Gettysburg 11/20 - 11/24

W

whitewater

New member
Hunted 5 days out of Gettysburg. Arrived to hunt in 5 inches of snow. It had all but melted by the end of our trip. We had 3 guns, a 4yr. old GSP and a 1 1/2 yr. old Llewellin. Between the 2 dogs, we had more solid points than my previous 5 years of phez hunting. We killed 11 phez and 2 huns total. 3 were killed road hunting and the rest, we put alot of miles in for. We certainly would like to have gotten all of our limits each day but we all had a ball trying.
We also saw a herd of pronghorn about 15 strong near Senaca. Saw some mighty nice whitetail bucks, and I did kill a skunk that came at my setter teeth first.
We had a duck license too but all the ponds were froze over with very few waterfowl left in the area.
 
Glad you had a good time in the Motherland. PM me next time before you come, I'll show you the local flavor. Never met a Louisiana boy who was'nt cool!
 
Glad you Boys got home save. It was nice talking to you both, I'm the guy that let you in the locked back door. We were there the same time and had the same results. The walk in had a lot of cover, but it was hunted hard and the birds where wild and smart. We tried knocking on doors, but found few farmer living on their farms. We were told many now live in town. Found a few home, but with deer season none were interested in letting us hunt. We'll definitely check to see when opening day for Deer season is next year, it was worst then Elk season is out here, kinda like going to a broncos game :eek: .
 
whitewater said:
Hunted 5 days out of Gettysburg. Arrived to hunt in 5 inches of snow. It had all but melted by the end of our trip. We had 3 guns, a 4yr. old GSP and a 1 1/2 yr. old Llewellin. Between the 2 dogs, we had more solid points than my previous 5 years of phez hunting. We killed 11 phez and 2 huns total. 3 were killed road hunting and the rest, we put alot of miles in for. We certainly would like to have gotten all of our limits each day but we all had a ball trying.
We also saw a herd of pronghorn about 15 strong near Senaca. Saw some mighty nice whitetail bucks, and I did kill a skunk that came at my setter teeth first.
We had a duck license too but all the ponds were froze over with very few waterfowl left in the area.
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Hey W W, would like to know where you stayed. I know Gettysburg per say covers a lot of territory and that seems to be the general area we intend to camp this coming fall.
 
We satyed at the Gettysburg Inn. It was reasonably priced, had a minimal continental breakfast and was centrally located for the area we hunted. We had our best luck east and south of Gettysburg. We hunted all public lands. The best plots were hunted hard.
 
ranchodeluxe said:
Glad you had a good time in the Motherland. PM me next time before you come, I'll show you the local flavor. Never met a Louisiana boy who was'nt cool!
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We camped at West Whitlock SP, west of G-Burg this year and had a great trip. We hunted all WIA around that area and then West River WIA spattered throughout the Res. Except for the big plot of WIA. Etc., east of Agar, I don't think ever saw another hunter. We collected Pez, Sharpies, and Huns. Birds every day and good dog work.

RD, we're coming back next year and we'll by you a steak dinner at Bob's for a "taste of the local flavor" with you!
 
We shot a couple huns SE of Senaca (my 1st that I ever saw). I sure would like to get into some more. Where are there huntable concentrations of them in that area and what kind of habitat is best?
 
carpfisher said:
We camped at West Whitlock SP, west of G-Burg this year and had a great trip. We hunted all WIA around that area and then West River WIA spattered throughout the Res. Except for the big plot of WIA. Etc., east of Agar, I don't think ever saw another hunter. We collected Pez, Sharpies, and Huns. Birds every day and good dog work.

RD, we're coming back next year and we'll by you a steak dinner at Bob's for a "taste of the local flavor" with you!
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Sounds good.I know some folks who would be highly likely to let us hunt on their ranch in that area.My best bud lives in Bismark,ND.Gettysburg would be half-way for both of us.Bring some gator, crawfish,andouille and,well,I'll stop there.
 
carpfisher said:
We camped at West Whitlock SP, west of G-Burg this year and had a great trip. We hunted all WIA around that area and then West River WIA spattered throughout the Res. Except for the big plot of WIA. Etc., east of Agar, I don't think ever saw another hunter. We collected Pez, Sharpies, and Huns. Birds every day and good dog work.

RD, we're coming back next year and we'll by you a steak dinner at Bob's for a "taste of the local flavor" with you!
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Hey C-F, Sounds like Whitlock is where we will be heading to camp first week in November. When did you camp here, and, what can you tell me about this campground I may need to know? They "say" they close in October, but others are telling me you can still camp, possibly with limited amenities. We will be towing a 22' pull-behind camper. You mention hunting the res., I believe you are referring to Native American(got to be politically correct) land on the west side of the river. If so, do you have to get special permit or permission from tribal council, not sure how that works.? Only heard of bad situations from two guys that hunted on reservation being "intimidated" by locals. As time draws near, be great to set up meetings with anyone in uph nation. THANX!!!:cheers:
 
I have hunted the rez a lot.As I understand,if the Indian land(that's what my native friends call themselves,so I say it is correct,and proper),borders "white man's land",(for lack of a better term),your SD license is valid.If the land is landlocked by Indian land,you need a tribal license.I suggest getting one anyway.It's cheap insurance and a goodwill gesture.

As far as how a white man is treated,the last time I recall any issues was in about 1973,when the wounds were still deep.I love the Lakota people and respect their culture.If you are the type who can't leave your ego at the border,you may well have issues.If,on the other hand,you are respectful and understand that you are operating in THEIR world,you are in for a great time.Don't look them square in the eye and exhibit any dominant body language.Ask a lot of questions about their lifestyle and culture.Don't debate,just listen and enjoy.Help them cut some wood for the elders,or some similar act of kindness. Most of all,spend your money!They like cash,same as you and I.

