SD antelope bowhunt?

[Jeff Holchin]

I'd like some advice for a possible SD antelope bowhunt this fall.  I will be bowhunting elk and deer with my son in Montana the last week of september and first week of October, then we'll drive home through SD.  We'd like to include antelope to the menu for Montana if we are very successful on the elk and deer, but must apply for the statewide 900 series tags before June 1.  I did that last year and the tag was never used because I ran out of time - I don't want to waste $400.  So my idea is to consider an OTC tag in SD if somehow we have a few extra days available.  Plus I love hunting new area and have never hunted SD.  The bucks were chasing all over the place late last September when I drove through SD.

I read that the NW counties of Harding, Bute and Perkins are best - are the walk-in areas there good to hunt, or can we get permission on a ranch?  Any particular area that we should focus on?

I also read that the archery season is closed in early October during the rifle season, and we'll be coming through right around October 5-7 or so, but I couldn't find 2007 seasons on the SD game and fish web site.  Will this be a problem?

Thanks.

[Morebows]

The firearms season is typically Oct 1-15, so I think you will be out of luck.  However, the archery season opens up after the 15th until the end of Oct, if that is an option?  The archery season for 2007 has been set but probably hasn't made it to the website yet.  Don't remember if the firearms season is set yet or if it is always Oct 1-15. Lots of walk in land  in that area - lookup the maps on the GFP website and it will tell you all you need to know.  I've hunted there for a number of years and the hunting pressure is definately going up every year in the last 4-5 years, not like it used to be.  Their "OTC" tag isn't a true over the counter.  You can only purchase it in person at the GFP headquarters in Pierre (middle of the state).  Otherwise you have to go on-line to purchase it in advance of your hunt and have it mailed to you.  Personally, I've hunted Montana, too and I would stick with that since you are already there.  Hope this helps and good luck.