Hunt for Turkey in South Dakota

Hunt for Turkey on the best private land in South Dakota. Book private land for your next outdoor adventure - fishing, hunting, bird-watching and more!

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Explore private land to Hunt Turkey in South Dakota

Turkey Hunt

2,000 Acres at Little Owl River Hunting Lodge in Timber Lake, SD

Starting Price$450 / Guest

3 Days

1 Guest

Spring Turkey Hunt

40 Acres at Black Hills Hideaway in Custer, SD

Starting Price$400 / Guest

2 Days

1 Guest

Spring Turkey Hunt

67 Acres at Black Hills Elk Ridge in Newcastle, WY

Starting Price$150 / Guest

1 Day

1 Guest

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What are the seasons and regulations for hunting turkey in South Dakota?

The state has two distinct hunting seasons that cater to different hunting styles and preferences. The spring season typically runs from the first Saturday of April until the third Sunday of May, while the fall season spans from October 1st through January 31st. The spring season is particularly popular among hunters as it coincides with the turkey mating period. During this time, turkeys are more responsive to calls, making it an exciting time for both novice and experienced hunters alike. However, South Dakota has specific regulations regarding turkey hunting that must be adhered to. Hunters are required to have a valid license which can be purchased online, at authorized dealers, or at local Game, Fish and Parks offices. The state allows one male turkey or a turkey with a visible beard per license in the spring season. In contrast, during the fall season either-sex turkeys are legal game. Hunting hours are from half an hour before sunrise until sunset and once a hunter has successfully harvested a turkey, they must immediately tag their game. This ensures proper identification and tracking of each harvested bird. For non-residents interested in hunting turkeys in South Dakota's private lands - there are guided hunts available which often include access rights as part of the package.

What are popular counties to hunt turkey in South Dakota?

Fall River County and Pennington County in the Black Hills region are particularly popular due to their high populations of Merriam's turkeys, a subspecies known for its striking white-tipped tail feathers. These counties provide a diverse terrain of rolling hills, dense forests, and open meadows, offering an exciting challenge for both novice and experienced hunters. Another notable county is Gregory County in the south-central part of the state, home to an abundant population of Rio Grande turkeys. This area offers a unique hunting experience with its mix of river bottoms, croplands, and grasslands. Lastly, Butte County in the northern Black Hills region is also worth mentioning due to its mixed bag of Merriam’s and Eastern Wild turkeys. The turkey hunting season typically opens in early April and continues until late May, with fall seasons available as well. However, hunters should always check the current regulations as they can vary by county and year.

What are popular hunting methods and the required gear to hunt turkey in South Dakota?

Hunting turkey in South Dakota is a popular pastime, with the Merriam's turkey being the most sought-after species. The birds are known for their challenging behavior, making the hunt an exciting endeavor. One popular method of hunting these birds is by using decoys and calls to lure them into shooting range. This requires patience and an understanding of turkey behavior to be successful. Another method is spot-and-stalk, where hunters use their knowledge of the land and turkey habits to find and pursue their quarry. As for gear, a shotgun is the primary weapon used for turkey hunting. 12-gauge shotguns are most common, but 20-gauge can also be effective. A camouflaged clothing is essential as turkeys have excellent vision and can detect movement easily. You'll also need comfortable boots for walking long distances and a vest to carry your gear. Decoys can be a useful tool in luring turkeys into range, while calls are used to mimic the sounds of turkeys to attract them towards you. There's a variety of calls available including box calls, slate calls, mouth calls, and electronic callers. Hunting turkeys in South Dakota also requires understanding seasonal patterns as well as regulations set by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department. The Spring season typically opens in April and runs through May which coincides with mating season making gobblers more responsive to calling.

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