South Dakota Unit 02C Unit Profile // GOHUNT. The Hunting Company
South Dakota Unit 02C
Updated Jul 22, 2026
At a Glance
670Square Miles
59%Public Land
2,300 - 3,100Elevation Range
Quick Tips
Bring your shotgun for pheasants, sharptail grouse, and possibly a greater prairie chicken
Mount Rushmore which is southwest out of Rapid City, SD is approximately 45 miles from the northwest corner of this unit
Sturgis is approximately 45 miles to the west down Interstate 90
Due to the amount of public land leading up to the borders of the Badlands National Park offering hunters a chance at harvesting a deer that is older than the average bucks that are typically found in the surrounding areas, this unit is fairly popular. With very broken terrain making up the bulk of the unit, there is an endless amount of cuts and ridgebacks for these deer to live, and ample opportunities for hours of productive glassing.
Given that this unit wraps around the Badlands National Park, it is not out of the question for a hunter to have an opportunity to harvest an exceptional mule deer or whitetail buck that wanders off of the sanctuary that the park provides.