Agency

Where the Money Goes

South Dakota’s outdoors are a user pay, user benefit system. This means what hunters, anglers and campers spend on their licenses, camping reservations and even outdoor equipment goes back into maintaining and improving outdoor recreation opportunities. This money goes back into conservation through a variety of avenues.

License Sales

The sale of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses all goes directly into the GFP's Wildlife Division's operating budget. In 2020, license sales accounted for over $28 million dollars. This money goes back into habitat and access, law enforcement and administration, wildlife and fisheries management, support services and capitol development.

The sale of park entrance licenses and camping fees all goes directly back into the Division of Parks and Recreation's budget. In 2020, these sales accounted for over $17 million dollars. This money goes back into maintenance and operations, new development and snowmobile trails.

Habitat Stamp

In the 2020 legislative session, the South Dakota legislature passed the Habitat Stamp. Effective July 1, 2020, the stamp is a requirement for any individual over 18 years of age purchasing a hunting, fishing or trapping license. This money goes directly back into improving habitat on public lands or providing public access to private land. 

Hunt for Habitat

The Hunt for Habitat is a component of Governor Noem's Second Century Initiative. This raffle opportunity became available in 2019 and allows individuals to purchase raffle entries for the opportunity to win one of two hunt packages. The money raised from this raffle goes back into habitat improvement on public lands. Over the past two years, the Hunt for Habitat has raised over $700,000 for habitat.

Game, Fish and Parks Year in Review

Each year, GFP publishes a Year in Review showcasing the expenditures and highlights of the past year. These documents cover major projects and news pertaining to South Dakota's natural resources.