My First Opener in SD

[NEBirder]

Heading to SD for the opener! I always hunt late season (late Dec-Jan) in the eastern part of the state on private, but want to experience the opener. I am focusing on a triangle from Bonesteel/Murdo/Fort Pierre Grasslands. All public. Solo with my British Lab Boone. I'm hoping to also get into some grouse and possibly shoot a few prairie dogs. Most importantly, I just want to see some new country and enjoy the opener. Thoughts or suggestions?

 

[carptom1]

There is not much public down towards Murdo, but there are not as many hunters. Pierre has a ton of public…. Saying it will be a zoo on the opener will not do it justice

 

[A5 Sweet 16]

That's a pretty skinny triangle. All that "School & Public Lands" stuff....I wouldn't expect it to be very good. It's typically not, at least in the eastern 1/2 of the state. Maybe it's great for grouse & prairie dogs though; I really don't know.

 

[Weimdogman]

Good luck have fun. Keep us updated on your little get away!

 

[Wyowalleye]

I saw a TV show about guys hunting the Fort Pierre Grasslands. One of the dogs got bit by a rattle snake. I have never hunted there but I am wondering if there are a lot of snakes there.

 

[BRITTMAN]

West of the Missouri River - yes. East of the Missouri River - generally no. Same in ND.

 

[remy3424]

We used to shoot PDs around Murdo, plague or poison changed that. Never saw many pheasants shooting prairie dawgs there, shoot further NW now, but still don't see lots of birds....but we aren't shooting in bird cover.

 

[NEBirder]

Thanks for the feedback. My son has agreed to join me, so I won’t be solo.