walk-in area program
The Walk-In Area program works to maintain South Dakota’s rich hunting heritage by providing public hunting access to privately owned lands that contain valuable wildlife habitat. The landowner opens the land to free public hunting, (foot-traffic only) in exchange for a small payment and immunity from non-negligent liability. Landowners with land enrolled in permanent habitat conservation programs like CRP can receive an additional upfront bonus payment by opening it to public hunting for multiple years.
Since 1988, GFP has worked cooperatively with landowners to provide hunting access on privately owned lands. This program currently has more than 1.2 million acres enrolled with 112,000 undisturbed habitat acres working in partnership with over1,300 landowners.
Private Landowner Information
Walk-In Rules and Regulations
- Rules, restrictions and rugulations for Walk-In Area users