SW North Dakota / NW South Dakota

sagerat · Feb 19, 2007

I'm thinking of applying for these areas as a backup if Montana doesn't come through this year. Anybody out there know the odds of drawing a nonresident tag? Also is there much BLM land or is it strictly private? Any advise or comments would really help.

Daxter · Feb 20, 2007

Can't tell you about SD, but ND only gives 1% of its rifle mule deer tags to non-residents. It is a tough draw and there is very little public land. Some good bucks in the area, maybe it is worth building points if you have a landowner that you know will let you on. I am curious about SD if anybody knows anything. Good luck.

Dax

Dmanmastertracker · Feb 20, 2007

I've hunted the northwestern corner of the central North Dakota mountain range in the northern part of the State, but it's a little tougher hunting than the southwestern mountain range that starts in North Dakota but runs in to South Dakota's northern mountains.....
Sorry, couldn't resist.

My best advice is get lucky and draw Montana.

nochawk · Feb 20, 2007

Why not apply for the northeast corner of wyoming for a whitetail? or try for a Blackhills deer tag in south Dakota?

I drew a 700 antelope tag last year in Montana and then ran over to South Dalota for a blackhills deer while in the area. very doable hunt.. of course if you draw the combo and then try to hunt the missouri breaks area you will be too worn out for anything else..

sagerat · Feb 21, 2007

Thanks for the suggestions. I have thought of Wyoming and the SD Blackhills but I'm seriously looking to hunt mule deer. Not much BLM in NE Wyoming. What about the SD Blackhills tag, is it mule deer country? Thanks again.

MNHunter · Feb 22, 2007

Lots of public land in SD but mostly whities will be seen. I've hunted there for many years and have seen some nice mulies. You most likely won't draw SD on your first try, takes 1 PP. At least it has been like that for our group since 99.

"Whatever you are, be a good one."
- Abraham Lincoln

glacial21 · Feb 22, 2007

SD Black Hills: mostly whitetail habitat.

There are a lot of mule deer in the country between the Black Hills and the ND state line though, and there is a lot of public land there. Scouting would be an enormous help with all of that country to cover.