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Rules and Policies

Updated November 9, 2026

There are lots of fun, interesting, and educational things for you to enjoy at the Waubay Wetland Management District. When in doubt about rules or regulations regarding a specific activity, please check with the Waubay Wetland Management District office before participating in that activity. Be safe and have fun!

This page applies to the South Dakota Public Use Regulations of Waterfowl Production Areas in the Waubay Wetland Management District. Wildlife-dependent recreational activities are allowed on waterfowl production areas, including hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education, and interpretation. Please observe the following regulations to protect natural resources and to help ensure that your visit will be safe and enjoyable.

Additional Information: Additional information can be obtained by contacting Waubay Wetland Management District office at 605-989-2324 or 44401 134A Street, Waubay, South Dakota 57273.

Visitor Information

Wildlife-dependent recreational activities are allowed on WPAs. These activities including hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation.

General Regulations

Please observe the following regulations to protect natural resources and to help ensure your visit will be safe and enjoyable.

Vehicles are allowed only on designated roads, parking areas, and on the ice for ice fishing.
Vehicle access to ice is limited to ice accessible from a right-of-way or designated road.
Vehicles must be licensed in accordance with State laws and regualtions.
Motorized boats are allowed for wildlife-dependent activities. Boats that must be launched from a trailer are limited to waters that are accessible from a right-of-way or designated road.
Collection of mature wild fruits, berries, seeds, above-ground portions of asparagus, mushrooms and rhubarb for personal, daily, non-commercial use is allowed.
Commercial activities are not allowed unless authorized by a special use permit issued by the WMD manager.

Prohibited Activities

The following activities are prohibited on WPAs:

Overnight camping
Fires / Fireworks
Target and recreational shooting
Riding or using horses for any purpose
Dog training (personal or professional)
Removing or disturbing property, including artifacts
Removing natural objects or destroying plants, excluding the gathering of dead plant materials for on-site blind construction
Littering, including leaving trash, spent shotgun shells, or debris
Discarding of animal carcasses

Hunting, Fishing & Trapping Regulations

Eastern South Dakota is a popular area for hunting waterfowl, ring-necked pheasants, and white-tailed deer. Many lakes throughout the District offer good fishing for walleye, perch, crappie, and northern pike.

Hunting activities and equipment are allowed in designated areas of the district in accordance to state regulations on Game Production Areas (GPAs). Any unit-specific rules or regulations will be clearly signed.
Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific regulations in 50 CFR Part 32).
Firearms may only be fired on the WPA in conjunction with a legal hunt for which the hunter is licensed.
Small game hunters using shotguns are required to use and possess only non-toxic shot.
The use of dogs is encouraged for hunting upland game birds and waterfowl. Dogs are allowed for other activities only if the dog is confined to a vehicle, boat, fish house, or is on a leash controlled by the handler.
The distribution of bait and hunting over bait is prohibited.
With the exception of tree stands and ice houses, all personal property including, but not limited to boats, decoys, and any materials brought into the area for blind construction, must be removed at the end of each day. Blinds constructed of dead and down materials gathered on-site may be left throughout the hunting season.
Portable tree stands and free-standing elevated platforms may be used in accordance with State regulations.
The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.

For further information on hunting, fishing, and trapping, check South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks for details regarding hunting licenses, season dates, bag limits, and other regulations.

Other Uses

Certain other activities may be allowed. Contact the Waubay Wetland Management District office for more information or to request a Special Use Permit.

Observation of Violations

If you observe a violation of these regulations, or any other violations of federal, state, or local laws or regulations, please report them immediately. You may contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service TIP Line at 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477), the South Dakota Turn in Poachers (TIPS) at 1-888-OVERBAG (683-7224), your local County Sheriff by calling 911, or the Waubay Wetland Management District at (605) 989-2324. Information such as a legal description, violation observed, and identifying information such as a license plate are helpful. Do not jeopardize your safety in any way to obtain this information.

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