Bring your shotgun for pheasants, sharptail grouse, and possibly a greater prairie chicken
Mount Rushmore is approximately 45 miles from the southwest corner of this unit
Sturgis is approximately 45 miles to the west down Interstate 90
Species
General Size
Trophy Potential
Mule Deer
120"-140"
160"+
Whitetail Deer
110"-140"
150"+
On The Ground
Terrain
Vegetation
Access
Camping and Lodging
Historical Temperatures
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Low
Moon Phases
November 2024
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Located on the eastern edge of the Black Hills, this relatively small unit is perfectly located in the transition areas of the prairie leading up into the higher elevations. This is an excellent habitat for mule deer, and a growing population of whitetails. The unit is made up of entirely private land, so without prior arrangements do not plan on hunting this unit on a DIY style hunt. Approximately two-thirds of the way up the unit, there is one major drainage running across from west to east with some of the most notable habitat in the unit.
There is virtually no public land in this relatively small unit on the edge of the Black Hills. WIth this there is not much chatter in regards to this location.
This unit has a very broken landscape with foothills that lead up into the Black Hills. Stretching from north to south, the elevation drops as you move from west to east with large cuts and ridges giving way to smaller and smaller ridges and cuts as it makes its way towards the prairie floor. There is a considerable amount of trees and dense vegetation in this unit compared to its sister unit, 21A, to the east. There are scattered acres of agriculture across the unit, but a large drainage in the north quarter of the unit makes up the largest terrain feature of the unit.
There is a mix of short and tall prairie grass and countless species of wildflowers cover most areas of the unit that haven’t been turned for agricultural purposes. Very sparse timber, which is primarily a mix of Cottonwood, American Elm, Green Ash, and Bur Oak, can be found along the small creeks throughout the unit. As you gain elevation towards the western side of the unit, you can expect to run into more and more conifer and other forest trees leading up towards the edges of the Black Hills.
There are two state highways cutting across the center of the unit. Highway 40, slightly to the north, running northwest to southeast, and Highway 36, running just south of Highway 40 southwest to northeast. These are the two main access routes into the unit. There are a number of county roads scattered across the unit coming off of these two highways. The two most notable of these country roads are Spring Creek Rd in the north and Lame Johnny Road in the south. Being that there is no public land, these make little difference unless you have secured private land access near these roads.
Rapid City located at the northern edge of the unit has multiple locally owned and chain hotel options, as well as groceries, sporting goods and any other necessities you may need. Being that the entire unit is made up of private property, there are no established campgrounds.