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South Dakota caps nonresident waterfowl licenses and hands them out by lottery. Here's how the draw works, which unit to pick and how preference points help.
South Dakota is one of the few states where a nonresident can’t simply buy a duck license. Fall nonresident waterfowl licenses are capped and handed out by lottery through Game, Fish and Parks, and the 2026 first draw closed on June 8, a full month earlier than 2025’s July 8 deadline.
There are about 6,300 licenses in the main units: 3,950 in unit 00B alone, which covers most of the state for two 5-day periods. Here’s how to give yourself the best shot, and what to do if you miss.
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