Day County, South Dakota
Unit info
- Game species
- White-tailed Deer, Pheasant, Waterfowl
- Group
- East River
- Area
- N/A
- Public land
- N/A
White-tailed Deer — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 761
Draw odds for White-tailed Deeraren't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
Season & harvest data is published for White-tailed Deer so far. Pheasant, Waterfowl also occur here — that data can be added as the community contributes.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedDay County is one of the crown jewels of the northeastern South Dakota prairie pothole region, with Waubay National Wildlife Refuge and dozens of glacial lakes creating exceptional waterfowl habitat that draws hunters from across the country. Pheasant populations are strong in the upland edges between wetlands, and white-tailed deer find cover in the wooded lake margins and shelterbelts. The sheer density of water makes this one of the top waterfowl destinations in the Dakotas.
Dense prairie pothole landscape with glacial lakes, seasonal wetlands, CRP grasslands, and agricultural fields interspersed throughout. The Waubay Hills area provides rolling topography unusual for the region, adding habitat diversity and scenic character.
High for waterfowl around the refuge and major lakes during early season migration flights. Pheasant pressure is moderate to high on public parcels. Deer hunting sees moderate pressure relative to the pheasant and waterfowl hunting.
OTC licenses; deer numbers are healthy along the wooded lake margins and shelterbelt corridors throughout the county.
Waterfowl hunting is outstanding - the Waubay Lakes complex holds impressive numbers of divers, mallards, and teal during migration. Pheasant hunting is excellent in CRP and wetland edge habitat. The convergence of water and uplands makes combination hunt trips very productive.
Waubay NWR and surrounding pothole lakes make Day County a destination waterfowl hunt; pheasant and waterfowl double-header trips are a long-standing tradition here.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about Day County— or drop a tip or trick: access points, where game holds, glassing spots, conditions, crowding, gear that worked. This is where the unit's species-specific intel gets built, hunter by hunter.
Nothing posted yet about Day County.
Be the first — ask a question (“Best public access on the north end?”) or share a tip (“Glass the burn scars off the main ridge at first light”).
Boundaries: SDGFP county-based deer management units. Community info last updated 15d ago.