Custer County, South Dakota
Unit info
- Game species
- White-tailed Deer, Mule Deer, Elk, Wild Turkey, Black Bear, Pronghorn
- Group
- West River
- Area
- N/A
- Public land
- N/A
White-tailed Deer — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 485
Draw odds for White-tailed Deeraren't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
Season & harvest data is published for White-tailed Deer so far. Mule Deer, Elk, Wild Turkey, Black Bear, Pronghorn also occur here — that data can be added as the community contributes.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedCuster County sits at the heart of the Black Hills, encompassing Custer State Park, the southern reaches of Black Hills National Forest, and some of the most diverse big-game hunting in South Dakota. Elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, wild turkey, and black bear all reside here, making it the premier multi-species destination in the state. The park itself operates a regulated hunt that consistently produces quality bulls and mature bucks.
Ponderosa pine-covered hills and granite ridges of the central Black Hills, with open meadows, rocky outcrops, and stream drainages. Elevation ranges from 3,500 to over 6,000 feet. Custer State Park meadows and Wind Cave NP border land add diverse habitat.
Moderate overall; Custer State Park hunts are competitive draws that limit access to prime elk habitat. National Forest archery hunting sees moderate pressure, while general firearm seasons draw hunters from across the region.
State-issued licenses by unit; some areas carry antler restrictions. Park hunts require separate application and are limited. Elk tags are draw-only and among the most coveted in the state.
Elk hunting is the headliner with Custer State Park running structured hunts producing quality bulls. Black bear season is open with limited tags under the Black Hills season framework. Wild turkey populations are strong in the ponderosa pine understory year-round.
Custer State Park elk hunts are among the most sought-after tags in SD; one of the few Black Hills counties where black bear, elk, and pronghorn can all realistically be targeted in the same season.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about Custer County— or drop a tip or trick: access points, where game holds, glassing spots, conditions, crowding, gear that worked. This is where the unit's species-specific intel gets built, hunter by hunter.
Nothing posted yet about Custer County.
Be the first — ask a question (“Best public access on the north end?”) or share a tip (“Glass the burn scars off the main ridge at first light”).
Boundaries: SDGFP county-based deer management units. Community info last updated 15d ago.