SD non-Res Antelope/Deer, Black Hills/Slim Butes

[BigSkyGP]

I would like to discuss hunting antelope in South Dakota, as a Non-Resident.

South Dakota has a verry extensive website, for online information and applications. So I have found a lot, of information.

It's very hard for me to make heads or tails of how their process works. Far as I can tell so far, they are similar in many ways as the MT system. From what I can figure they use a triple teir lottery sort of system.

I've hunted antelope in MT, so the speceis is not the issue.

Next year I want to make my first hunting trip to SD. I do know some relatives, with ranches out there. They won't be much help, other than they don't care if I have a tag or not, or how many I shoot. They believe only sane people eat beef. So they don't hunt, but want them gone. I do attempt to abide by the rules and laws, so pointers, and lawful guidence is desired.

 

[JARHEAD1371]

IMO the best thing for a non-resident to hunt around here is antelope. Look at applying in Butte and Harding counties. They have lots of goats and lots of walk-in and public land. Be prepared to walk in at least 2 miles before you start hunting and I would avoid hunting the opening weekend. The past 2 opening weekends have been nothing but frustrating for us; too many hunters driving where they aren't supposed to. This year my wife killed a 71" goat on the first Tue of the season, right at 2 miles in, I didn't draw a tag. Also, don't be surprised if you aren't drawn for a tag the first time you apply. Jim See and one of my Marine buddies applied for this year and neither were drawn. Hopefully we all will next year with one preference point. Good luck.

 

[BigSkyGP]

All tips and tricks are welcome

Thanks on the not opening weekend tip. I don't personally have a problem with a two mile hump. Do four for my MT antelope hunt, minimum (and that's one way).

I was thinking mainly antelope, that's what I like in my freezer. I want to take my son, he turns twelve this summer.

I'm trying to make up for being over in OEF this hunting season.

I'm looking for advice on the lottery system, how many first/second/third choices can one person apply for?

I have relatives, with land to hunt, out that way. It depends on if they have other hunters out there, whether I/we would hunt opening weekend. Depends also where we draw tags.

 

[JARHEAD1371]

As far as I know, you apply for a first and second choice. They can vary in area and type of tags, buck/ doe or doe/doe, or the same area just different seasons. The season is 2 weeks long but some areas have 2 seasons that are a week long each. These areas have a larger population of goats. If you want to put in for tags for your son you two can apply in the same group, that's good and bad. If you are drawn for tags then anyone in your group is drawn as well. However, if you are drawn for the last non-res tag then you are unselected because there aren't any tags left for you son. On the other hand, if you and your son apply separately then you stand the chance of him getting drawn and not you, or neither of you drawing.

 

[BigSkyGP]

I agree with not applying as a group. I wouldn't mind my son drawing and not myself, just means I get to do my job better and be the coach/guide.

That's the sort of info I'm looking for.

From what I gatherd if you draw a tag, the F&G sends you a map of your area. Is it a good map? Should I be prepared to get a USGS, BLM, or other map.

 

[BigSkyGP]

BTW Jarhead 1371, Where all have you served, or been stationed? If you don't mind my asking. Your tour(s) overlap my one.

 

[JARHEAD1371]

The map they send you only shows the area boundaries. I pick up two or three of the hunting atlas books put out by F&G. I keep one book together and the others I'll cut out the pages of the specific areas I'll be hunting. I take 2" clear tape and tape the crap out of it to make it water proof. That's the map I carry with me out hunting/scouting. My next purchase is going to be a good GPS, you can download maps from the F&G website.

All my time was spent at Camp Lejeune, every time I put in for orders they were denied. I was deployed several times to Central America, and was injured my last trip. I was medically retired from those injuries. Semper Fi

 

[BigSkyGP]

Roger, Sempre Fi! 2111 Small Arms Repairer '97-'01 MCAS Futenma Okinawa/MSSG-11, '99/1st FSSG Las Pulgas. I went to the dark-side, in 2005, MT ARNG, Fuel Specialist/Como/Small Arms Repair. Currently OEF.

Thanks for the Map suggestions. I can't bring my self to do the GPS thing yet, not much beats a good topo map. Last I checked, can't start a fire with a GPS.

 

[JARHEAD1371]

Don't shun the GPS for hunting around here. You'd be surprised how many public areas aren't marked with signs. A buddy of mine has used his GPS to avoid a trespassing fine because he could show exactly where he was and where the boundary was. Not all boundaries are marked with a fence.

 

[BigSkyGP]

I was trying to put that off as long as I could. Thanks for that tip. I don't like any fines.

 

[BigSkyGP]

Happy Thanksgiving, tomorrow! Mine is already great, the wife just bagged her fifth deer in two seasons. This one without me, with a little influence airforce can shoot!