Hunting, Fishing, and Parks See Sustained Growth as South Dakota’s Outdoor Economy Remains Strong
South Dakota’s outdoor recreation scene continues to thrive, as new data shows that the pandemic-era surge in park visits and hunting and fishing licenses has maintained its momentum. The state’s Department of Game, Fish and Parks recently reported that while the pandemic initially spurred a jump in outdoor activities, the popularity has not waned, with 2024 numbers nearly mirroring those of 2020. The rise in outdoor engagement is good news for the state’s economy, with continued growth in visitation and license sales for hunting, fishing, and park use.
The increase in park visits and outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic came as many sought refuge in nature. The state’s parks saw record-breaking numbers in 2020, and according to recent reports, these levels have largely remained stable. A closer look at South Dakota’s outdoor activities reveals just how significant this ongoing trend is for both the state’s economy and its residents’ relationship with the natural world.
South Dakota’s Parks: Keeping Visitors Coming Back Year After Year
The pandemic’s impact on South Dakota’s parks was profound. In 2019, the state’s parks drew around 6.8 million visitors, a number that surged to 8.2 million in 2020 as people turned to nature to escape the confines of lockdown. These visits have remained impressively stable in the years since, even in 2024, with total visits hovering around 8 million.
Jeff VanMeeteren, the Director of Parks and Recreation, recently presented this data to the department’s oversight commission. He expressed his pride in the state’s ability to retain visitors, saying, “I think it just speaks volumes.” His sentiment is shared by many, as the parks have retained a strong presence in the lives of residents and visitors alike.
The Division of Parks and Recreation has seen a revenue increase of 5% in the past year, with a total of $22 million generated. Much of this growth comes from park license sales, which reached 517,000, a significant jump that helped generate $11.2 million in revenue. This figure marks a notable increase from the $10.6 million earned in 2023.
In addition to park visits, other services have experienced similar growth. Lodging revenues rose by 2%, totaling over $10 million, showing that park-goers are opting to stay longer and contribute more to local economies.
Visitation figures vary from park to park. For instance, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area saw a 45% decline in visitors due to road construction and flooding. However, other parks like Custer and Palisades state parks saw impressive visitation increases, with Custer seeing a 5% increase and Palisades a whopping 35%.
Fishing and Hunting Maintain Their Momentum Despite Some Fluctuations
Fishing and hunting, two of South Dakota’s most iconic outdoor activities, have also benefitted from the pandemic-driven interest in nature. For hunting, small-game licenses saw a notable increase, especially during the strong pheasant season. Revenue from small-game licenses totaled $12.6 million last year, with nearly 84,000 out-of-state hunters contributing a substantial $11.6 million of that amount.
Fishing has also experienced a steady boost, with fishing licenses bringing in $5.5 million in department revenue last year, a number close to the three-year average. Residents made up a significant portion of the sales, with over 55,000 annual fishing licenses sold. While one-day nonresident license sales rose to 37,000, they still lag behind the pre-pandemic averages.
Tom Kirschenmann, the director of the Wildlife Division, highlighted the strength of the Missouri River system, particularly Lake Oahe, which had one of its best years in recent memory. This is good news for the state’s fishing community, which has continued to grow in recent years.
The Financial Benefits for South Dakota’s Economy
The economic impact of this outdoor boom cannot be overstated. South Dakota has continued to benefit from strong revenue in both hunting and fishing. Small-game license sales to residents alone increased by 4,000, helping generate nearly $1 million. Additionally, the sale of combination licenses, which allow both hunting and fishing, brought in a substantial $2.5 million in revenue.
Another key revenue stream is the Habitat Stamp, a mandatory fee that supports wildlife habitat and provides public access to private land. The department sold nearly 314,000 stamps in 2024, generating $5.5 million, a $291,000 increase from the three-year average.
This steady influx of revenue provides vital funding for wildlife conservation efforts, park maintenance, and the preservation of South Dakota’s natural spaces for future generations. The state’s outdoor economy is not only thriving but also contributing to its long-term ecological and financial sustainability.
The Future of South Dakota’s Outdoor Economy
Looking ahead, the future of South Dakota’s outdoor economy seems promising. Officials are optimistic that the pandemic-fueled interest in outdoor activities will continue to benefit the state for years to come. Whether it’s hunting, fishing, or simply enjoying the state’s beautiful parks, the trend toward increased outdoor engagement is likely to remain a crucial part of South Dakota’s identity.
As the Department of Game, Fish and Parks continues to monitor and promote outdoor recreation, it’s clear that South Dakota’s parks, rivers, and wildlife have become an enduring part of the state’s charm and economic structure.
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