
The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Department of Wildlife, Fish & Recreation manages hunting opportunities across central South Dakota's reservation, located on the western edge of the Missouri River. Elk hunting here is a fully guided operation—no exceptions. Elk hunts take place in the enclosed 3,000-acr...
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The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Department of Wildlife, Fish & Recreation manages hunting opportunities across central South Dakota's reservation, located on the western edge of the Missouri River. Elk hunting here is a fully guided operation—no exceptions.
Elk hunts take place in the enclosed 3,000-acre Big Game Unit, characterized by steep river breaks vegetated with cedar, plum, and ash, interspersed with grassy open hillsides. Most hunts are completed in one or two days. The terrain demands hiking and stalking, which is part of the experience.
| Tag Type | Tribal Member | Affiliate | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Bull | $1,000 | $3,000 | $3,500 |
| Young Bull | Unavailable | Unavailable | Unavailable |
| Cow | Unavailable | Unavailable | Unavailable |
Beginning in 2024, free-ranging bull and cow tags became available on Lower Brule trust lands outside the Big Game Unit.
| Tag Type | Tribal Member | Affiliate | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free-Ranging Bull | $500 | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Free-Ranging Cow | $100 | $500 | $1,000 |
The lottery application period for all Fall hunts runs January 1 - April 15. Applications must be submitted online. Applicants are notified of lottery results by April 20.
The April 15 deadline applies to all hunters—tribal members, affiliates, and non-members. Plan ahead.
The Lower Brule Sioux Reservation spans rugged breaks adjacent to the Missouri River that gradually transition to gently undulating prairie. The landscape diversity—grasslands, agriculture, and river breaks—creates ideal habitat for multiple species.
The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Department of Wildlife, Fish and Recreation has been actively managing wildlife resources and improving habitat on the reservation for over 50 years.
The department conducts annual population surveys on all game species. Hunters are required to submit harvest report cards within seven days of season end—these questionnaires provide data that biologists use to recommend future season adjustments. Thousands of trees and hundreds of acres of food plots are planted annually. Over the last decade, thousands of acres of marginal cropland have been restored to grasslands. The tribe has also successfully reintroduced rare and endangered species including black-footed ferrets and swift fox.
The tribe offers new cabins for hunters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to relax while enjoying Missouri River scenery.
Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Department of Fish, Wildlife & Recreation PO Box 246 Lower Brule, SD 57548 Phone: (605) 473-5666
Online applications and harvest report submission available on their website.
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