Graham at 605.859.2850 or 605.859.2325, or stop by Philip Police Department
Rapid City
  • Regular HuntSAFE Courses
    Outdoor Campus West
    Pre-registration required, class size limited.
    Rregister at GFP Regional Office (Outdoor Campus West)
    DATES:
    March 6, 7, 8 & 10
    April 10, 11, 12 & 14
    April 24, 25, 26 & 27
    View Flyer >
Redfield
  • Regular HuntSAFE Courses
    Redfield High School lunchroom
    April 28 & 29, 2012
    11am-5pm Saturday
    1pm-5pm Sunday
    Contact Bob Schutte at 605.472.2142 (eve), or Daryl Schutte at 605.302.0035 (eve)
Sioux Falls
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    Outdoor Campus
    Session times:
    Tuesdays & Thursdays
    6:15pm - 9:30pm at Outdoor Campus
    Saturdays, 8am - 2pm at Clay Bird Shotgun Sports (formerly Valley West Shooting Complex)
    Must register at The Outdoor Campus
    Registration begins March 19th.
    Contact GFP at 605.362.2700
    DATES:
    April 10, 12 & 14, 2012
    April 17, 19 & 21, 2012
    April 24, 26 & 28, 2012
    View the flyer >
Sisseton
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 26, 27 & 28, 2012
    6pm-9pm on 26th & 27th at the Sisseton Fire Hall
    9am-1pm on 28th at Coteau Des Prairies Sportsman's Club
    Contact CO Dean Shultz at 605.698.3852
Sioux Falls
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    Outdoor Campus
    Session times:
    Tuesdays & Thursdays
    6:15pm - 9:30pm at Outdoor Campus
    Saturdays, 8am - 2pm at Clay Bird Shotgun Sports (formerly Valley West Shooting Complex)
    Must register at The Outdoor Campus
    Registration begins June 25th.
    Contact GFP at 605.362.2700
    DATES:
    July 10, 12 & 14, 2012
    July 17, 19 & 21, 2012
    July 24, 26 & 28, 2012
    View July flyer >
Spearfish
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 16-19, 2012
    Snappers Club, Spearfish City Park Campground
    6pm sign-up on 16th
    6:30pm-9:15pm classes
    No pre-registration required
    Call Mike Apland with questions at 605.642.6057
Sturgis
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    July 19, 20 & 21, 2012
    6pm-9pm on the 19th & 20th
    10am-2pm on the 21st
    Corbon Law Enforcement Training Center
    Pre-registration not required, but is appreciated. Contact GFP office in Sturgis at 605.347.8540.
    View the Flyer >
Tea
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    May 10, 11 & 12, 2012
    Tea City Hall
    6:30pm-9pm on the 10th & 11th
    10am-3pm on the 12th
    Must pre-register at www.teaparkandrec.com
    Contact CO Jeremy Roe at 605.987.2271 for more info.
Viborg
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 18, 19 & 20, 2012
    Viborg School
    6:30pm-9:30pm on 18th & 19th
    8:30am-noon on 20th
    No pre-registration required
    Contact Brian Humphrey at 605.387.5603 with questions
Watertown
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    Great Plains Lutheran High School
    Register at GFP Office
    DATES
    -May 31, June 1& 2, 2012
    6pm-9pm on May 31st & June 1st
    8am-noon on June 2nd at school, then 1pm-2:30pm at trap & skeet range.
    Registration begins May 14
    -August 23, 24 & 25, 2012
    6pm-9pm on 23rd and 24th
    8am-noon on 25th at school, then 1pm-2:30pm at trap & skeet range.
    Registration begins Aug 9
Winner
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 14-15, 2012
    8am-4pm on the 14th
    1pm-4pm on the 15th
    Rosebud Arrow, Rod and Gun Club
    Contact Tim at 605.830.0220 to register.
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    July 28-29, 2012
    8am-4pm on the 14th
    1pm-4pm on the 15th
    Rosebud Arrow, Rod and Gun Club
    Contact Tim at 605.830.0220 to register.
Yankton
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    Times: Saturdays 8am-2pm,
    Sundays noon-4pm
    All classes held at the NFAA Yankton Archery Complex, 800 Archery Lane
    www.fieldarchery.com, 605.260.9279
    DATES:
    April 14-15, 2012
    June 9-10, 2012
    July 7-8, 2012
    August 11-12, 2012
    September 8-9, 2012
Belle Fourche
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    May 1, 3 & 5, 2012
    First Interstate Bank (basement)
    6pm-9pm on 1st & 3rd
    8am-noon on 5th
