Hunting in South Dakota: Four Things to Know Before Applying for a Hunting Permit for Your Kids

Hunting is a legacy in South Dakota, and residents and nonresidents alike seek to obtain hunting licenses for their children each year to pass on the time-honored practice. While South Dakota allows youth participation in the hunting tradition and even provides special programs for youth, there are certain factors one should consider when seeking to obtain a license for an underage hunter.

ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now

1. Completion of a Safe Hunting Program is Required
HuntSAFE is South Dakota's safety program for children ages 12 through 15. Children age 11 may participate in the program without receiving the certification card upon completion, according to the Game, Fish and Parks Department. Safe handling of firearms and an overall knowledge of hunting are among the course's objectives. Without the certification card from this course, children younger than age 16 may not purchase a hunting permit in the state of South Dakota.

2. Minimum Age Requirement
The minimum age is 12 for anyone to receive a hunting license in the state. The state also offers a mentored hunt program that allows children as young as 10 years old to participate with an unarmed adult present. If the mentor adult is not the child's parent, written parental permission is required. This program is for residents only and mandates that mentors are at least 18 years old to accompany a child.

VOTE NOW: Is South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds Doing a Good Job?

3. Various Licenses Available
As with the adult version, hunting licenses vary in South Dakota. Those wishing to obtain a license for a child should first consider which type of game they will be hunting as licenses are available for deer, pheasant and waterfowl. License fees vary according to type of game.

4. Special Programs
The state also offers outdoor youth programs that do not require a license to participate. For parents looking to expose their children to South Dakota's great outdoors, but are not sure that they are ready for the hunt, the state offers outdoor centered learning events called "Step Outside" events. This gives youth the opportunity to learn more about activities such as archery, trapping, dog training, hunting and more.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

URGENT: Do You Support Obama's Plans for Stricter Gun Control? Vote Now

Related Stories:

• Gun Ranges in South Dakota: 5 Spots for Firearms and Pistol Practice
• South Dakota Gun Laws: Can Visitors Carry Their Firearm?