Hanson HuntingBath, South Dakota Call 605-715-7770
A massive flock of snow geese lifting off a prairie wetland in the Dakotas

Home / Waterfowl Hunting

Central Flyway

South Dakota Duck and Goose Hunting near Sand Lake

Ducks, Canada geese, and snow geese on private land south of Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Guided or on your own.

The short answer

Where the flyway funnels through

Our farm sits south of Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in the Central Flyway, where ducks, Canada geese, and snow geese stop every fall. Hunt them on private land, guided or on your own. Nonresidents need a waterfowl license from the South Dakota drawing, and leftover licenses are sold through February 15, 2027.

Guided or on your own

Guided: Carl sets you up on the field or water the birds are using that week.

On your own: hunt your own spread on our private ground.

What flies when

Nonresidents

Nonresident license, step by step

  1. Apply in the nonresident waterfowl drawing in early summer through Go Outdoors South Dakota.
  2. Pick a 10-day license ($145) or a 3-day license ($106). Confirm which unit covers Brown County on the GFP map.
  3. Missed the draw? Leftover licenses go on sale in August and sell through February 15, 2027.
  4. Before November 1 you can hold one nonresident waterfowl license. After November 1 there is no limit.
  5. Buy a Federal Duck Stamp (age 16 and up) and a South Dakota Migratory Bird Certificate.

Source: GFP nonresident waterfowl.

Staying a while? Park at our Sand Lake Campground, where guests watch the waterfowl fly over every morning.

Questions

Common questions

Can a nonresident hunt waterfowl in South Dakota?

Yes, with a nonresident waterfowl license from the state drawing or a leftover license.

Why plan a November trip?

After November 1, nonresidents can hold more than one waterfowl license, so a second trip in the same season is possible.

Do I need a federal stamp?

Yes, if you are 16 or older. You also need the South Dakota Migratory Bird Certificate.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes. Bring your retriever.

Where do I stay?

Our campground when a site is open, or a hotel in Aberdeen.

Book with Carl

Plan a waterfowl hunt

Tell Carl your license, dates, and group size.

605-715-7770

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