Circle H Ranch Gregory Pheasant hunting at its finest is what you find at Circle H Ranch located in the heart of “pheasant country” near Gregory, SD. Thousands of acres of premier pheasant terrain are reserved for the exclusive use and enjoyment of our guests.

Like pheasant hunting, deer hunting is another popular activity for South Dakota. Although deer can be hunted all throughout the state the Black Hills area offers the largest abundance of deer. Spanning hundreds of miles and towering up to elevations of more than 7,000 feet, the pine-covered mountains of the Black Hills are a deer hunter’s dream. Plentiful hunting can be had among thick groves of white spruce, aspen, ponderosa pine, and white spruce. The area is marked by geological contrasts: rolling hills give way to sweeping prairies, while the steepest peaks are flanked by deep gorges.

Of the 2.3 million acres spanned by the Black Hills, a staggering 1.2 million acres is designated as hunting area, with a vast majority classified as public land. Of the deer available to be hunted in the Black Hills, a large majority (approximately 75%) are white-tailed deer, while the remaining are mule deer. Outside of the Black Hills, the West River region of South Dakota (consisting of rolling hills and rivers west of the Missouri River) is also home to plentiful whitetails and mule deer.

The designated deer hunting seasons vary based on region and type of deer. Black Hills deer hunting licenses are granted by random lottery drawings.  Click here to learn more about licensing requirements and deer hunting publications.

When hunting for big game, South Dakotan hunters must wear at least one outer garment (i.e. a coat, hat, or vest) in fluorescent orange. Most deer hunters opt to camp or lodge in the surrounding cities of Lead, Deadwood, Custer, Hill City, Hot Springs, or Spearfish.

Deer Hunting Tips

• Use a four-wheel-drive vehicle. When hunting in the heavily forested Black Hills, the right type of vehicle, such as a four-wheel-drive truck or ATV, makes it much easier to traverse rough terrain.
• Backpack into remote areas. If there’s a rugged area your vehicle can’t access, strap on your backpack and venture on foot.
• Use a tree stand. When hunting alone or with a small group, a tree stand can be a highly effective way to track Black Hills deer.
• Consider an organized hunt. There are many well-orchestrated hunting ventures that take out large groups of hunters into the Black Hills. The advantage of joining a planned trip is that you’ll benefit from the experience and expertise of the organizers and the other hunters.
• Master the decoy. Research the most effective decoy for your targeted deer species, and be sure to place it in the correct landing pockets.
• Be prepared for the elements. When hunting in the fall, you can expect a wide variety of weather conditions, from mild sunshine to raging snowstorms. Dress in layers and bring insulating winter gear to protect extremities.