South Dakota Wildlife Federation is the state’s oldest conservation organization and the state’s only conservation organization actively involved in developing legislative policy impacting outdoor sporting activities. The South Dakota Wildlife Federation (SDWF) was founded in 1945 by a group of concerned outdoor enthusiasts who cared about wildlife and were willing to work to protect the state’s n
atural resources. The Federation soon became the most important voice in the protection of hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation throughout the State of South Dakota. SDWF has over 3000 members, including residents and nonresidents. The governing board of directors includes sportsmen, landowners, and other concerned conservationists from all walks of life. There are currently 15 affiliate clubs throughout the state. The SDWF welcomes new members and affiliates to join in the fight to conserve our precious natural resources and to protect our rights and privileges to use, but not abuse them. Throughout SDWF’s history, affiliate clubs have promoted youth education, habitat improvement, landowner-sportsmen relations, legislative action, and a host of other conservation-minded activities. SDWF actively supports laws beneficial to our natural resources and to all the citizens and visitors to our state, and opposes laws which unfairly promote the commercialization and privatization of wildlife. SDWF is affiliated with and active in the National Wildlife Federation, the largest conservation organization in the world. The close working relationship between the state and national organization ensures effective, coordinated conservation action at all levels of government.
