Turkey

Wild turkeys are found in the Black Hills, riparian drainages with suitable woodland habitat, and in established woodland areas across the state. East of the Missouri River most of the suitable habitat has eastern wild turkeys whereas west of the Missouri river most suitable habitat will have Merriam’s subspecies. Throughout much of South Dakota, agricultural fields provide wild turkey foraging areas and are vital in sustaining wild turkey populations. On the South Dakota prairie, wild turkeys will utilize landscapes with minimal forested habitat as long as sufficient grasslands and foraging resources are available. Riparian areas in South Dakota and the entire Northern Great Plains region are a critical component of wild turkey habitat, as they provide roosting habitat, and these areas should be a high management priority in South Dakota for wild turkeys. 

Archery Access Permits for Adams Nature Area and Good Earth State Park
A free Residents-Only Access Permit is required to hunt archery turkey in Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in Union County and Good Earth State Park near Sioux Falls.

• To obtain these free Access Permits, you must first purchase the Spring Archery Turkey License. After you have received your license, the Access Permits may be applied for only online.
• 5 resident archery licensees will be selected through a random drawing to hunt at Good Earth State Park and 10 resident archery licensees to hunt at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve. Access.
• Deadline is at 8 a.m. CST.