Quick Tips
- Tire chains and four-wheel drive may be required during inclement weather
- GOHUNT Maps are recommended to help navigate public and private lands
On The Ground
Terrain
Vegetation
Access
Camping and Lodging
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
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This unit sits on the eastern edge of the Black Hills and holds a smaller amount of elk, and public land, than many of the other Black Hills units. Most of the elk in this unit are typically found on private lands, though some public opportunities can exist. In general, hunters are recommended to seek private permission for the best odds of success on this hunt.
Most of the elk in this unit are found on private lands and the best odds for success will probably be found with securing access to these.
Most of this unit is fairly flat but small timbered ridges pop out all over the unit and create a unique terrain type. Hunters will find little issues in physically accessing any portions of the unit but the lack of public land will be the big show stopper for the DIY hunter. Most of the north facing slopes are heavily timbered but the remaining slopes and flats are open and great for glassing
Many of the noth facing slopes areas are heavily timbered with stands of primarily Ponderosa pines but hunters will also encounter white spruce, aspen, bur ok, and paper birch. Some juniper can be found in lower elevations. Natural grasses will be present throughout the unit but will in the greatest abundance in more open areas and at lower elevations.
Highway 79 runs through the entire unit from north to south and provides to best initial access to various portions of the unit. From this, many county and forest service roads lead into each corner of the unit. Securing private access will be th best bet for filling a tag and hunters and encouraged to seek this out prior to leaving for the hunt.
This unit is fairly remote and hunters will likely need to meet most of their gear needs prior to leaving for the hunt. Some modern lodging options can be found on the southern end of the unit in the town of Hot Springs as well as some scattered campgrounds in the same area. Some amenities can be found in Buffalo Gap and Fairburn but these will be limited.
Roughly 230 square miles
9% public land
Elevations range from 3,100 - 4,900 feet