# Go Outdoors SD vs Bowhunter Specials

The clearest difference is rating: Bowhunter Specials at 4.4 against Go Outdoors SD's 1.9. Bowhunter Specials also leads on review sentiment (22% vs 5%). Go Outdoors SD's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 14) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 6 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Bowhunter Specials sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year. Go Outdoors SD asks for nothing beyond the download.

Bowhunter Specials holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 1.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 267 and 65 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 5% of Go Outdoors SD's written reviews are positive against 22% of Bowhunter Specials's.

Go Outdoors SD ships an update every 3 months, Bowhunter Specials every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Go Outdoors SD | Bowhunter Specials |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.9 (267 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/go-outdoors-sd/id501439458/reviews) | **[4.4 (65 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bowhunter-specials/id582709452/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **267** | 65 |
| Positive reviews | 4.7% of reviews | **22.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 243 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [State of South Dakota](https://appshunter.io/developer/501439461) | [KSE Sportsman Media, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/386234089) |

## What reviewers say

### Go Outdoors SD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/go-outdoors-sd/id501439458)

This app allows users to access South Dakota hunting and fishing regulations, apply for licenses, and reserve campsites in state parks. It also provides GPS-enabled maps of public hunting and fishing areas.

**Highlights:** View hunting and fishing regulations, Apply for hunting and fishing licenses, Reserve state park campsites, View public hunting and fishing maps, GPS location on public lands

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ 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)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**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

**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


### Bowhunter Specials

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bowhunter-specials/id582709452)

Access digital archives of leading bowhunting magazines, including back issues and special guides on crossbows, saddle hunting, and new gear. Enhance your hunting knowledge and gear selection with comprehensive resources.

**Highlights:** Digital back issues of Bowhunter magazine, Petersen's Bowhunting back issues archive, New Gear Guide with over 200 items, Crossbow Revolution special editions, Comprehensive saddle hunting guide, Archery Trade Show gear spotlights

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Year Subscription | $9.99 | per year |
| February/March 2013 | $4.99 | one-time |
| April / May 2013 | $4.99 | one-time |
| August 2013 | $4.99 | one-time |
| September 2013 | $4.99 | one-time |
| October 2013 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Petersen's Bowhunting Nov/Dec 2013 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Petersen's Bowhunting March 2014 New Gear Guide | $4.99 | one-time |
| Petersen's Bowhunting September 2014 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Petersen's Bowhunting October 2014 | $4.99 | one-time |
| March 2016 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Nov/Dec 2023 | $6.99 | one-time |
| Tree Saddle Hunter 2024 | $7.99 | one-time |
| Tree Saddle Hunter 2023 | $7.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Go Outdoors SD free?

Go Outdoors SD is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Bowhunter Specials free?

Bowhunter Specials is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Go Outdoors SD or Bowhunter Specials?

Bowhunter Specials is rated higher. Go Outdoors SD averages 1.9 out of 5 from 267 ratings, while Bowhunter Specials averages 4.4 from 65 ratings.

### Do Go Outdoors SD or Bowhunter Specials have ads?

Neither Go Outdoors SD nor Bowhunter Specials shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Go Outdoors SD or Bowhunter Specials?

Go Outdoors SD ships an update every 3 months, and Bowhunter Specials every 6 months. Most recently, Go Outdoors SD was updated on October 29, 2026 and Bowhunter Specials on October 26, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*