Dewey County, South Dakota

Missouri River breaks and terrace land along the eastern edge transitioning to broad, open mixed-grass prairie plains westward. Deep coulees and grassy draws provide principal cover for big game. The landscape is stark, remote, and largely unchanged from the era of frontier settlement.

Severely restricted by Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation tribal lands which encompass the vast majority of the county. Non-tribal hunters are limited to a small number of BLM and state parcels; tribal permits are required for reservation hunting and are available to non-tribal members.

Extremely low on accessible non-tribal land. The combination of remoteness and tribal land creates a de facto sanctuary that makes the available ground exceptional for those willing to navigate the logistics and long drives.

OTC licenses for non-tribal portions; mule deer and white-tailed deer both available depending on specific zone. Trophy potential is very high given minimal hunting pressure across the vast landscape.

Pronghorn roam the open prairie grasslands in good numbers and offer fair-chase spot-and-stalk opportunities on public BLM ground. Sharp-tailed grouse hunting can be excellent on native prairie. Missouri River backwaters offer limited but quality waterfowl opportunities.

Among the least-pressured big-game country in South Dakota; Missouri River breaks hold genuine trophy mule deer for hunters who can secure legal access.