South Dakota is issuing unlimited elk hunting licenses in eastern counties as the herd expands eastward. Here's what hunters need to know and how to take advantage of this opportunity.
South Dakota elk hunting in the eastern counties means mixed terrain — agricultural fields, river bottoms, and prairie grasslands. Unlike mountain elk, these animals are often hunted on the move across more open ground, which means visibility safety is critical. Pack a blaze orange vest and a blaze orange ball cap for any multi-hunter situation on public land.
For the hunt itself, plan for cold mornings and warm afternoons — a merino microweight base layer manages that swing better than any synthetic, and stays quiet when you're moving through standing corn or river timber. Add a pair of waterproof hunting boots and you're prepared for prairie mud and creek crossings. Shop all elk hunt gear at Venator Hunting.
