Can Felons Hunt or Fish in South Dakota?

Under the South Dakota felony laws, adult felons are prohibited from possessing any kind of firearms during the probationary period or parole term. Violation of this is a misdemeanor and is punished with strict penalties. So hunting animals and birds with guns and firearms is legally not possible during that period in this state. But in other parts of the country, the use of primitive weapons such as bow and arrow are permitted for hunting. However, as there are no requirements of firearms license for fishing, there are no corresponding restrictions on fishing for individuals with a felony conviction on their record.

  1. South Dakota Felony Laws for Hunting

    • A juvenile (anyone below the age of 18) felon is permitted by state laws to hunt and fish during the probationary period, unless specifically prohibited by the court services officer or the judge. An adult felon, however, has to first complete his parole or prison term, or his or her probationary period successfully. Only then can he approach the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to reinstate his right to possess firearms. Once this is reinstated, the felon is permitted by South Dakota laws to hunt using firearms.

    More South Dakota Felony Laws for Hunting

    • All felons are restricted from carrying firearms during the period of probation. However, some felons lose the right to possess firearms even after the probation period. This restriction applies to people who have committed offenses classified as domestic violence. Those individuals will never be able to hunt under South Dakota laws.

    After Probation

    • Once the probation period is over, a period determined by the court, the felon needs to apply to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) for a reinstatement of rights for holding firearms.

    South Dakota Felony Laws for Fishing

    • Felons serving parole or probation are permitted to possess and use their fishing licenses to fish in the waters within the court’s jurisdiction, unless prohibited by the court services officer or the judge. However, he or she may not travel outside South Dakota to fish elsewhere, without a legal travel permit, unless directed otherwise by the court.