Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to hunt on the Rosebud Reservation?
Non-Tribal Members are required to have a registered Tribal Member Guide in order to hunt tribal lands on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Non members without a guide will be guilty of trespassing. Non members that are hunting prairie dogs in the No-Guide-Zone, hunting coyotes, or fishing do not need a guide.  See Resolution 2000-150 for more information.

Are there any other exceptions to the guide requirement?
Yes, there are other exceptions. See Resolution 2001-173 for more information.

What forms of payment are accepted for licenses?
The Department accepts only money orders and cashier's checks for payment. Personal checks and cash are NOT accepted. At this time, credit card payments are not available.

Where is the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation located?
The Rosebud Reservation is located in south central South Dakota along the South Dakota - Nebraska state line. The Reservation has over a million acres of tribal lands in Todd, Mellette, Tripp, Lyman and Gregory Counties.

What hunting seasons are available on the Rosebud Reservation?
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe offers a variety of hunting options throughout the year. Spring turkey hunting occurs in April and May. Prairie dog season occurs April through September. Upland birds and waterfowl seasons occur September through December.  Trophy elk season (6x6 or greater) occurs during September. Management elk (5x5 or less), spike bull elk, and antlerless elk season occur during October.  Antelope season occurs during October.  Archery deer and muzzleloader deer season occur during October and December. Rifle deer and special mule deer seasons occur during November. Fall turkey season occurs October through December.  Buffalo may be hunted throughout the year.

What permits do I need to hunt on the Rosebud Reservation?
To hunt tribal land within the Rosebud Reservation, you will need a Rosebud Sioux Tribe General Hunting License and Rosebud Sioux Tribe tags specific to the season you are hunting. State licenses and tags are not needed to hunt tribal lands. But, state licenses and tags are needed to hunt state land within the Rosebud Reservation boundaries.

What lodging accommodations are available?

Burke, SD Hillcrest Motel 605-775-2654 Gregory, SD Gray House Inn Motel 605-835-8644 Mission, SD Antelope Country Inn 605-856-2371 Mission, SD Maverick Motel 605-856-4560 Valentine, NE Comfort Inn 402-376-3300 Valentine, NE Holiday Inn Express 402-376-3000 Valentine, NE Raine Motel 402-376-2030 Valentine, NE Super 8 Motel 402-376-1250 Valentine, NE Trade Winds Lodge 402-376-1600 Winner, SD Buffalo Trail Motel 605-842-2212 Winner, SD Country Club Motel 605-842-1866 Winner, SD Dakota Inn 605-842-1440 Winner, SD Holiday Inn Express 605-842-2255 Winner, SD Winner West Side Motel 800-874-1504 NE/SD State Line Rosebud Casino Quality Inn 877-521-9913

Why is western Todd County closed to non-member big game hunting during November and December?
 

What is western Todd County defined as?
Western Todd County is defined as south of Highway 18, west of BIA 5 and 7, north of Little White River, and east of Bennett County.

When is the drawing deadline for big game applications?
The deadline has already passed but there are leftover tags available