Located just southeast of Sturgis, Interstate 90 makes up the western boundary and runs all the way south towards Piedmont. The western side of the unit is very broken as part of the foothills of the Black Hills while the eastern side 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. Good numbers of elk can be found in this unit, but public land to hunt is at a minimum. It is worth researching and getting landowner permission prior to applying.

Great hunting conditions are found here but the lack of public hunting opportunities can send most DIY hunters into adjacent units.

This unit is made up of a couple river systems, and countless creek beds losing elevation as it heads east. The western border approaches the foothills of the Blackhills area of the state while the eastern 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.

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 Alkali Creek and other small creek beds scattered across the unit.

Interstate 90 makes up the western border from Sturgis down to Piedmont, while counties roads make up the other boarders. The vast majority 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 established campgrounds near 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 along the western edge of 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.