State
CWD rules in South Dakota
CWD zone status
Agency
South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP)
Last verified
June 16, 2026
CWDCrossing provides informational summaries of state CWD carcass-transport regulations. Rules change annually pre-hunting-season; verify with both the origin and destination state wildlife agencies before transport. Failure to comply may result in citations. Not affiliated with the CWD Alliance, the National Deer Association, or any state agency.
Bringing a carcass into South Dakota
South Dakota is the regulating authority for what you can bring in. CWD confirmed in SD since 1997. Current GFP page emphasizes a disposal-based rule for imported carcasses; enumerated allowed-parts list from SDGFP's importation provisions. Restriction applies regardless of exporting state's CWD status.
Allowed for import
- Cut and wrapped meat
- Quarters/meat with no spinal column or head attached
- Antlers
- Hides
- Teeth
- Finished taxidermy mounts
- Antlers attached to skull caps cleaned of all brain tissue
Restricted from import
- Whole cervid carcasses (high-risk)
- Brain and spinal column/cord tissue
Handling + processing
Unless delivered to a licensed taxidermist or game processor, anyone transporting whole/partial carcasses into SD must dispose of remaining parts via a waste provider or permitted landfill. Carcasses in transit through the state are exempt.
Taking a carcass out of South Dakota
When you hunt in South Dakota and bring the carcass to another state, that destination state sets the rule. Because South Dakota has confirmed CWD detections, several destination states apply their stricter "from a CWD-affected state" rule to carcasses originating here — plan to bring back lower-risk parts only.
South Dakota on the CWD map
- CWD confirmed in state
- Under heightened surveillance
- No known CWD detections
Zone status is informational, not a hazard rating. Detections expand over time — confirm current status with each state's wildlife agency.
CWDCrossing provides informational summaries of state CWD carcass-transport regulations. Rules change annually pre-hunting-season; verify with both the origin and destination state wildlife agencies before transport. Failure to comply may result in citations. Not affiliated with the CWD Alliance, the National Deer Association, or any state agency.