Black Hills Turkey Hunt

[Sobry84]

A few buddies and myself put in for the SD Black Hills draw this year and I'm just looking for some information on the area. We have never been out West so this will be a whole new experience for us if we do draw. I've seen a lot of people say numbers are great and a lot say they're way down and everything in between. I'd also like to hear some experiences y'all have had there and any tips that could possibly help chasing merriams. We primarily hunt easterns in the south with a little experience hunting rios. Any information will be greatly appreciated and feel free to PM me if you'd like to go into more detail.

[eggshell]

Just be mobile and cover tons of ground. Don't get trapped hunting one small area. Think in the term of miles not acres. I have only hunted the hills once two years ago and it was tough finding birds, however; I have friends who live right in the heart of the Hills and my daughter lives just east of the hills. I spend several days a year in the hills. I just never chose to hunt them but the once. Everyone feeds wildlife and most of the birds are around and on private property, but they move around on public too. I drove and average of 40 miles a day finding birds to hunt. Good luck.

[Sobry84]

Thanks for the advise. We are planning on camping so being mobile and picking up everything and moving to a new area in general won't be an issue if need be. Were you there before or after the trail roads opened up?

[eggshell]

It was mid May and the trails were open. Depends on weather when they open.

[squidd]

Some feedback I received is to find water/trees and a good chance you'll find turkeys.

So, I'll be bringing a fly rod and run a few streams to count it as a two-fer. If I get time to scout the Antelope unit, it'll be a three-fer!!

[eggshell]

There's plenty of trees, and as far as water I don't think that is a big issue. I never related birds to water there. If you want to trout fish there's a lake just a short ways from Mt Rushmore that has a lot of trout. I think they stock them though. I don't know from personal experience but some locals told me the northern unit has more birds but has way less public land. It's mostly smaller plots of BML and you'll need a map or app to find them. 

[squidd]

I spoke to one BLM office and they asked why I wasn't hunting the E or NE side of Wyoming. I said that's where most people go and am sure it's good, but wanted something different.

Lots of YouTube videos and forum discussions on the Black Hills!!

[eggshell]

Good luck, I hope you get drawn for tags. It's a beautiful area and will be a nice trip whether you get a turkey or not. If you get drawn I can give you some tips for good food.

[Sobry84]

Thanks for the feedback we are looking for just a good time while hunting some birds and hopefully getting few along the way. I've been mostly looking at the southern half of the hills but not opposed to the northern half just haven't gotten any input on it. Does anyone have any tips on if the north or the south half of the hills is more productive than the other?