Hunting & Fishing Hunting Varmints in South Dakota

[Bunnypunter]

Hey y'all,

A few of us 'Hiders are heading out to the Hot Springs, SD area later in October to do a little varmint hunting. We have some private ground we are going to be shooting on but would also like any suggestions for backup areas incase the varmint populations have died off on the PG. Any thought or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[orkan]

There aren't much for prairie dogs in the black hills. However, to either the east or west just a little bit, they can get pretty thick! I don't have any specific fields for you to check out though, sorry. I do know that south dakota has an abundance of public ground though, and for us long range shooters, we can find some sod puppies within range that keep the weekend warriors at bay.

 

[Bunnypunter]

Thanks orkan. Any other 'Hiders is SD willing to weigh in on this?

 

[RTH1800]

I think skinney killed every varmint in SD. LOL

 

[DirtyDave]

I'm no help. I hunt the opposite corner of the state. Good luck to ya though!

 

[varmint slayer]

Honestly planning a trip around prairie dogs this late in the year probably isn't going to yield the results that you are looking for. Main reason is the weather is pretty unpredictable this time of year. Prairie dogs like lots of sunshine and warm weather which is something Oct doesn't offer much of. Also by this time of year most of the towns have been hit pretty hard and are the p dogs are pretty skiddish.

 

[Bunnypunter]

We have other business out that way, so PD's and coyotes are just to sweeten the trip. I realize they enjoy basking in the sun and Oct doesnt seem to have an abundance of that. Hoping to get lucky and have good weather.

 

[varmint slayer]

We have other business out that way, so PD's and coyotes are just to sweeten the trip. I realize they enjoy basking in the sun and Oct doesnt seem to have an abundance of that. Hoping to get lucky and have good weather.

Well you could definitely luck out. Stranger things have happened.

 

[kurt]

hopefully the 2 feet of snow they are predicting for this weekend will be gone by then

 

[varmint slayer]

hopefully the 2 feet of snow they are predicting for this weekend will be gone by then

Or not show up at all lol..

 

[Doogie]

For a little more info, the place we will be at is east of Buffalo Gap, next to the Cheyenne. But the main reason I usually am over there and main reason of the property(~330 acres) is for the pheasant and deer seasons. I kind of knew we would be on the later side for prairie dogs, but I have seen them out in mid November with temperatures lower than I would have thought to have seen them and little sun light.

Has anyone tried for coyotes in the black hills? I would imagine they have some prey in the hills, but I've actually never thought about coyotes up there until this year.

 

[Bunnypunter]

Well hell, snow camo and coyotes then. I'm just happy hunting. If all else fails we'll turn Eznutz into a target.

Or not show up at all lol..