South Dakota Codified Laws 41-8-17.1. Spotlighting and artificial lighting–Prohibitions–Exceptions–Violation as misdemeanor
Except as otherwise provided in § 41-8-17, between 10 p.m. and sunrise, from September first to January thirty-first, inclusive, no person may cast the rays of a spotlight, or any artificial light other than a motor vehicle headlight, into any field, pasture, woodland, forest, or prairie, for the purpose of spotting or locating any wild animal.
Notwithstanding the prohibitions of this section:
Attorney's Note
Under the South Dakota Laws, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2 misdemeanor | up to 30 days | up to $500 |
Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 41-8-17.1
- Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
(1) A person owning or occupying land and up to two guests may use night-vision equipment, a spotlight, or other artificial light, on the person’s land; and
(2) An employee of the Department of Game, Fish and Parks may, while performing the person’s duty, use night vision equipment and artificial lights.
For purposes of this section, “artificial light” means a man-made light or lighting device that projects lumination for an unaided eye.
For purposes of this section, “night-vision equipment” means an electronic or battery-powered device that enhances a person’s ability to see in the dark.
A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Source: SL 2003, ch 223, § 1; SL 2005, ch 225, § 1; SL 2020, ch 186, § 2.