    Contact GFP office at 605.892.4968
    View Flyer >
Brandon
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 30, May 2 & 4, 2012
    Brandon Fire Hall
    6pm-9pm
    Contact CO Jared Hill at 605.362.2700
Brookings
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    May 7, 8, 10 & 12, 2012
    Biostress Building SDSU Campus
    6:30pm-9pm on 7th, 8th & 10th
    8am-noon on May 12th
    Call 605.688.6120 for more info.
    View Flyer >
Canton
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 24, 26, 27 & 28, 2012
    Canton Optimist Building
    (Across from LIncoln County Court House)
    6:30pm-9pm on the 24th, 26th & 27th
    8am-12noon on the 28th
    Pre-registration is not required
    Contact CO Jeremy Roe at 605.987.2271 for more info
Chamberlain
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    May 11 & 12, 2012
    6-9pm on the 11th
    8am-5pm on the 11th
    GFP Regional Office
    1550 East King Ave
    No pre-registration required.
    Contact GFP with questions at 605.734.4530
Dell Rapids
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    Dell Rapids Sportsmans Club
    Must pre-register by email or phone: billybuckww@sio.midco.net, Pat at 605.428.3522 or Bill at 605.332.3387
    2012 DATES
    April 24, 6:00pm-9:15pm
    April 28, 8:30am-4:00pm
    April 29, 1:00pm until done
Groton
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    May 24 & 25, 2012
    Groton Community Center
    6pm-10pm on the 24th
    8am-2pm on the 25th
    For more information, call Aberdeen GFP Office at 605.626.2391.
    View Flyer >
Humboldt
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    July 23, 25 & 26, 2012
    6pm-9pm on 23rd & 25th at the Humboldt Community Center
    6pm-9pm on the 26th at Hunters Pointe Shooting Club
    Contact CO Matt Talbert at 605.425.2037
Huron
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    Beadle Co. Sportsmen's Club
    6pm-9:30 on fridays
    8am-5pm on saturdays
    To register, contact the Huron GFP office at 605.353.7145
    DATES:
    July 13-14, 2012
    August 3-4, 2012
    September 7-8, 2012
Madison
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 28 & May 5, 2012
    Izaak Walton League Clubhouse
    12:30pm-4:30pm on the 28th
    8am-4pm on the 5th
    Contact Cody Symens at 605.256.5005 for more information
Milbank
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 30, May 1 & 3, 2012
    6pm-9:30pm on April 30th & May 1 at Milbank High School
    6pm-9pm on May 3rd at Milbank Trap Shooting Range
    To register, call Jamie Pekelder at 605.432.4601 or email jamie.pekelder@state.sd.us
Mitchell
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    Registration held on first night of class between 5:30-6pm
    DATES:
    May 10, 11 & 12, 2012
    August 16, 17 & 18, 2012
    September 13, 14 & 15, 2012
    View the Flyer >
Nisland
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    May 10 & 12, 2012
    High Plains Game Ranch
    6pm on the 10th
    8am on the 12th
    Contact Randy Vallery at 605.257.2365, Fred Wells at 605.456.1420, Fred Lamphere at 605.456.2974, or Ed Culver at 605.456.2156
    View Flyer >
North Sioux City
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 24, 26 & 28, 2012
    North Sioux City Fire Department
    5:30pm-8:30pm on 24th & 26th
    9am-noon on the 28th
    Please pre-register by calling 605.232.4286
Philip
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Courses
    May 19, 2012
    Philip Ambulance Building
    8am-5pm, lunch provided FREE
    Register by calling Kit Graham at 605.859.2850 or 605.859.2325, or stop by Philip Police Department
Rapid City
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Courses
    Outdoor Campus West
    Pre-registration required, class size limited.
    Rregister at GFP Regional Office (Outdoor Campus West)
    DATES:
    April 10, 11, 12 & 14
    April 24, 25, 26 & 27
    View Flyer >
Redfield
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Courses
    Redfield High School lunchroom
    April 28 & 29, 2012
    11am-5pm Saturday
    1pm-5pm Sunday
    Contact Bob Schutte at 605.472.2142 (eve), or Daryl Schutte at 605.302.0035 (eve)
Sioux Falls
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    Outdoor Campus
