To be a voice for those South Dakota hunters that share a common tradition based upon a timeless set of values and beliefs

TRADITION

Hunting, whether for food or recreation, is a tradition for many South Dakota residents. It is for most, a special occasion -- a time for the experienced hunter to not only ply his methods and techniques, but a time to share them with younger, less experienced hunters in a unique circle of mutual respect and admiration.

It cannot be overstated that the future of hunting resides in our youth. For that reason, SDHRA believes strongly that the interest boys and girls have in hunting should be encouraged at an early age - by both parents. Without question, parents are the best judge of when a young boy or girl is ready to begin hunting, and should not be hobbled by laws and regulations that limit supervised hunting opportunities available to them.

FAMILY

Family is an important aspect of every successful hunter’s life. Not only does it provide, in a very fundamental way, a rationale for hunting, but is the life blood of every great hunt. Moreover, family is often what delineates outstanding hunters from those that merely dabble in it for sport, simply because it abides a unique, unmatched cultural tradition. For these reasons, SDHRA supports hunting opportunities that engage the whole family, from the youngest toddler to the old sage ever willing to share his wisdom of the wild.

CALL TO ARMS

It's not often easy to express the feeling and emotions that hunting stirs within us, but most will agree that the desire to hunt is deeply rooted in our very being. Although it may be repressed and denied, it nevertheless remains intact and resident in our soul throughout all the days of our lives. SDHRA believes that ethical hunting is a model for living and is an experience that should be shared with everyone. We also believe that advocacy within the system is the best way to safeguard our ability hunt.

RESPECT - A KEY ELEMENT TO MAINTAINING OUR RIGHT

With the right to hunt comes the responsibility we owe to one another. To respect the rights of property owners, as we demand from them quiet access to land set-aside or held in trust by the State for all South Dakota residents; to regard other hunters in the field with the same respect that we expect of them - understanding that the traditional and ritualistic (spiritual) elements of hunting cannot coexist with a mistaken view of hunting as a careless, free-for-all adventure. One sloppy hunter can by his actions in the field undo years of work that ensured his right to be in the field to begin with.

Finally, we recognize and respect the fact that there is a sector of our society that has no interest in hunting. Their reasons are often manifest and may be based in part on religious or political objections.  Unfortunately, many come from families that lacked any semblance of a hunting tradition, while others may have been influenced by a bad hunting experience at some point in their lives.  Whatever the reason, we respect the sensitivities of non hunters by encouraging all hunters to maintain the highest ethical standard when pursuing game in the field. To conduct ourselves otherwise, is to embolden the already endless battle with anti-hunters who often do not understand the intimate relationship we have with the animals and the earth. Moreover, a loss of hunting would have a devastating impact on nature, society and most of all the human spirit.