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, eligibility criteria (such as residency requirements), licensing fees, and administrative requirements for licensees. Additionally, the bill outlines conditions for record inspections, facility evaluations, operational guidelines, liability insurance requirements, and the processes for application acceptance, denial, and potential license suspension or revocation.

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 specifies 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.