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South Dakota Elk Hunting

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Prairie Highlands Lodge operates a full-service hunting outfitter with access to over 1,300,000 acres of Rosebud Sioux Tribal land spanning five counties (Todd, Mellette, Tripp, Gregory, Lyman) plus private hunting preserve land. Located in Wood, South Dakota, the operation is run by Abel Harmon and...

South Dakota Elk Hunting

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Prairie Highlands Lodge operates a full-service hunting outfitter with access to over 1,300,000 acres of Rosebud Sioux Tribal land spanning five counties (Todd, Mellette, Tripp, Gregory, Lyman) plus private hunting preserve land. Located in Wood, South Dakota, the operation is run by Abel Harmon and has been guiding hunts for 14 years.

The hunting country ranges from high plains that stretch to the horizon to rolling hills dropping into deep wooded creeks, valleys, and massive river valleys with mature cottonwood and cedar trees. Access to this diversity means multiple hunt locations available—you're not hunting the same ground day after day.

Big Game - Whitetail deer (archery on private preserve, archery on tribal land, rifle, muzzleloader) - Mule deer (rifle and archery, spot-and-stalk) - American bison - Pronghorn antelope

Small Game & Upland Birds - Merriam turkey (spring hunts) - Prairie dog (May-June, hundreds of dog towns available) - Prairie chicken - Sharp-tailed grouse - Ringneck pheasant

  • Weapons Accepted: Rifle, shotgun, bow, or muzzleloader depending on hunt type.
Hunt TypeSeasonPriceDurationWeapon
Archery (Private Preserve)Sept 1 - Dec 31$6,0005 days/6 nightsBow
Archery (Tribal Land)Sept - Dec$6,0005 days/6 nightsBow
Rifle (Tribal Land)Nov 2nd Saturday, 2 weeks$7,0005 days/6 nightsRifle
Muzzleloader (Tribal Land)December$6,0005 days/6 nightsMuzzleloader
Additional Days$1,000-$1,500Per day

100% Success Rate on Muzzleloader Hunts - 14 years of operation with guaranteed draw on tags. Early season timing means deer haven't been pressured.

For bow hunters, the lodge manages a 3,000-acre archery-only preserve in Mellette County on the White River valley. The property includes three miles of river frontage and a private 40-acre island. Expect to see 140" to 180" class whitetail. Only 6 archery whitetail hunters and 8 archery turkey hunters booked per year to ensure exclusivity. Tree stands and ground blinds available. Fully-guided or semi-guided options.

Mule deer hunts take place on tribal land with trophy bucks ranging 150" to 180"+. Spot-and-stalk hunting method.

Hunt TypeSeasonPriceDuration
RifleNov (2nd Saturday, 2 weeks)$7,0005 days/6 nights
ArcherySept 1 - Dec 31$7,0005 days/6 nights
Additional Days$1,500Per day

Merriam turkey hunts on Rosebud Tribal Land (1.25M acres). Spring season April 2 - May 15. Package includes 2 male turkeys.

  • Price: $3,000 (3 days/4 nights)
  • Weapon: Shotgun or archery
  • Guide: Semi-guided
  • Includes: Guiding, lodging, meals, transportation, blinds, and decoys

Hunt the second-fastest animal on the planet across native prairie and badlands with views to the horizon.

  • Season: September 14-22
  • Price: $4,250 (4 days/5 nights)
  • Weapon: Rifle only
  • Guide: Fully-guided or semi-guided
  • Lottery Tag System: Nearly 100% chance of winning

If you want prairie dog hunting, this is the place. The area has HUNDREDS of dog towns.

  • Season: May 1 - June 30 (now booking 2024)
  • Average Day: 150-500+ rounds from close range to long distance
  • Towns Available: 50 to 1,000 acre dog towns, new location each day
  • Group Capacity: Up to 14 hunters
  • Pricing (per person/per day):
  • 1-3 hunters: $795
  • 4-5 hunters: $775
  • 6-14 hunters: $750
  • Includes: Guiding, lodging, meals, open bar, shooting benches. Minimum 2-day hunt.
  • Weapons: All calibers accepted (no full metal jackets). Bring your arsenal.

The main lodge is a 4,000 square foot log structure sleeping up to 14 guests. Amenities include: - Full bar - Pool table and poker table - Lounge with large screen TV - Laundry facilities - Natural hot springs cedar hot tub (steps from lodge)

All hunt packages include lodging, meals, and an open bar.

  • Deposit: $1,000 per gun for most hunts (50% for prairie dog and turkey hunts)
  • Cancellation Policy:
  • More than 90 days before hunt: deposits nonrefundable, but balance applies toward rescheduled hunt up to one year
  • Within 60 days of arrival: forfeit all payments
  • Fewer guests than booked: payments cannot be applied to other guests/services

Hunts on tribal land require Rosebud Sioux Tribe General Hunting License + tag. 75% or better chance of winning lottery system on most hunts.