Bowhunter Education
Requirements
South Dakota requires that residents and nonresidents must complete the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) safety course in the following cases:
- Youth age 12 (or will turn 12 by Dec. 31 of current year) through age 15 who will be purchasing a big game archery license (in addition, must have a valid hunter safety certificate)
- Any first time big game archery licensee regardless of age (If you are a previous big game archery licensee, you are exempt from this requirement)
- Any resident who receives an archery elk license
If you possess a valid certificate of completion from a bowhunter education course approved by any state or provincial government, you are exempt from the requirement to have a South Dakota Bowhunter Education certificate.
Bowhunter Education Courses: classroom or online
Classroom courses are usually scheduled January - September by volunteer instructors.
The online course option teaches safety in-the-field, bowhunting basics, shot placement and recovery techniques through easy-to-understand information, instructional videos and detailed illustrations. This course allows the student to study for free, paying $30 upon passing the course.
- Bowhunter Education Online Course
The student must create an account and register before taking the course. A certificate of completion will be provided for the student to print after completing the course. Cards will not be mailed to the student.
Replacing your Bowhunter ID Card
If you ever completed a bowhunter education course in South Dakota, you can replace your card online, or send your name, full mailing address and date of birth to: wildinfo@state.sd.us
contact
If you have questions about courses or your certification card, please contact us.
GFP HuntSAFE Office
4500 S. Oxbow Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
605.362.3571 E-mail: Wildinfo@state.sd.us