Fishing Forum

There is not much action on the hunting board so I wanted to post my problem here.

I am scheduled to hunt in South Dakota mid-November for pheasants and white-tail deer. I have been looking forward to this great hunt on an indian reservation.

My problem.....

I just drew out in area 40-1 for deer. I would imagine the best time to hunt the unit is also mid-November. (same time I am scheduled to be in South Dakota.

Further probelm....

It will be hard to tell my wife that I am going to be hunting for two weeks in November in addition to fishing and weekend bird hunts.

Solution....

I may have to choose between the hunts.

Question for all of you.....

I have never hunting in unit 40-1, but I understand there are some nice deer in the area. Have any of you hunted 40-1??? What kind of animals am I likely to encounter assuming I hunt hard??? How likely would it be to find a buck with a spread exceeding 30"????

Thank you in advance for your responses! If any of you can think of a great solution, let me know.

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I read your post yesterday and was hoping someone would reply to your questions.... but since no one has posted my 2-cents.

First off I am a avid big game hunter and know your pull between hunts - last year I drew out on a limited entry deer hunt and was schedule to go to South Dakota pheasant hunting.

I spent my time and really scouted the area I was deer hunting and knew the patterns of a bunch of fine bucks. This pattern was the same day after day - just like clockwork.

Last year was my first year going to South Dakota bird hunting in 25 years. I have a cousin who farms 80,000 acres and South Dakota has more birds now than they have has in 25 years. You can have your best bird hunting in a life time.

And guess what - when I got back from my pheasant hunt and went on the last 4 days of my a deer hunt - the deer were still in the same place and moving in the same patterns.

Obviously - my answer is you better do both because who knows when the chance will come around again...
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I agree....find a way to do both!! I am also heading to SD this year, about where are you going?? Don't know much about unit 40, other than there are some big ones hiding down there......
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I am planning on hunting the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. I have already forked out $351 for the deer tag and they have so many pheasants on the reservation that the limit is actually 5 a day unlike the South Dakota limit of 3. I know that it will be amazing trip.

However, after much pondering, my priority has to be on Unit 40. Every year there are many 30" deer killed in the area and some wait a lifetime to hunt the unit. I am going to try to do both the the priority will be in Idaho.
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No question, you should do the deer hunt. That is a prime unit that people would pay thousands to be in your shoes. Not that shooting pheasants isn't fun, but a 30" buck... I'm glad you made the right decision.

Brady
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