South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is accepting returned licenses for all big game and limited draw seasons. Hunters who do not plan on hunting for any reason may submit their licenses for a full refund, along with the reinstatement of preference points for that season.  

This opportunity is to ensure that if a hunter is unable to hunt this autumn, they may retain their preference points and receive a refund while providing the opportunity to another hunter. Returning licenses by Sept. 30 provides GFP the ability to re-allocate licenses to individuals who have not yet drawn a license and provide additional hunters an opportunity in 2022. 

All returned, limited-draw firearm deer licenses must be postmarked by Sept. 30 to be eligible for a refund. Licenses available for the Returned Deer License drawing will then be made available for application on Go Outdoors South Dakota mid-October via a lottery drawing process. 

Individuals who do not currently hold a firearm deer license that allows the harvest of a buck will be eligible to apply. These applicants may apply for a first choice and a second choice across all available licenses and preference points will not be allowed. 

Those interested in applying can do so at Go Outdoors South Dakota and available licenses will be found by selecting the “Limited Draw” tab.  

Returned licenses must be mailed back to the GFP license office: 

GFP Licensing Office 

20641 SD Hwy 1806 

Fort Pierre, SD 57532