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Bill

SB 78

authorize a change in bullet diameter for use in taking certain animals.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Aaron Aylward and 17 co-sponsors

South Dakota law now permits hunters to use alternative bullet diameters for specified game animals, effective immediately after Governor's signature on March 13, 2025.

Signed by the Governor on 2025-03-13 S.J. 529
#firearms #game #fish #parksandforestry #hunting
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Bill Summary · SB 78

Legislative bill overview

SB 78 modifies South Dakota hunting regulations to allow the use of ammunition with different bullet diameters when hunting certain game animals. The bill was introduced by five legislators and signed into law by the Governor on March 13, 2025, following near-unanimous passage in the House (68-1).

Why is this important

Hunting regulations directly affect wildlife management practices and hunter participation. Changes to ammunition specifications can influence hunting effectiveness, animal welfare outcomes, and access for different hunter demographics. This law became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature.

Potential points of contention

  • Wildlife management impact: Different bullet diameters may affect accuracy, lethality, or wound characteristics, potentially influencing ethical hunting standards and animal suffering
  • Species-specific concerns: The bill authorizes changes for "certain animals" without specifying which species, raising questions about selective application and whether all affected animals were considered
  • Limited public transparency: The bill passed with minimal opposition (1 nay vote) but the bill text itself was not provided, making it unclear what specific caliber changes were authorized or their justification

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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