This bill establishes a new legal framework for the licensure of fishing guides, hunting guides, and outfitters in South Dakota. The Game, Fish and Parks Commission is tasked with creating rules that will govern the licensure process, which includes defining permitted and restricted activities, setting eligibility criteria (such as residency requirements), establishing fees, and outlining administrative and recordkeeping obligations for licensees. Additionally, the bill specifies conditions for inspections, operational guidelines, liability insurance requirements, and the processes for application acceptance, denial, and potential suspension or revocation of licenses.

Starting July 1, 2026, individuals who operate as fishing guides, hunting guides, or outfitters without a proper license will be committing a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, the bill clarifies that these licensure requirements do not apply to guiding activities on shooting preserves or to property owners who allow others to hunt on their land, as long as they do not engage in guiding activities themselves.