Quick Tips
- Finding private land to hunt on could prove the most successful in this unit
- If you are willing to work hard and hunt difficult terrain, check out the eastern slope of the Missouri Plateau
- The waterfowl hunting in this unit can be phenomenal
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-160" | 170"+ |
On The Ground
The unit contains part of the Missouri Plateau. This plateau is characterized by rolling hills and grasslands, which makes for good deer habitat. The plateau rises relatively sharply, and the prominent terrain has many ravines. These often have small to large pockets of forested areas, as well as ample food for deer. There are several public access areas on the western slope that provide phenomenal hunting opportunities.
Good deer herds and numbers can be found here and hunters with good access, or private access, can be in for a great hunt. Whitetail are more common in this unit than mule deer.
Terrain
The terrain in this unit is very diverse. The west side of the unit contains almost entirely flat agricultural lands. The east side has the portion of the Missouri Plateau that rises nearly 500 feet. This steep terrain offers excellent deer hunting opportunities. There are lakes and pothole ponds dotting the entire eastern side of the unit and while it is excellent for waterfowl hunting, these small public access areas shouldn’t be overlooked for deer.
Roughly 1,785 square miles
3.7% public land
Elevations range from 1,500 – 2,100ft
Vegetation
This unit has a lot of agricultural land on its east side. It is well known for providing ample grains and livestock agriculture, which are great for deer also. However, the unit also has ample grassland and wetlands.
Access
The majority of the land in this unit is easy to get to and will not require four-wheel drive. There are multiple highways cutting through the unit that make travel quick and easy. However, there are some areas, especially on the eastern slope of the Missouri Plateau that may take a good pair of hiking boots and some determination to reach. These areas can house large bucks and should not be overlooked. The east side of the state has far more public land while the west side of unit 2H is made up primarily of agricultural farmland. There are plenty of deer but not lots of public land opportunities. In order to find good hunting opportunities in this part of the unit, hunters will need to put in time well before the season getting to know what private lands allow hunting. If you plan to hunt Unit 2I, the eastern slope of this plateau is an area you should not overlook.
Just south of Highway 11 there is a 3-mile-long stretch of public access, made up of the Lazy M Waterfowl Production Area and two parcels of state land that provide great hunting opportunities.
Camping and Lodging
Surprisingly, unit 2H doesn’t have any campgrounds. However, most wildlife management areas in the state allow camping but be sure to check each one’s specific regulations. For someone looking to make their basecamp within the unit, the town of Ashley is going to be the best option. The Ashley Lodge and the Ashley Inn both provide lodging. It is best to call well ahead of the season to ensure that there is still a vacancy when you need it.
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