There is an "Indian" Warden,who has jurisdiction over natives.They can detain you for the "white man's" warden.But cannot cite you.Same goes vice-versa.Don't expect, or assume, that any law enforcement officer will come to your aid. As they explain to me,don't do anything you don't have the horsepower to handle on your own.The last interaction I had with a BIA cop was when I was sitting in my millionaire rancher buddie's 1950 Chevy which hadn't been licensed since the 60's, on a paved Highway between Pine Ridge and Wounded Knee,spotting Whitetails.I glanced in the rear view and saw cherries (gulp),I told him what I was doing.He ripped the binocs out of my hand and started looking, too.Then all he wanted to know is who owns the land and if the owner would let him hunt?(we aren't so very different in that regard,are we)?

BTW,Indians don't hunt birds and are very likely to let you hunt if you can find out who holds the lease.

Don't leave your new truck sitting by the road.You may find it "customized" when you get back.I always take my "beater" truck because it shows modesty and fits-in with the vehicles they drive.
 
Wow! Info like like that is pure gold! Have to buy you a beer. Thanx, R D! Where and how do you get a tribal license?
 
www.oglalalakotanation.org/

www.sioux.org/

I would suggest starting here,or at the site of the tribe in the area you will hunt.

In the interest of full disclosure,I have never bought a tribal license because I only hunt one ranch on the Pine Ridge rez.It is landlocked and owned by a white man.No one messes with this guy because of his good standing in the Indian and White community.He's always got a bale of hay,a cow or buffalo for an Indian wake,etc. He let's the locals hunt, fish,pray,get drunk,whatever.They do not damage his land or property,but come and go as they please.I'm probably not legal,by the letter of the law.But nobody messes with the owner,for the reasons stated above.Also,tribal elders have a lot more clout than the law.That's why I suggest doing something nice for them.

I was hunting deer with a native friend once.He told me "Bro,if you see a buffalo or elk,shoot him,hey"! I said "Duane,do you even know how much trouble I could get in"? He said,"You are with me,Bro.I feed my elders,that's my job.No one is going to say S@#T,Bro"! Thankfully,no buff or elk showed themselves,but I am certain he was correct in his statement.He drives an '83 Chevy Citation that starts with a screwdriver, (I don't ask questions about things like that)and is far too poor to even consider buying a license to hunt.

It's a different,and fascinating world,down there!
 
birddog456 said:
Hey C-F, Sounds like Whitlock is where we will be heading to camp first week in November. When did you camp here, and, what can you tell me about this campground I may need to know? They "say" they close in October, but others are telling me you can still camp, possibly with limited amenities. We will be towing a 22' pull-behind camper. You mention hunting the res., I believe you are referring to Native American(got to be politically correct) land on the west side of the river. If so, do you have to get special permit or permission from tribal council, not sure how that works.? Only heard of bad situations from two guys that hunted on reservation being "intimidated" by locals. As time draws near, be great to set up meetings with anyone in uph nation. THANX!!!:cheers:
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We usually arrive vic 31 OCT Sat to Sat. State park Website says the campground is open for camping year round. if it gets too cold , for too long, ther will close down the shower house. Any of the WIA land does not require a special license. We did just fine on the WIA. We had no issues with the locals. In fact we didn 't see hardly anybody. Relative to the "rez, they signage says Reservation all over the place. I'm just a short hand kind of a guy.
Stay in touch and we'll see ya out there.
 
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I got my 2011 S D hunting atlas out and noticed there are more wia up by swan creek than whitlock. Any benefit to one over the other? What about all the army corps of eng land, is that huntable? Steel shot required?
 
Every year is different when it come to the wia. ya never know what the farmed will have done with the land. Areas that were good in 2010, weren't in 2011. Its all a crap shot and adds to the adventure, finding new areas, etc. I like that part of hunting Public. We didn't hunt right around the park as it didn't meet our criteria for trying. Food and cover in close proximity. Most of the land around the park was cattled. We did OK west of Agar, and as far west as Eagle butte. We had planned on heading north from Eagle but didn't need to. One evening coming back from hunting we saw over 30 huge whitetail and had a near'um with a monster buck! Hood ornament time.
Use the Atlas or the GPS App. and just keep checking the plots. I would pay for access to real time satellite photos. it would say alot of time as you see what shape the land is in.
 
"Don't look them square in the eye and exhibit any dominant body language."


Are "them" humans (civilized people) or grizzly bears?


Just act normal, it's 2012 for god sakes.
 
We hunted the WIA over in the vic of Eagle Butte. Stopped in town for supplies and chow. Had no problems in town or in the field. Of course, we hardley saw anybody out in the field. Not much evidence anyone elase had hunted the WIA. No feather, shells, garbage, etc.

We are headed back that way next year.
 
I love it out that way. reminds me of the regent/ mott area of North dakota, where I hunted growing up. Great scenery! Great bird hunting!
 
rubberduck said:
"Don't look them square in the eye and exhibit any dominant body language."


Are "them" humans (civilized people) or grizzly bears?


Just act normal, it's 2012 for god sakes.
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That's cool,unless "normal" for you is letting everyone know what a badass you are.That don't fly on their turf.

Remember your intention is to get along and gain access.I was just sharing some "tribal" knowledge that might help to that extent.Your not likely to be scalped for acting like a big shot,just unlikely to leave with any new friends.
 
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