- Bring your shotgun for pheasants, Sharptail grouse, and possibly a Greater Prairie Chicken
- There are small pockets of state land and walk-in hunting areas spread throughout the unit, concentrated along the edges and accessible by roads
- GOHUNT maps are key for public/private access
Species | General Size | Trophy Potential |
---|
Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 150"+ |
Whitetail Deer | 110"-140" | 150"+ |
This particular unit hosts more public hunting and walk-in land than average for the east river area, particularly in the north and east. Making up the eastern half of Sully County, this unit is at the western edge of the countries that observe Central Time. Still, the unit is primarily devoted to agriculture so planning ahead and having prior arrangements to access private land may be necessary to ensure a successful hunt.
Even with a larger portion of walk in and public land in this particular unit, having landowner permission will be beneficial.
Making up the eastern portion of Sully County, the terrain is composed of semi-arid rolling hills, partially devoted to agriculture. It slopes to the southeast with a high point of 1,949 ft along its northern boundary. There are a number of lakes and refuge areas in this unit, including Stone and Cottonwood Lakes to the north, and Medicine Knoll Creek Game Production Area in the south. It is a mix of CRP, lake frontage, open grasslands, and agriculture.
Vegetation is typical to a grassland environment, a mix of short and tall prairie grass, with most of the land devoted to agriculture. Government partnered CRP is growing throughout the unit, with a healthy mix of food plot seed and grassland restorations being implemented across the state on private land. Towards the boundaries of the unit are multiple creek bottoms, lakes, and woody areas where you will find cottonwood and elm forests, making a rich habitat for whitetail deer, fox, and beavers as well as migratory birds.
This unit is bordered on the west by highway 83, allowing quick access north to south through the entire unit. Along the southern border of Sully County, is County Road 206A, that runs west and east. This road will certainly provide access to the Medicine Knoll Creek Game Production Area in the southeast portion of the unit, as well as some more pockets of state land in the south. To the east there is County Road 649, running the entirety of this unit from north to south, giving direct access to walk-in areas as well as multiple state trust lands to the far north, around Stone Lake. Cottonwood Lake area is another walk-in designated use here, accessible by 311th Ave, which runs again, the entire length of the unit from north to south. The county roads near the north boundary are not as developed, but using a number of paved and marked roads, you should be able to access all the public land areas. Follow all local rules regarding public use.
Onida is the main hub for amenities, located centrally north to south, on the western border of the unit along US highway 83. It has a population of 663, and hosts The Corner gas station as well as local restaurant, Bakery Cafe. The Wheatland Inn is a reputable lodging option, with good recommendations from past visitors in the unit for hunting.
Just about half an hour away to the south west is Pierre, the capital city of South Dakota. It is accessible by US highway 14, just south of the unit. This is a full service location with supply shops including Walmart, multiple gas stations, lodging options, chain and local restaurants and is served by Pierre Regional Airport. Visitors in the area can find everything they need in Pierre. Public camping is available in Pierre at the Farm Island State Recreation Area.
Roughly 482 square miles
6% public land
Elevations range from 1,700 - 1,949 ft