Assistance with Black Hills South Dakota Hunt?
11-24-2010, 05:49 AM
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 59
Assistance with Black Hills South Dakota Hunt?
Hey guys,
A buddy and I would like to hunt the black hills in the spring without spending a ton of money. We'd like to avoid hunting guides if possible. I bought two National Geographic topo and trail maps, but obviously it's a HUGE area and I have no idea of where to start.
I contacted a couple of guides that offer a semi-self-guided and to be honest it sounded too easy, and still pretty expensive. For example, one had a 1000 acre ranch that is currently wintering about 300 birds and has had a 100% hunter success rate for many years. I asked if it was like shooting fish in a barrel and his response was "well you could try to target the biggest bird." While I'd certainly like to have hunting success, I don't want to travel 10 hours to shoot a bird on the first morning out of a semi-tame flock.
Any of you wise and kind SD hunters have any advice and guidance to share? THANKS!
A buddy and I would like to hunt the black hills in the spring without spending a ton of money. We'd like to avoid hunting guides if possible. I bought two National Geographic topo and trail maps, but obviously it's a HUGE area and I have no idea of where to start.
I contacted a couple of guides that offer a semi-self-guided and to be honest it sounded too easy, and still pretty expensive. For example, one had a 1000 acre ranch that is currently wintering about 300 birds and has had a 100% hunter success rate for many years. I asked if it was like shooting fish in a barrel and his response was "well you could try to target the biggest bird." While I'd certainly like to have hunting success, I don't want to travel 10 hours to shoot a bird on the first morning out of a semi-tame flock.
Any of you wise and kind SD hunters have any advice and guidance to share? THANKS!
11-24-2010, 11:04 AM
#2
Spike
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
Posts: 72
My brother works for the forest service in Sundance (western side of the hills). I'll ask him of any good places to go in SD. I'm sure he can talk to some of the forest guys in SD any see where the birds are at, or at least the general area.
12-01-2010, 07:29 PM
#3
Spike
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 22
I think turkey hunting out west usually has higher success rates than in MN. The outfitters turkeys arent tame thay are just easier to hunt IMO. I have been to the Black Hills and would say just go out there and try it. I dont remember exactly where we were but it wasnt too far from Mt Rushmore. We slept in the truck on public land. Theres a ton of land to hunt and plenty of call friendly birds so just go try it.
12-04-2010, 03:09 PM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: NewLowell ,Ontario ,Canada
Posts: 2,765
Don't spend money on a guide for the black hills. Spend time locating and call them in. Be in shape so you can move fast on the terrian. merriams like to start very early in the mornings so be up and moving before light.
Quaker Boy turkey calls
realtree camo patterns Max 1
and Hevi 13 turkey ammo and you'll be successfull
Quaker Boy turkey calls
realtree camo patterns Max 1
and Hevi 13 turkey ammo and you'll be successfull
