# Go Outdoors SD — user reviews > 85 indexed App Store user reviews of Go Outdoors SD by State of South Dakota, rated 1.88/5 from 252 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/go-outdoors-sd/id501439458/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/go-outdoors-sd/id501439458.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 32 · 4★ 13 · 3★ 15 · 2★ 14 · 1★ 166 ## What do users think of Go Outdoors SD? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - ✅ License storage and annual renewal functionality - 📚 Downloadable information booklets available - 💳 Ability to purchase passes and licenses - 🎯 Good concept for digital license management - 👍 Easy navigation for non-tech-savvy users (when working) **Cons** - 🐛 Frequent crashes and app freezes - ❌ Crashes on startup or homepage load - 🔐 Persistent login issues and authentication failures - 📱 Poor iPad compatibility and functionality - 🗺️ Broken or non-functional map features - 🔄 Requires repeated logins despite being logged in - ⚠️ Offline functionality severely limited - 🔍 Difficult and confusing navigation - 📵 Slow performance and loading times - 🚫 Cannot modify profile or reservations - 💳 Payment processing failures - 🖥️ Poor responsive design and cut-off fields - 🔗 Non-functional buttons and links - 📍 GPS tracking inaccurate (off by 1.5 miles) - 🔔 Cannot clear notification alerts - 🎮 Unintuitive date/time selection controls - 🔐 Dual verification issues with invisible input fields - 📧 Password reset functionality broken - 🗺️ Map legend provides no useful information - 💾 Cannot download map sections **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes before loading or on homepage - Login credentials not recognized despite being correct - Profile error when retrieving user information - Digital backpack fails to display licenses - Filters reset when exiting app - Dual verification code field not visible - Authentication code expires when switching screens - Map navigation returns to previous location when swiping - GPS location offset by constant 1.5 miles north - GPS does not update position in real-time - Map download errors on every attempt - Keyboard doesn't adjust screen for login entry - Payment processing fails with multiple card types - Licenses not syncing to phone - Hunting handbook displays fishing handbook content - Regulations data outdated (2016 data shown) - Hunting maps stopped displaying without update - Uncleared notification alerts cannot be dismissed - App requires login each time despite previous session - Website directs users to non-functional app **Most requested features** - Offline map download capability for areas without cell service - GPS navigation functionality for field use - Persistent login with session management - Apple Wallet integration for driver's license and licenses - Dedicated 'My Licenses' tab on home screen - Topographic map view option - Auto-fill and password manager support - Improved map transparency to see terrain features - Better reservation management for multiple sites - Profile editing and name/address correction functionality - Batch reservation system for groups - Digital license display without requiring login each time - Touch ID or biometric authentication ## Newest reviews (17 of 85) ### 1/5 — Fix me *2025-07-11, version 2025.236.0* Tried to log in to my account, was sent a 6 digit code, changed screens to read the code, and when I came back to enter the code, the app is at the home page. Did anyone actually test this before publishing it? ### 1/5 — App is terrible *2025-03-16, version 2025.234.0* Extremely hard to use. Links and buttons don’t work. Can’t get anywhere making a reservation. ### 1/5 — All but useless *2024-10-20, version 2024.229.0* This could be a really effective app, but it is so poorly executed that it’s basically useless. You can use it to buy passes into Parks. The information booklets are useful and can be downloaded which is nice. However, the map functions are just terrible. The legend does not give you information, you cannot click to get information on any of the areas that are highlighted.. You cannot download sections of the map because it errors out every time you try. Tons of the area we fish and hunt do not have cell service.. You have to be able to download to make this useful. Quality assurance, clearly lacking when this was elevated. ### 2/5 — Unable to open *2024-08-25, version 2024.227.0* Unable to open my profile using email address was using wi Fi but app and website just frozen. Eventually went to retail location to buy license. They too couldn’t use email address to look up. Had to use SSN. The online app only permitted email as look up. Super frustrating. I’ve used previous year and it was great but today it did not work ### 1/5 — Horrendous functionality *2024-07-10, version 2024.222.0* Probably one of the worst apps I’ve had to use. Just go to the browser site on a computer and save yourself the trouble. ### 1/5 — Not User Friendly *2024-07-09, version 2024.222.0* At this point don’t know what’s going on with this- Never had so much troubles making reservations before. Hope they fix this. ### 1/5 — Inoperable *2024-06-18, version 2024.222.0* Site just doesn’t work. Spinning wheel, nothing loads and my phone is connected to 5G. It’s remarkable how a state could have this bad of an app. ### 1/5 — Cant change address or name *2024-06-17, version 2024.222.0* I misspelled my middle name on accident wont let me change it and got a new address but i cant change that either ### 1/5 — I wish there was a lower rating *2024-06-08, version 2024.222.0* This is the worst app I have ever seen. How many tax dollars went into this? ### 1/5 — Absolutely terrible since the latest update. *2024-06-03, version 2024.222.0* I’ve used this app to store all my hunting licenses, make camping reservations, etc. Since the update,the app is pretty much worthless. I’m logged in, trying to make a camping reservation, it asks me to log in again, and it’s just round and round we go. I can see my profile, my hunting licenses, but, I can’t access anything else. And what’s worse is the website directs you to downloading this worthless app. ### 1/5 — Skip this app and just call the 800 number. *2024-05-22, version 2024.222.0* The app continually collapses and loses track of what’s going on. It’s also not user-friendly. It’s a GREAT state with a terrible app. ### 1/5 — I’m able to login online, but I can’t get into this app to see my reservation *2024-04-29, version 2024.222.0* Uggh. Why does it need to be so hard? Let me login to my account. What’s the point of this linking profiles? As others have stated great concept, but why complicate it? ### 1/5 — D- *2024-04-11, version 2024.222.0* Purchased a one day out-of-state fishing license. The web site is not user friendly. All the information is there…somewhere…it is like playing Where’s Waldo. It did a very poor job of guiding me through the process. It was confusing to figure out what “required” box I failed to complete due to the lack of organization and absence of guidance. Compared to other sites of similar nature, a one star rating is generous. ### 1/5 — Poor design *2024-02-23, version 2024.220.0* App is not fluid or easy to use. You have to enter your log in info everytime you open the app. Should be a way to save and autofill this info and also keep you logged in if you leave the app to answer phone calls or texts. ### 1/5 — Poor *2023-09-16, version 2023.218.0* 2023 WIA’s apparently not loaded yet. Map on App is very slow and doesn’t work for locations in much of the State ### 1/5 — One step closer to not being the worst app ever, but… *2023-08-01* The latest update does make a few things better but not really things that are very helpful. Still a horrible app for booking camp sites, can’t modify my profile, can’t modify reservations, doesn’t allow iCloud to insert password at login… and the list goes on and on. Since the new website and this app was introduced, our camping in SD has been cut down to the minimum as it is just too hard to book sites in SD since the changes. Hopefully, the app and website will become usable in my lifetime but not feeling it. **Developer response:** Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback. We'll pass it along to our development team and will make any possible improvements. If you would like to provide additional details so that we can better identify the specific issues please reach out to us at 605.223.7660. -Go Outdoors Mobile Support ### 1/5 — Hardly Functional *2023-06-05, version 2023.217.0* I’m not sure how you can even launch an app that doesn’t fit standard mobile dimensions. Lots of fields that are cut off, you can’t see, or are only partially displayed. Very difficult to navigate, not that the new website is much better, but at least I can see the whole screen. