Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a network of lands managed to conserve fish and wildlife and their habitat. WPAs are lands purchased by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with funds generated from the sale of Federal Duck Stamps. South Dakota has over 160,000 acres of habitat conserved as WPAs.

Wildlife-dependent recreational activities are allowed on WPAs, including hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education, and interpretation. The wetland and grassland habitats on WPAs are managed through livestock grazing, haying, and prescribed burning, which improve and maintain grasslands for waterfowl and other nesting birds. By providing permanent secure habitat, these critical areas are helping to sustain North America's waterfowl populations.