This particular unit hosts more public and walk-in land than average for the east river area, particularly along Lake Oahe/Missouri River. Making up the western half of Sully County, this unit is at the western edge of the counties that observe Central Time. This unit boasts one of the largest portions of river frontage in the state. There is plenty of public access and walk-in land available near the river as well as central to the unit where the river branches off and winds back east.

Even with a larger portion of walk in and public land in this particular unit, getting permission to hunt private land would be beneficial.

This unit is very flat with a mix of river frontage, CRP, and agricultural land. Making up the western portion of Sully County, the terrain mostly slopes westward into the river valley at 1650 ft above sea level, and the highest point reaching 1949 ft along the midpoint of its northern boundary line. Most of the area is devoted to agriculture, and has moderate precipitation. The unit’s ecology is typical of a grassland. Cottonwoods, elms, and willows are common in the floodplain forests near the rivers and lakes. It truly makes for some fantastic whitetail habitat spread across the entire unit.

You will find a mix of short and tall prairie grass across the unit as well as countless species of wildflowers. Government partnered CRP is growing throughout the unit, with a healthy mix of food plot seed and grassland restorations being implemented across the state on private land. Very sparse timber can be found along the Missouri River and Lake Oahe to the west which is primarily a mix of Cottonwood, American Elm, and Willow. This provides a rich habitat for whitetail deer, fox, and beavers as well as migratory birds.

Separated from unit 59 B by US highway 83 to the east, this unit makes up the western half of Sully County. US highway 83 runs the entire length of the unit from north to south providing access to any point in the east. The Missouri River/Lake Oahe makes up the western border so there aren’t many quick routes along most of the available public land in the area. Another option is State Road 1804 which again traverses the entirety of the unit north to south. It stays close to the river, maintaining less than 14 miles from the river depending on the curvature of the river. East to west you can gain access to the river area using several numbered streets visible on a map. State Road 1804 is likely the best option for hunting in the western portion of the unit as it also provides quick access to the largest portions of walk-in land just surrounding the 188th street crossing. The county roads are not as developed near the north boundary, but using a number of paved and marked roads you should be able to get to all public access areas. Follow all local rules regarding public use.

There are plenty of camping options in this unit. Most of them are located in the state lands fronting the Missouri River. Some options north to south are West Prairie Resort, Little Bend RV Park, Okobojo Resort, Dakota Sky RV park, Codgers Cove RV Park, and Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. Check with each location for rules and regulations for camping.

Onida is the main hub for amenities in this unit, located centrally north to south and just east of the boundary line. It has a population of 663, and hosts The Corner gas station as well as the local restaurant, Bakery Cafe. The Wheatland Inn is a reputable lodging option, with good recommendations from past visitors in the unit for hunting.

Under half an hour away to the south is Pierre, the capital city of South Dakota. It is accessible by State Rd 1804, running south out of the unit. This is a full service location with supply shops including Walmart, multiple gas stations, lodging options, chain and local restaurants, and is served by Pierre Regional Airport. Visitors in the area can find everything they need in Pierre. Public camping is available in Pierre at the Farm Island State Recreation Area.