SD SB16

Beginning July 1, 2027, fishing and hunting guides in South Dakota must obtain an annual license from the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, with fees of $500 for residents and $1,000 for nonresidents

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, maintain $1 million in general liability insurance per occurrence, and hold current first aid and CPR certification from a nationally recognized program

Operating as a guide without a license or with a suspended license is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with each client served constituting a separate offense

License fees are deposited into the game, fish and parks fund, with fishing guide fees dedicated to aquatic habitat enhancement and hunting guide fees supporting terrestrial habitat and public access programs

Licenses may be denied, suspended, or revoked for misrepresentation, guiding unlicensed clients, violations of fishing/hunting laws within the past five years, or felony convictions