Located on the eastern edge of the Black Hills, this unit is perfectly located in the transition areas of the prairie leading up into the higher elevations of the Black Hills. This is an excellent habitat for mule deer, and a growing population of whitetails. The unit is made up of almost entirely public land that is managed by the Black Hills National Forest, and hunters could run into almost all species of big game managed in South Dakota including Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goats, Elk, and both deer species. If you are looking for a more classic western big game hunt with miles of public land this unit is what you have been searching for.

There is less about this unit than expected, considering how much public land there is. That being said, with a healthy mix of both Whitetail and Mule Deer this unit offers a great opportunity to hunt either species. You may see elk, Bighorn Sheep, and even Mountain goats at any time as well could be seen while you are here.

This is a very broken landscape that you would expect in most western states when on a mountain hunt. Thick patches of timber, primarily conifer and aspen, that give way to little valleys and creek bottoms scattered across the bulk of the unit. Some areas have much more elevation change than others, and overall if you plan on hunting on your boots, this unit can be as physical as you would like it to be.

This unit more or less wraps around the entire Black Hills following the eastern edge from the far north and almost wrapping all the way around to the south. This being said, there are many different options to access this unit. The most notable would be, starting at the north end Highway 14A that heads south out of Spearfish, SD goes deep into the mountains before it loops back to the east and up to Sturgis, SD. Highway 44 goes west out of Rapid City, SD in the center of the unit, and junctions with Highway 385 that makes the western boundary from the top to the bottom of the unit. Moving south on Highway 385 you will eventually run into the town of Hot Springs, SD which sits just outside of the far southeast corner of the unit. There are countless two tracks and less improved roads coming off of all of these routes that will allow access into the majority of the unit.

A mix of short and tall prairie grass for miles in all directions as well as countless species of wildflowers can be found in the lower elevations 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 with pockets of aspen throughout.

There are multiple small townships located in or on the border of this unit, including some bigger locations like Rapid City, Spearfish, Hot Springs, SD where you will be able to get any supplies you may need or even lodging for the night or duration of your hunt. Camping is allowed in the forest if you are looking for a more primitive experience, but it's a good idea to check with current regulations prior to arrival if your plan is to camp.