Opening day
Contributors to this thread:South Dakota
From: Mnhunter1980
02-Sep-19
Anyone make it out deer hunting ? I’m interested how the overall experience was without non residents to compete with.
From: DR
02-Sep-19
Just one day but VERY much improved from the guys I know who ventured to the "hot spots". I stayed close today and didn't head up there so it's not first hand. We should hear much more once most get back from the long weekend and hear what they report. GFP didn't act on antelope in 19 so I heard the same "NR pressure" complaints from a few guys bowhunting pronghorn over the last few weeks.
From: RD in WI
02-Sep-19
It will be interesting to see some data on early season resident harvests this year when compared to earlier years that had greater non-resident pressure. It will also be interesting to see what GFP does in upcoming seasons in regards to antelope. Best of luck this season.
From: Animal Killer
13-Sep-19
Was at one of the hot spots over opening weekend and it was just really odd not seeing a hundred ppl everywhere. ran into a group from the ne corner of the state that landed a very nice 4x4 mulie. myself, seen a couple but fog made it tough hunting the mornings.
From: Mnhunter1980
30-Sep-19
Was sept a little more enjoyable on public ground for you guys?
From: Griz34
30-Sep-19
It was nice, I just wish I would have performed better. I had a 160 inch 10 point at 35 yards on public and he caught me drawing. I also had what I think was a 140 inch 8 point at 27 yards. I ranged a hay bale behind him at 40 and skipped an arrow off his back. One of the biggest antelope bucks I have ever seen in South Dakota ran straight at me after I had stalked him for almost three hours. He came over the hill 15 yards away facing me. All my pins were on his chest and I shit the bed. I was so excited I jerked the release and pulled it to the left. Didn't even touch him. I thought I had this bow hunting stuff figured out after 30 years....HA! I guess not.
From: Mnhunter1980
30-Sep-19
That’s a bummer grizz34! Sounds like you have the hunting /stalking part down though. I have choked on gimme shots more than I would like to admit. Good news is you got time to redeem yourself. Your luck will change!!
From: DR
01-Oct-19
September was NIGHT and DAY different from my experience and the hunters I spoke to. It wasn't the course of action SDBI requested but it seems to have at least stemmed the tide a bit. Now i guess we'll have to see how it works the rest of the year on Public lands. I'll be particularly interested in how many total NR (unlimited) licenses were sold and if it had any effects there. The same will be applicable to future harvest reports, particularly on the number of Mule Deer taken. If those are reduced in 'hot spot' areas then the Commissioners will have compromised effectively IMO.
From: Brotsky
01-Oct-19
I'll let you know what I see this weekend DR. I feel like a NR, I hunted out of state all of September and now I can finally start at home!
From: Mnhunter1980
02-Oct-19
Good luck guys, keep us posted