The southern border of this unit runs along Interstate 90 starting in the south at Rapid City, and moving west going through Sturgis. The southern unit is very broken as you are now in the foothills of the Blackhills while the northern section of the unit is situated in the more classic prairie. There is very little public land available in this unit. If you are planning on hunting here a prearranged plan around some private ground is going to be the best plan. There are multiple townships both large and small throughout the unit particularly along Interstate 90. With excellent populations of whitetail and a stable population of mule deer, you can find an excellent quality of both species.

With very limited public access there are few hunters headed to this Unit without a plan around hunting some private property.

This unit is made up of multiple river systems, and countless creek beds losing elevation as it heads north. The southern border approaches the foothills of the Blackhills area of the state while the northern portion of the unit is very much in the prairie. There is scattered agriculture throughout the unit but as a general rule, it is very sparse. Bear Butte Lake near Sturgis is the only lake in the unit and near the only substantial section of public land.

You’ll find a mix of short and tall prairie grass for miles in all directions as well as countless species of wildflowers. Very sparse timber which is primarily a mix of Cottonwood, American Elm, Green Ash, and Bur Oak can be found along the riparian zone of both Belle Fourche River as well as the Elk Creek, Alkali Creek, Bear Butte Creek, and other small creek beds scattered across the unit.

Interstate 90 makes up the southern border, while the New Underwood Road makes up the eastern border. The Akela Road, Highway 34, and Highway 79 stretch across the unit in all directions converging in Sturgis, one of the main hubs along Interstate 90. The Southern half of the unit is more remote with no major roadway, but with many well-maintained country roads that offer access into the most remote parts of the unit.

There are three established campgrounds in this unit, the Elk Ridge Campground just west of Piedmont South Dakota, Kickstands Campground to the south, and Steel Pony to the north of Sturgis South Dakota. There are many townships throughout this unit but the two main hubs are both Rapid City and Sturgis. Both of these towns have multiple lodging choices, grocery stores, sporting goods, fuel, and any other amenities you may need for a hunt in this part of the state.