South Dakota § 41-8-17.1 - Spotlighting and artificial lighting--Prohibitions--Exceptions--Violation as misdemeanor.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 41-8-17.1 — Spotlighting and artificial lighting--Prohibitions--Exceptions--Violation as misdemeanor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 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:
(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.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 41-8-17.1
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 41-8-17.1 cover?
Section 41-8-17.1 ("Spotlighting and artificial lighting--Prohibitions--Exceptions--Violation as misdemeanor.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Dakota § 41-8-17.1?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 41-8-17.1" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 41-8-17.1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.