What is the Minimum Age to Fish Without a License in South Dakota in 2024?

In South Dakota, the minimum age requirement for fishing without a license varies depending on residency status. Here’s a breakdown of the rules for residents and nonresidents in 2024:

Resident Youth Fishing License Requirements

According to the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) website, residents under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license and may take their own limit of fish. However, resident youth aged 16 to 18 are required to purchase a Junior Combination License, which includes fishing privileges as well as all hunting privileges.

Nonresident Youth Fishing License Requirements

For nonresidents, the rules are slightly different. Nonresidents under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license if one of their parents or a guardian has a valid South Dakota fishing license, and the youth’s fish are included in the daily and possession limit of the parent or guardian. However, nonresident youth under the age of 16 who wish to take their own limit of fish or are not with a licensed parent or guardian must purchase a nonresident youth fishing license.

Exceptions and Additional Information

It’s important to note that while residents under 16 do not need a fishing license, they must still follow all other fishing regulations, such as daily and possession limits, legal methods of take, and season dates.

Additionally, any person who has lawfully acquired a resident fishing license and leaves the state after acquiring the license to take up residency elsewhere may continue to exercise all the privileges granted by the license until the license expires if the person’s respective privileges are not revoked or suspended.