Black Hills SD Turkey Hunting

[fwagner]

Anyone have any experience at hunting turks in the Black Hills? Obviously that's a huge area but I'm looking into going this spring so I have a few questions.

1: Is it shotgun only? I hope....
2: Can you get away from other hunters if you're willing to hike?
3: Lots of regions are seeing a decline in turkey numbers....is the Black Hills seeing this same problem?

...Thanks!!

 

[Deleted member 38069]

1. As opposed to?
2. Yes, 80+% of the land is public!
3. Don't know the numbers.

 

[NoWiser]

Just go, you won’t regret it. Have good boots and be ready for any kind of weather. When I went we hardly saw another hunter, but we were also hunting in a blizzard. If I could find a way to make it an annual trip, I would.

 

[Chad Gus]

I used to hunt there on a somewhat regular basis, but it's been a few years since I've been. Every year seemed be less turkeys then the previous time i hunted it, but still decent numbers. Pressure was light every time I hunted there. Be prepared for all weather conditions, I've hunted in 80 degrees to hiking threw waste deep snow drifts. I would recommend this hunt to everyone to try at least once.

 

[bmt99]

1. No.
2. Somewhat. it is a small area so you will see some turkeys. there is another thread on this I saw recently.
3. yes. that is true here too but there are still a lot

start here: https://gfp.sd.gov/turkey/