South Dakota deer hunting? Nat. Bowhunter Cert.?

[BLACKJACK]

Just got back from pheasant hunting in SoDak and we really saw a lot of deer sign, plus in the past we've seen some real NICE bucks, so I'm contemplating an 2008 archery deer hunt out there. I'd be hunting SW of Aberdeen/East River.

A couple of questions for anyone that has archery hunted in SoDak:

1) Looking at the SoDak G&Fish site, it looks like I could buy one or two tags over the counter, no lottery. Is that correct?

2) A National Bowhunter Education Certificate is required - is there anyway to get around that, say if you have a regular hunter safty certificate?

3) Any other tips for SoDak archery hunting?

[Powerstroke]

There is no way around the bowhunter certificate. Its just another class offered by the DNR. Its a one day thing, I think it was only 8hrs. Its much easier than you think, in fact it was pretty basic if you already bowhunt, but once you have it you are qualified for any of the other 20+ states that require it for non-resident hunting.

[sportfish]

If you have bought a archery tag in other states even MN then you can buy a tag in SD. I know cause I did it last year in SD with out the bow ed course

[reddog]

I just bought my archery east river doe license on Friday. I didnt see anything online about the class.

I was going to hunt this weekend but after I bought it, when I went to print it out it only printed the receipt, not the actual license. They mail that to you. So, I bought a bird license for the weekend, and will hunt mornings next weekend when I receive the license.

After seeing the buck I seen this afternoon, I wish I had bought the any deer license for 195, instead of the doe for 55

[Powerstroke]

It sounds like that might be an old rule. My comments were strictly about the class. If others have bought a non-res tag there without the license then the best thing to do would be to call the SD DNR and ask them directly.

If you do plan on hunting more out of state, especially in the Rocky Mtn. states then getting the class is important because its usually required for elk and/or mulies depending on the state. If you don't plan on doing that, then find out if its even necessary.

[DonBo]

Bowhunting in So. Dak. you can buy a tag, over the counter for any deer statewide. If you can show proof of a bowhunting license in another state you do not need your bowhunter ed. certificate.