PIERRE – With hunting seasons just around the corner, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) would like to remind hunters that the South Dakota Legislature and the GFP Commission have eliminated the minimum age restrictions for resident youth hunting, meaning any resident child is eligible to hunt with a mentor.
A child who does not turn 12 by Dec. 31 must be accompanied by a mentor. The mentor must be properly licensed for the season the season the youth is hunting. Remember, since there are no youth licenses for antelope or fall turkey, youth 16 and under are eligible for mentored licenses for these seasons, even if they have a HuntSAFE certification.
In the instance of big game hunting, the mentor can apply for an mentored license, which will be in the mentor’s name. A mentored license will not effect the eligibility of the mentor to apply for their own big game licenses.
Mentors must be a competent adult, at least 18 years old and have written consent from the parent or guardian.
For more information on mentored and youth hunting, visit page 60 of the 2018 South Dakota Hunting Handbook.
