Two South Dakota lawmakers want to require hunting and fishing guides to be licensed. Sen. Curt Voight, R‑Rapid City, has introduced Senate Bill 16, which would create annual licensing fees of $500 for in‑state guides and $1,000 for out‑of‑state guides. Revenue would go toward improving hunting and fishing habitat.
Under the proposal, guides would need to be at least 21, pass a five‑year background review, carry $1 million in liability insurance, and hold CPR and first‑aid certification. The Game, Fish & Parks Department would also establish a code of conduct for licensed guides.
Providing guiding services without a license—or while suspended—would be a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Voight, a first‑term senator serving on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, has one co‑sponsor so far: Sen. Carl Perry, R‑Aberdeen. The South Dakota Wildlife Federation has voiced support for guide licensing.
Lawmakers will take up the bill during the 2026 legislative session beginning Jan. 13. A similar effort to license waterfowl guides failed in 2019.
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