PIERRE With the passage of legislation in 2008, the mentored hunting program was established with the goal to introduce youth and continue the strong hunting heritage in South Dakota. Over the past 17 years, thousands of youth, known as the mentee, have created just as many memories with their mentor.
For youth 15 years of age or younger, GFP was looking to simplify the licensing process and regulations to assure participation is understandable and not an impediment to participation.
During the 2025 South Dakota legislative session, GFP sponsored a bill and Senate Bill 41 amended South Dakota codified law to modify the requirement of the mentored hunter license that resulted in the following changes: A mentored hunting license will now be issued to the mentee.
Previously, the mentee hunted under a license held by the adult hunting mentor.
Remove list of specific seasons and/or species in SDCL
- Fees, species, and season restrictions will be established by the GFP Commission.
Changes to mentor requirements in SDCL
- Consent from parent or guardian can be written or verbal (previously required written consent).
- Remove hunting party size limits (previously six persons maximum).
- GFP Commission shall promulgate rules to establish criteria and conditions of mentored hunting seasons.
The above-described changes will go into effect for the 2025 fall hunting seasons. This also means the mentor deer applications will not open until after July 1.
In the meantime, you can create the Go Outdoors South Dakota profile for your mentored hunter so they are ready to obtain their licenses.
Leave a Reply