The Second Century Habitat Fund, Inc. is raffling off a 2026 Can-Am Defender Max Limited HD11 to support the 2026 Defender for Habitat Raffle, a statewide fundraiser dedicated to restoring wildlife habitat and strengthening South Dakota’s outdoor heritage.
The grand prize package includes a 2026 Can-Am Defender Max Limited HD11 donated by Can-Am, aftermarket accessories installed by AA Motorsports in Huron, two premium kennels and accessories donated by Lucky Dog Kennels, and additional YETI gear expected to be added to the package, with final details to be announced.
Built for both work and play, the 2026 Can-Am Defender Max Limited HD11 is designed to handle South Dakota’s rugged terrain. With premium features, added accessories, and gear built for the field, the Defender for Habitat prize package was created with landowners, hunters, ranchers, conservationists, and outdoor families in mind.
While one lucky winner will drive away with a state-of-the-art utility vehicle, the real reward will be felt across South Dakota. Every raffle entry supports on-the-ground habitat conservation through the Second Century Habitat Fund’s work with landowners, producers, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, and conservation partners.
“This donation from Can-Am is more than a prize — it is an investment in South Dakota’s wildlife, landowners, hunters, rural communities, and future generations,” said Elysabeth Kierl, Executive Director of Second Century Habitat Fund. “Our partnership with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks helps ensure that funds raised through this raffle can support meaningful projects that improve habitat where it matters most. Every entry helps us put more habitat on the ground and protect the traditions that make South Dakota special.”
South Dakota’s grasslands and wildlife habitat continue to face serious pressure. According to the South Dakota Grassland Coalition, citing a South Dakota State University study, South Dakota lost approximately 1.8 million acres of grassland from 2006 to 2012. The World Wildlife Fund’s 2024 Plowprint Report found that approximately 1.9 million acres of grasslands were converted to cropland in 2022 alone across the U.S. and Canadian portions of the Great Plains. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reports that agricultural cultivation, development, and invasive species have led to the loss of at least 80% of North American grasslands, including 99% of tallgrass prairie.
For South Dakota, habitat conservation is about more than wildlife. It is tied to the state’s economy, rural communities, land stewardship, family traditions, and outdoor recreation. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks reports that hunting contributes $681.1 million annually to South Dakota’s economy.
Second Century Habitat Fund works with landowners and conservation partners to restore and retain wildlife habitat across the state, including voluntary projects that convert marginal cropland back to perennial grassland. These projects benefit pheasants, pollinators, deer, waterfowl, songbirds, soil health, water quality, and working agricultural operations.
Every entry matters because every acre matters. A $50 entry helps support seed, landowner partnerships, habitat establishment, and long-term conservation work across South Dakota. Supporters may purchase one entry for $50 or three entries for $100.
“This raffle gives people a simple way to make a real difference,” Kierl said. “Not everyone owns land, but everyone who cares about South Dakota’s wildlife, hunting heritage, and rural way of life can help build habitat. Every entry helps keep our outdoor heritage alive.”
This marks another major collaboration between Can-Am, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, and the Second Century Habitat Fund to support habitat conservation in South Dakota. A previous Can-Am Defender for Habitat Raffle raised more than $500,000 for habitat, demonstrating the power of hunters, landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation supporters coming together for a shared purpose.
The Defender for Habitat Raffle is a collaborative effort between Second Century Habitat Fund, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Can-Am, and many generous outdoor industry partners.
“We are deeply grateful for the continued support of Can-Am, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, AA Motorsports, Lucky Dog Kennels, our conservation partners, and everyone who chooses to enter,” Kierl added. “This raffle is more than a chance to win — it is a way to power habitat conservation and protect the land we love.”
Entry Pricing: 1 entry for $50 or 3 entries for $100
Drawing: October 24, 2026
Enter Online: https://raffle.sdhabitatfund.com/2026raffle
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