Youth Hunters

All youth, regardless of age, who are licensed to hunt during youth deer season must be accompanied by an adult while they are hunting.

State residents 10 through 15 years of age do not need a hunting license if they are accompanied by a hunting mentor. The mentor must:

• Be the hunter’s parent or guardian or another competent adult who has the parent’s or guardian’s written permission and …
• Be a resident of South Dakota and …
• Have a license for the game being hunted and …
• Have proof of successful completion of an approved hunter safety course.

When an adult is accompanying a youth who has a youth big game license, the adult must be unarmed unless the adult:

• Has a firearm big game license that is for the same geographic area and same time of year as the youth hunter’s license or …
• Is carrying a pistol and has a valid Permit to Carry a Concealed Pistol.