Advice on South Dakota Deer 35A-01 Any deer

[Grandslam1122]

I have drawn the 35A Rifle tag for Nov. 16-Dec. 1, 2019. Can anyone give me any advice on public or private access? Thanks Gary

 

[KurtR]

Look on onX and start scouting tommorow . Great glass and a tripod with lots of patience

 

[Grandslam1122]

Look on onX and start scouting tommorow . Great glass and a tripod with lots of patience

Thanks for the quick response. I have good optics and tripods. The only problem is that I am a Non-Resident living in VA. I plan to come out 4-5 days before it opens.

 

[KurtR]

Where do you plan on staying out there. It could either be 2 foot of snow or 80 out so be prepared for either. Have a friend who ranches out there and winter was not kind to the deer this year. Good luck. How many points did you have to draw

 

[Grandslam1122]

Not sure where I will stay yet. I will bring camping gear but may stay in a motel depending on weather. I hope the winter kill was not terrible on big bucks. Thanks for any advice you may give. Thanks Gary

 

[Jxferg7]

Did have any areas in mind when you applied for the unit or shooting from the hip? I’d go with what you were thinking when you applied otherwise I agree with the the above...OnX study and maybe a call to the Conservation in that area.

 

[Grandslam1122]

Did have any areas in mind when you applied for the unit or shooting from the hip? I’d go with what you were thinking when you applied otherwise I agree with the the above...OnX study and maybe a call to the Conservation in that area.

2 bonus points. 225 k public land with walk in private acess. Best kill success in the State. Didn't shoot from the hip. Thanks

 

[KurtR]

You can’t camp on walk in. I would put little to no faith in to kill stats here our surveys are not very accurate. I would find a cabin or lodge to stay at

 

[Grandslam1122]

Could you recommend any lodging close to the Unit? I noticed Ludlow and Buffalo are pretty central to the Unit. Thanks Gary

 

[KurtR]

Ludlow is about 25 people if that and buffalo ain’t much bigger. Middle of no where is out there

 

[Fatcamp]

I would set up a vehicle to sleep in if you can handle some cold.

 

[Swampcruiser]

^^^ check out the camping area near Reva. Enjoy your hunt as SD works to make non resident hunting much harder and disadvantaged.

 

[swampdog]

I got lucky and drew a 35L tag this year. I’m from OK and in the same boat you are, I’ll be seeing the unit for the first time when I pull in in November. Good luck to you! Maybe we’ll run into each other at a local watering hole.

 

[stank.243]

Not sure where I will stay yet. I will bring camping gear but may stay in a motel depending on weather. I hope the winter kill was not terrible on big bucks. Thanks for any advice you may give. Thanks Gary

The only hotel is in Buffalo and it usually fills up pretty quick with reservations for that time of the year so I wouldn't count on it especially for opening weekend. There are nice camping areas in the Custer Forest pieces. Contact the Forest Service in Camp Crook they are extremely helpful with camping areas.