in regards to no need to carry in SD due to low population density....HUH?!?!!? That is EXACTLY why SD has one of the highest per capita rates of CCW in the nation...a low population density means there are vast areas with little to no law enforcement presence. I grew up in a rural county of approximately 2000 people that covered an area of 1310 square miles. This ENTIRE area was "patrolled" by the countny sheriff and one or two deputies....the odds of all three being on duty at any given time were close to zero. Calling 911 can realistically result in a 20 minute (or potentially much longer) wait for help. Due to the facts eing what they are, many SD residents realistically believe that they will be "on their own" if the need for protection arises and carry accordingly. Factor in the presence of multiple native american reservations, hotbeds of criminal activity, strewn throughout the state (and imposing a confusing aspect of jurisdictional questions) that include several of the poorest counties in the nation, and the idea one shouldnt really have a need to carry goes completely out the window. I'd argue one has MORE of a need to carry in areas with limited law enforcement resources, not a lesser need.
That said, the idea one will face open hostilities on the reservation, and that one shouldn't go there unarmed ever is a bit alarmist. I've spent a lot of time on various reservations in SD, and while hotbeds of criminal activity as stated, the idea whites face open discrimination or are retaliated against just for being present is laughable. When not raised around the culture, I can see one being intimidated by suddenly being a minority out in the middle of absolute nowhere....but the days of raidng parties and scalping are over folks
That said, the SD permit IS valid on tribal grounds within the state of SD.
Regarding Gamestalker's comments.......I'm a bit confused as a lifelong SD resident. State law has been amended to forbid publication of CCW holders. Even before that point, it
wasn't part of the permitting process per se, but a matter of
public record. Some overzealous news agencies used the public record to gather names, and published them on occasion. Such actions was not welcomed by a good many people, and the law was were changed to prevent this occurrence. Open carry has long been legal in SD, and cannot remember a time when it wasn't, to be perfectly honest (38 yrs old here, been carrying legally since 18). Frankly I think Gamestalker is mistaken in the idea open carry was ever prohibited during his time as a resident. I cannot find ANY reference ANYWHERE with a basic google search that implies its EVER been against the law to open carry in SD., thought I'd welcome info to the contrary if one comes across it) As a gun owner and shooter, I honestly cannot imagine a much more gun-friendly state.