Nonresident Military Three-Day Waterfowl License

During the 2025 South Dakota Legislative Session HB 1188 was passed to allow nonresident active duty military members to purchase a three-day temporary nonresident waterfowl licenses.

License Eligibility

Qualifying nonresident armed forces members who are on active duty may purchase one fall three-day temporary nonresident waterfowl license. This license is valid only on private land.

Individuals will be required to obtain a Federal Waterfowl stamp and a State Migratory Bird Certification in addition to their license.

Individuals must present their active duty orders at time of purchase. There will be a document uploader available within Go Outdoors South Dakota during the license purchase process.

"Active duty” is described as full-time duty in the active military service of the United States and includes members of the reserve component (National Guard and Reserve) while serving under published orders for active duty or full-time training .

License Allocation

There is a limit of one hundred licenses available annually . 

These licenses will be available first-come, first-served upon the completion of the traditional nonresident waterfowl draw. Licenses will be available beginning July 14, 2025. 

Nonresidents, including active duty military members, who successfully obtained a license through the traditional draw would not be able to purchase a nonresident active duty military license until November 1, if licenses are still available.

There will be no preference points available, nor a draw conducted for these licenses. When 100 licenses are purchased, they will be no longer available. 

The nonresident active military duty license can be purchased through the “Buy Fish/Hunt License” section within Go Outdoors South Dakota.