25.686.9 100th Legislative Session 1215
2025 South Dakota Legislature
House Bill 1215
Introduced by: Representative DeGroot
Underscores indicate new language.
Overstrikes indicate deleted language.
An Act to provide rulemaking authority for the licensure of fishing guides, hunting 1
guides, and outfitters, and to provide a penalty. 2
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA: 3
Section 1. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 41-6: 4
The Game, Fish and Parks Commission shall, by rule promulgated in accordance 5
with chapter 1-26, provide for the licensure of individuals who serve as fishing guides, 6
hunting guides, or outfitters, or any combination thereof. The rules must include: 7
(1) Permitted and restricted activities within each category of licensure; 8
(2) Criteria for licensure eligibility, including a requirement that the applicant be a 9
resident of this state; 10
(3) Fees for each type of license established under this section; 11
(4) Administrative and recordkeeping requirements for licensees; 12
(5) Conditions under which required records may be requested or inspected by the 13
commission; 14
(6) Conditions under which facilities and equipment may be inspected by the 15
Department; 16
(7) Operational guidelines for licensees; 17
(8) Requirements for liability insurance, including the nature, type, and amount; 18
(9) The process by which licensure applications are accepted and considered; 19
(10) The grounds upon which a licensure application may be denied; 20
(11) The grounds upon which a license may be suspended or revoked, and the 21
administrative procedures to be followed, including public notice and public 22
testimony; and 23
(12) Any other provisions deemed necessary by the commission to establish, 24
implement, and administer a program for the licensure of individuals who serve as 25
fishing guides, hunting guides, or outfitters, or any combination thereof. 26 25.686.9 2 1215
Underscores indicate new language.
Overstrikes indicate deleted language.
Beginning July 1, 2026, any individual who serves as a fishing guide, a hunting 1
guide, or an outfitter, without having been issued a license in accordance with rules 2
promulgated under this section, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. 3
The requirements of this section do not apply to guiding activities occurring on a 4
shooting preserve, as defined in ยง 41-10-1, or to an individual who is the owner of property 5
and authorizes another to hunt on that property, provided the individual does not 6
otherwise engage in guiding activities. 7