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South Dakota PATH Initiative

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A South Dakota Public Hunting Access Initiative

Quality habitat, healthy wildlife populations and an abundance of publicly accessible lands create a formula providing tremendous dividends for hunters, families, and communities throughout pheasant country. In South Dakota, Pheasants Forever expanded this model for community-based conservation with the launch of its statewide Public Access to Habitat (PATH) Initiative in September 2023.

Hunting in South Dakota has an annual economic impact of $508 million and supports over 3,560 jobs throughout the state. Unfortunately, hunter numbers are declining across the country — with a lack of access widely acknowledged as the primary barrier to participation. Less than 8% of South Dakota is publicly owned, making access to private land crucial to the future of upland bird hunting in the state. Recognizing these challenges, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) developed the Walk-In Area (WIA) Program to increase public hunting access to private lands. WIA is a voluntary program that provides financial incentives to private landowners willing to allow public, walk-in access for hunting.

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Hunter in field with dog next to PATH sign

Enrollment in SDGFP's WIA Program reached record levels in recent years (1.66 million acres enrolled in 2025-26), thanks in part to Pheasants Forever's (PF) Public Access to Habitat (PATH) Initiative. South Dakota PATH provides additional, one-time incentive payments (up to $25/acre) to private landowners who enroll new, high-quality habitat into the WIA Program for 10 years. Offered statewide, PATH targets the enrollment of undisturbed grasslands, wetlands, shelterbelts, and other forms of quality upland bird habitat. Since fall 2023, PATH has helped secure public hunting access to over 77,000 acres of high-quality habitat on private lands and represents a key strategy for expanding the WIA Program. South Dakota PATH also provides a unique opportunity for hunters, PF & QF chapters, donors, local communities, and other stakeholders to directly support the expansion of public hunting opportunities in South Dakota, while boosting rural economies.

WATCH: A PATH Forward

A PATH Forward
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Program Goals

Modeled after the successful community-based access initiative around Aberdeen, South Dakota (Aberdeen Pheasant Coalition), South Dakota PATH helps accelerate the enrollment of high-quality upland bird habitat into SDGFP's WIA Program, securing public hunting access for 10 years. PATH enrollments are often coupled with USDA Farm Bill programs (e.g., CRP, CREP, EQIP, etc.) and/or other habitat programs that help restore and maintain high-quality grassland cover for ring-necked pheasants and other wildlife. Click here to consult with a wildlife biologist to discuss available program options.

Two hunter in field looking toward a sunset

Primary Objectives

  • Create New Public Access: Incentivize enrollment of 10,000+ acres/year of private lands into 10-year WIA Program contracts

  • Maintain Quality Habitat: Target enrollment of high-quality upland bird habitat (i.e., undisturbed grasslands, wetlands, shelterbelts, etc.) and work to maintain and improve habitat on enrolled properties

  • Bolster Rural Economies: Engage local stakeholders and communities to strengthen the connection between hunting, public access, and the rural economy

Listen & Learn: Podcast Ep. 227 — Introducing the Public Access to Hunting (PATH) Initiative

How It Works

Open Hunting sign in foreground with two blurry hunters in the background

Program Administration

Enrollment

South Dakota PATH incentives are in addition to those offered through SDGFP's existing WIA Program and are administered similarly. Interested landowners will work with a private lands biologist for site evaluation, implementation, and approval by an established review team. PATH incentives are only offered on new WIA contracts (no re-enrollments at this time) and are only applied to the acres consisting of high-quality habitat. Cropland acres are not eligible unless they are being restored or converted to wildlife habitat. Program payments are administered through Pheasants Forever.

Example 1: 160-acre CRP/WIA

  • PATH payment: 160 acres X $25/acre = $4,000

  •  South Dakota GFP WIA signing bonus: 160 acres X 10 years X $10/acre = $16,000

  • South Dakota GFP WIA payment: 160 acres X $10/acre = $1,600 annually

  • Annual CRP payment (based on location)

  • Total Payment: $36,000 for Public Access + Annual CRP Payments

Example 2: 2,000-acres Working Lands with Habitat

  • PATH payment will match GFP signing bonus for 10-year contracts

  • PATH payment: 2,000 acres X $1/acre = $2,000 up front

  • South Dakota GFP WIA: 2,000 acres X $1/acre = $2,000 annually

  • Possible South Dakota GFP Signing Bonus

  • Total Payments: $22,000 for Public Access

* These figures are for illustrative purposes only

PATH sign in field with blue sky

Signage

All lands enrolled and impacted by the South Dakota PATH Initiative will be recognized with a PATH sign in addition to the SDGFP WIA Program sign on the property.

Program FAQ's

Where can I find out more information about PATH enrollment and land eligibility?

How are payment rates determined?

  • CRP and high-quality undisturbed habitat is a base rate of $25/acre.

  • Other acres (including grazing lands) will be assessed by a review team to determine quality and eligibility of the project.

How is "undisturbed habitat" defined?

  • Habitat that remains undisturbed annually, outside of required habitat management practices (CRP MCM).

  • Shelterbelts, wetlands, CRP, easements, existing grass that has not been hayed or grazed annually.

What acres are eligible for PATH?

  • All acres but cropland will be assessed, unless these are being restored.

  • Land enrolled into CREP is not eligible.

What is the contract length?

  • Minimum contract length of 10 years.

  • There may be exceptions for existing CRP to be prorated for years remaining on contract.

  • Termination of contract would require re-payment.

Are existing and/or expiring SDGFP WIA contracts eligible?

  • Expiring WIA contracts are not eligible for PATH payments when re-enrolling for 10 years at this time.

  • Existing WIA contracts are not eligible for PATH payments at this time.

Is there cost-share options available for habitat improvements on PATH/WIA properties?

Yes, there are a variety of voluntary, conservation programs available to private landowners in South Dakota that provide technical and financial assistance to improve habitat and/or address other natural resource concerns on your property. To learn more about cost-share programs available in your areas, please contact your local Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist or South Dakota Private Lands Biologist, or USDA Service Center. 

Am I required to sign up for a WIA contract through SDGFP?

Yes, to enroll lands in PATH a South Dakota GFP WIA contract is required.

Hunter in field with water in the distance

Want More Places to Hunt? Support PATH today!

The PATH vision is to increase public hunting opportunities on South Dakota's private lands that support high-quality upland bird habitat. Our initial fundraising goal of $535,000 will secure public access to a minimum of 20,000+ acres over the next two years. Your contribution will be matched with programmatic support from onX Hunt and leveraged with other funding sources to maximize your impact.

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Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education, and conservation advocacy. Your support will directly impact this critical mission.

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