The bill amends South Dakota law to remove the prohibition against shooting mourning doves within specific areas, particularly on highways and public rights-of-way. The current law, as outlined in section 41-9-1.1, previously excluded mourning doves from being hunted in these locations. The amendment allows for the shooting of mourning doves that are located within the boundaries of highways or public rights-of-way, as well as those in flight over private land, provided they have originated from or taken flight from these areas.

Additionally, the bill maintains existing regulations regarding the discharge of firearms and hunting near occupied dwellings, churches, and schoolhouses, establishing a safety zone of six hundred sixty feet. Only certain individuals, such as property owners or those with written permission, are permitted to hunt or discharge firearms within this zone. Violations of these provisions remain classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor, with potential penalties including the revocation of hunting privileges for one year for specific offenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/23/2026: 41-9-1.1