At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Tire chains and four-wheel drive may be required during inclement weather
- GOHUNT Maps are recommended to help navigate public and private lands
- Lots of history and attractions in Deadwood
The small unit is located in the Black Hills portion of the state and lies just to the south of Spearfish. Good numbers of elk are found in this heavily timbered unit and anyone lucky enough to hold a tag will be in for a great hunt. Being part of the Black Hills this unit has a great distribution of public lands and hunters will find little trouble in locating huntable ground.
Elk populations are not at high in this unit as they are in some others buts those holding a tag will still be in for a great hunt.
Most of this unit is heavily timbered and features many rolling ridges and drainages. Roads exist in good numbers throughout the unit and physically accessing most of the area won't be an issue but some Hunters may encounter difficulty when traveling cross country, particularly across brushy draws. Most of the private lands in the unit will be found on the eastern and northern edges near the towns of Spearfish, Deadwood, and Lead.
This unit features a great collection of public lands and DIY style hunters will find little trouble in locating huntable ground. Interstate 90 and Highway 85 make up the major north, east, and southern borders of the unit but there are many secondary routes throughout the national forest areas that provide great access to most corners of the unit.
Many of the higher elevation areas are heavily timbered with stands of primarily Ponderosa pines but hunters will also encounter white spruce, aspen, bur ok, and paper birch. Some juniper can be found in lower elevations. Natural grasses will be present throughout the unit but will in the greatest abundance in more open areas and at lower elevations.
Modern lodging and amenities can be found in Spearfish, Lead, Deadwood, or nearby Sturgis which is located just outside of the unit. Along with these, small campgrounds can also be found scattered throughout the unit. Groceries and other needs can be met in another of the major town but specific gear needs may need to be met prior to leaving on the hunt.
Roughly 273 square miles
62% public land
Elevations range from 3,500 - 6,300 feet