Is Drone Deer Recovery Legal in South Dakota? (2026 Rules)

Not clearly. South Dakota bans using an aircraft to locate or spot any wild animal, and a 2026 bill that would have allowed drone recovery of deer and elk failed. The law doesn’t specifically mention recovery. Here’s what it says.

What South Dakota’s law says

SDCL 41-8-39 makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to:

“Use an aircraft for the purpose of hunting, taking, concentrating, driving, rallying, stirring up, locating, or spotting any wild bird or animal…”

The only drone exception is for predators or varmints on private land, with landowner permission, outside September, October, and November. Deer aren’t covered.

The law doesn’t mention recovering a wounded or dead deer.

Which animals does this cover?

South Dakota’s law covers any wild bird or animal. In South Dakota, that includes deer, elk, pronghorn (antelope), and wild turkey.

How South Dakota defines hunting

South Dakota law (SDCL 41-1-1) defines “hunt” or “hunting” as:

“shooting, shooting at, pursuing, taking, attempting to take, catching, or killing of any wild animal or animals.”

The bill that failed

Senate Bill 201 (2026) would have let a hunter use a drone pilot to locate and recover a mortally wounded deer or elk that couldn’t be found by normal tracking. It didn’t pass. If South Dakota changes the law, we’ll update this article.

Hunting in another state?

Several states allow drone recovery, each with its own conditions. See our other state guides and find a pilot on the map.

Other states: see drone deer recovery laws by state.

Verify before you fly

Drone rules change, and how they apply can depend on your situation. Before any drone recovery, contact South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks to confirm it’s allowed.

Last checked November 2026 against SDCL 41-8-39 and Senate Bill 201 (2026). Rules can change, so check with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks before you hunt. This article is general information, not legal advice.