Rapid City SD and the Black Hills

[Davt]

I am reaching out to anyone who might be from that area. I will be moving to that area the end of August and would like to connect with Trad archers and bowhunters in the area. I don't see that there are a lot of archery ranges but there seems to be an abundance of open land to shoot treasured arrows into rocks. I am familiar with the fly fishing in the area but would like to know what are the opportunities to fling arrows. Thanks.

[neargeezer]

Hi Dav,

The Black Hills are mostly Forest Service land with private land sprinkled in throughout. The Forest Service land is open to hunting and stump shooting. Mostly whitetails in the hills with a few mule deer around the perimeter.

There is also National Grasslands that are open to hunting. You will find pronghorns, mule deer, and some whitetails in area's.

Sportsman's dollars also lease some larger tracts of private land for "Walk in Hunting Area's". These are just open to the public during open hunting seasons and you have to have a license for that season. All tracts are listed with the state and you can download an app for phones and Garmin GPS's that show you if you are on hunting properties. Some of the walk in area's are limited to just specific animals.

I stump shoot daily a mile behind my house on Forest Service land. Usually walk 2-4 miles and try not to shoot to many arrows. Opportunity to shoot a trad bow is readily available in the area. If you want more info, feel free to contact me.

Terry Keeney

[Tedd]

Been there a dozen times or so, passing through to wyoming. Looks like a great place to live. I think SD gives a lot of preference to residents for hunting permits.
I like the dry climate and the scenery. The black hills are really nice.

[Davt]

Thanks for the reply's. Terry, I will look you up. I will be moving the end of august and have a week or so to get settled before work starts. I will probably only hunt upland game this fall but will start to actively bow hunt in the spring starting with turkey. I do like to shoot year around.

[SlowBowinMO]

I was raised in Rapid City and it was a great place to live.  I still miss it.  You will like it there.

[monterey]

I have visited Rapid City several times and loved it.  Once I even got a few maps and did some scouting.  Found plenty of sign and places for set ups.