Black Hills turkey?

[dosbow56]

We're in the preliminary planning stages of a next spring Black Hills turkey hunt. Can anyone familiar give us any pointers? We're flatlanders from Illinois and don't know up from down out there.....We'll be tenting so looking for good camp grounds, where to hunt etc. just about anything and everything.
Thanks,
Dave

[Steve in Canton]

Tons of turkeys everywhere out there. I have done 2 DIY hunts there in the last 6 years and have been successful both times.  I will try to find some pictures.  I would base my hunt out of Hill City and hunt all of the surrounding national forest.  Make sure you take time to explore Custard State Park and the badlands.  Also if you have time go to the Mammoth Site about 1 hour south of Rapid City.  Take your fishing rods, good fishing for trout.

[wislnwings]

I also have made two successful trips there for turkey.  We tent camped right out of the truck.  The first year we drove around on forest service roads until we located an area with good numbers of turkeys (used a coyote locator call).  We just pulled off at a good shaded, level area and set up camp.  From there we hunted on foot in any direction.  In those two trips two of us managed to kill five birds.  The second year we bought shotgun and archery tags.  As Steve said, the area around Hill City is a good starting point.  And he is right, plan extra time to see Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and the other area attractions.  You won't be dissappointed.

[dosbow56]

Thanks guys, soundin better all the time!.....Any info on permits, tags etc?
Dave

[wislnwings]

Last spring I bought two tags.  One Black Hills tag and one statewide archery tag.  I think it was around $180.

[Steve O]

I ditto the same thing as the others, except we stayed at the Hill City Holiday Inn Express...it was very cheap and they were very hunter friendly!  We shotgunned, I don't think I would want to be hauling my Matrix all over those hills!

[dosbow56]

Sounds like around Hill City is the place to go. We're doing this on the CHEAP, so we'll be tenting for sure. I found the turkey tag on their website, but I can't see where you need a hunting license also. Do you just need the tags? SD has a really nice interactive site.
Steve, did you say HILLS?????? We're from flat ol' Illinois!.........LOL Maybe I should start gettin my lard butt in shape huh?
Dave

[wislnwings]

The last time I made this trip I was still living in WI.  It was a 10-11 hour drive.  Total cost of our trip including licenses and gas was less than $500 each.  With gas prices where they are now that probably just jumped to $1000.     If the shape you're in is like me.....round....I would suggest getting into shape before your trip.  You will cover some ground chasing turkeys in those hills and you will have a better trip if you're not winded after every hill.  (speaking from experience from my first trip)  My longbow bird was killed out of my Matrix a couple days into my last hunt.  I waited until I located an area just off a roost where the turkeys traveled through pretty regularly strutting in the morning.  Then set up the blind and a couple decoys and let them come to us.  We killed two that morning minutes apart.  Hill City really rolls out the red carpet for turkey hunters.  You'll see signs and banners everywhere welcoming hunters.

[Steve O]

For sure, you need to be in shape for the Black Hills...you will see lots of elk sign in the timber.

[dosbow56]

As I sit here reading this drinking my Pepsi float......LOL I'll make that P1 starting first thing tomorrow morning......thanks for all the help guys.
DAve

[PrarrieDog]

I have seen turkey west of Custer. South on 4 mile road. This is south of Hill City by 15 minutes. There is an archery shop east side of Custer and they might be of some help.  Good luck.
Prarrie Dog

[Doug S]

You pretty much can't screw up a DYO hills hunt for turkeys. All you need to buy is the turkey tags you want. There is a statewide bow tag and then a hills gun and a hills bow tag.( I think this is correct). Call them, they are very helpful. The Rapid city office I mean. Watch the dates they are good for. Park camp and hunt. I will help you all I can. Just email me. I suggest a South dakota gazateer map. Gives camping areas and other things to do. The drive to Devils tower is a good one. If you come the first week of the season the birds will still be in winter groups and you probably better bring snow camo. Makes for a cool hunt, 2 ways. Not an uncomfortable cold though. 2 yrs ago 2 ft of snow on the opener.

Doug

[dosbow56]

Thanks guys, some great info to help us plan with. Doug, I'll drop you a line.
Dave