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
- Rapid City or Sturgis will be the best bets for gear and amenities
This large unit is found on the northeast corner of the Black Hills and lies between the towns of Sturgis and Rapid City. 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 in this unit are great and good, hard hunting can lead hunters to a successfully punched tag.
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. The biggest collection of private lands is found in the northern tip of the unit near the town of Lead and along the eastern edge of the unit along Interstate 90 and near Rapid City.
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.
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, amenities, and gear needs can be found in the towns of Sturgis and Rapid City which are located at the northern and southern ends of the unit respectively. Modern campgrounds can be found throughout the area and hunters are also permitted to camp on public lands.
Roughly 350 square miles
63% public land
Elevations range from 3,300 - 5,800 feet