Hunting in South Dakota: 4 Animals to Hunt in the Winter

During the winter, many people get a hankering to explore the great outdoors and take in all that it has to offer, especially when it comes to hunting in South Dakota. People who plan on hunting in South Dakota during the winter months have a wide variety of hunting opportunities at their disposal.

Here are four of the animals that hunters are gunning for:

1. Mountain Lion
One of the most coveted big game animals sought after for trophies is the mountain lion. Since 2005, South Dakota has created this hunting season for mountain lions for residents only, according to South Dakota Hunting. Season dates statewide are year-round on territory that falls outside of the Black Hills Fire Protection District. Within the Black Hills area, the season begins in the last week of December and extends through the end of March. The amount of mountain lions allowed to be harvested varies depending on whether the harvest limit is met, which also can affect the closing date for this hunt.

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

2. Coyote
Currently, coyote hunting in South Dakota is year-round. There is no limit regarding the number of coyotes hunters may possess either on a daily basis or in total. Legal hours are unrestricted as long as no artificial lights are used to spot or attract the animal during the process of the hunt. It is possible for animals that are listed as being on the year-round hunt list to change from year to year. It is the responsibility of the hunter to obtain the proper documentation for any animal hunted by checking with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website.

3. Mink
One of the things that people appreciate about hunting in South Dakota is that it gives them an opportunity to hunt for animals like the mink during the winter months. Trapping season for the mink opens at the beginning of November and ends on the last day of January, according to South Dakota Hunting. There is no restriction when it comes to daily limit, possession limit, or legal hours when the mink can be hunted. The weasel hunting season information is identical, and coincides with that of the mink season.

4. Cottontail Rabbit
Hunters of all ages enjoy pursuing the cottontail rabbit while hunting in South Dakota. The cottontail rabbit is found in great numbers in just about any corner of the state, and everywhere in between. Hunters have a lot of success finding their prey during the early morning and late evening hours, when the rabbit is on the own hunt for food. This hunting season opens up in the beginning of September and extends into the winter months, before winding down at the end of February.

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

The South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department keeps track of the number and species of animals hunted each year, which helps them to determine how to manage wildlife populations. Based on that information, the time and dates for a season are subject to change, so it is important to always check with SD GFP to make sure you are following the most current rules and regulations pertaining to hunting this animal.

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

Related Stories:

• Hunting in Massachusetts: 1 Animal to Hunt in the Spring
• Hunting in Alaska: Top Spots for Hunting in the Last Frontier