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Horrible *2026-08-20, version 2026.251.0* Trying to use the app on my iPhone to view and possibly reserve a camping spot. While trying to zoom in on a campground map site the app will send you back to the main page if you try to move the map to the right. Zoom Isn’t working right and don’t press the parks back button or it’s a redo again. Simply horrible. I gave up. ### 1/5 — Dumb *2026-08-12, version 2026.251.0* Was trying to buy a 1 day nonresident fishing license and the app brought up a calendar for the day. I clicked on it and then hit submit. It brought up an error saying I need to have it in the mm/dd/yyyy format. I could not change it. ### 1/5 — This app is useless *2026-07-17, version 2026.251.0* Absolutely broken when trying to select half of fields for a license it doesn’t even work save yourself some time and don’t get this app it was made by a idiot ### 1/5 — POS *2026-06-12, version 2026.249.0* This is by far the worst app I’ve ever used ### 1/5 — Will not open on my iPad. *2026-04-27, version 2026.247.0* I just downloaded the app (4-27-26) and it crashes before loading. ### 1/5 — Terrible *2026-04-14, version 2026.247.0* Can not access from iPad it keeps going down.Very hard to navigate on iPhone. Could be a good app but doesn’t work well. ### 1/5 — Keeps closing, won’t load *2026-04-04, version 2026.247.0* This app sort of works on iPhone but not at all on my iPad. As soon as the home page comes up it shuts down immediately. Please fix ### 1/5 — Unusable *2026-03-25, version 2026.247.0* Downloaded the app (a few times) and it “opens” the homepage and then shuts down. If your website indicates it is required for online bookings then it should at least be functional for those of us that want to explore the options available. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work *2025-10-18, version 2025.236.0* Made my account so that my dad could purchase a hunting license for me and got stonewalled by the app’s inability to function in any regard. ### 1/5 — Wish I could rate it negative stars *2025-08-04, version 2025.236.0* This app is absolutely terrible and borderline completely useless. Makes you log in multiple times in a row only to not have any of your licenses or reservations available to see ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Great app *2023-02-03, version 5.4.0* I have never had an issue with the app unlike others. Seems to always do what I want it to do. For some of the bigger purchases I still use the site to navigate. Otherwise no issues and does what it should, ### 5/5 — Ease of App *2022-10-23, version 5.3.0* Thanks to the designers of this app, it was easy to navigate, even for a non-tech savy person. ### 5/5 — Apple keyboard problem *2018-03-06* Selecting the “Digital Backpack” then the “My License”. Once placing cursor in field the keyboard doesn’t allow screen to adjust to enter login information or select login button. Used app extensively last season. Is this a know problem? Thanks for the fix. Last years version did not require a login each time I needed my license. Can you allow license to appear after logging in once?? **Developer response:** Hi, we have now fixed this issue. ### 4/5 — Checking my license *2021-10-08, version 3.0.10* Says there is an issue retrieving my information uninstalled app for a day and still won’t let me in ### 3/5 — It’s okay *2025-10-14, version 2025.236.0* It just needs to be polished. Whenever I exit out of the app all of the filters I have on the map go away and I have to put them back in. ### 3/5 — Getting there *2023-08-09, version 2023.218.0* My hunting license is in my profile, annually renews, all of which is great. However, my Mickelson Trail Pass doesn’t show and I have no idea about when I buy park passes. I hope my email receipt of my Trail Pass will be sufficient as I will not be printing anything. BTW, it is time for the Drivers license to be in my Apple Wallet. My Drivers license is the last reason I carry a wallet. ### 3/5 — Needs updating to see handbooks *2018-08-30* Will not let you select and read the handbooks in normal mode. Decided to download and had some bugs trying to download to backpack. Finally got the hunting handbook downloaded, and when you open it, it’s the fishing handbook. Fishing handbook downloaded correctly surprisingly. ### 3/5 — Irritated *2018-02-17, version 3.0.2* The new app doesn’t store the licenses offline like the old app. Every time I leave my licenses and go back I have to sign back in and there isn’t service everywhere in the hills ### 3/5 — Getting Better, still needs work *2017-11-19* Licenses are now working. Mapping is okay, needs some work. Transparency of the hunting areas is an issue. Areas are marked with a color overlay, but it’s opaque so you cant see the terrain features and roads of the actual hunting areas. Also they got rid of the topographic map, that was the best feature because it showed actual terrain features with contour lines. Satellite imagery is nice but once again you can’t see it in the actual hunting areas do to color overlay. ### 2/5 — Not A Good App *2026-05-14, version 2026.249.0* I’ve tried to use this app several times, occasionally I can actually find a camping area but the app is so awkward. Recently upon opening the app it’s self it just stalls out. Try modeling the app off of the .gov recreation app. South Dakota deserves better. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-29.*