    Session times:
    Tuesdays & Thursdays
    6:15pm - 9:30pm at Outdoor Campus
    Saturdays, 8am - 2pm at Clay Bird Shotgun Sports (formerly Valley West Shooting Complex)
    Must register at The Outdoor Campus
    Registration begins June 25th.
    Contact GFP at 605.362.2700
    DATES:
    July 10, 12 & 14, 2012
    July 17, 19 & 21, 2012
    July 24, 26 & 28, 2012
    View July flyer >
Sisseton
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 26, 27 & 28, 2012
    6pm-9pm on 26th & 27th at the Sisseton Fire Hall
    9am-1pm on 28th at Coteau Des Prairies Sportsman's Club
    Contact CO Dean Shultz at 605.698.3852
Spearfish
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 16-19, 2012
    Snappers Club, Spearfish City Park Campground
    6pm sign-up on 16th
    6:30pm-9:15pm classes
    No pre-registration required
    Call Mike Apland with questions at 605.642.6057
Sturgis
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 16-19, 2012
    Sign up Monday the 16th at 6pm
    Classes 6:30pm-9:15pm
    Snappers Club in Spearfish City Park Campground
    Pre-registration not required
    Contact Mike Apland at 605.642.6057 with questions.
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 19, 20 & 21, 2012
    6pm-9pm on the 19th & 20th
    10am-2pm on the 21st
    Corbon Law Enforcement Training Center
    Pre-registration not required, but is appreciated. Contact GFP office in Sturgis at 605.347.8540.
    View the Flyer >
Tea
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    May 10, 11 & 12, 2012
    Tea City Hall
    6:30pm-9pm on the 10th & 11th
    10am-3pm on the 12th
    Must pre-register at www.teaparkandrec.com
    Contact CO Jeremy Roe at 605.987.2271 for more info.
Viborg
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 18, 19 & 20, 2012
    Viborg School
    6:30pm-9:30pm on 18th & 19th
    8:30am-noon on 20th
    No pre-registration required
    Contact Brian Humphrey at 605.387.5603 with questions
Watertown
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    Great Plains Lutheran High School
    Register at GFP Office
    DATES
    -May 31, June 1& 2, 2012
    6pm-9pm on May 31st & June 1st
    8am-noon on June 2nd at school, then 1pm-2:30pm at trap & skeet range.
    Registration begins May 14
    -August 23, 24 & 25, 2012
    6pm-9pm on 23rd and 24th
    8am-noon on 25th at school, then 1pm-2:30pm at trap & skeet range.
    Registration begins Aug 9
Winner
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    April 14-15, 2012
    8am-4pm on the 14th
    1pm-4pm on the 15th
    Rosebud Arrow, Rod and Gun Club
    Contact Tim at 605.830.0220 to register.
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    July 28-29, 2012
    8am-4pm on the 14th
    1pm-4pm on the 15th
    Rosebud Arrow, Rod and Gun Club
    Contact Tim at 605.830.0220 to register.
Yankton
Classes
  • Regular HuntSAFE Course
    Times: Saturdays 8am-2pm,
    Sundays noon-4pm
    All classes held at the NFAA Yankton Archery Complex, 800 Archery Lane
    www.fieldarchery.com, 605.260.9279
    DATES:
    April 14-15, 2012
    June 9-10, 2012
    July 7-8, 2012
    August 11-12, 2012
    September 8-9, 2012

HuntSAFE ID Card

Students who successfully complete a HuntSAFE course receive an identification card containing their name, date of certification, a certification number and the signature of the instructor.

Until the student is 16, a parent or guardian must present the HuntSAFE certification card to a license vendor when purchasing the young person's hunting license.

The parent or guardian agrees, by signing the license application, to accompany the student in the field while he or she is hunting until they are 16.

Replacing your HuntSAFE ID Card

If you ever completed a HUNT SAFE course in South Dakota, you can replace your card online, or send your name, full mailing address and date of birth to: wildinfo@state.sd.us

You can print your own replacement card from the online system. Allow a minimum of two weeks for delivery for mail-in requests.

Contact

If you have questions about courses or your certification card, please contact us.

GFP-HuntSAFE Coordinator
20641 SD Hwy 1806
Fort Pierre, SD 57532
605.223.7666
Email - Wildinfo@state.sd.us