Elk, once extirpated from the state, have made a significant comeback in South Dakota. They now roam various landscapes, primarily in the western part of the state. Their presence offers unique opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and hunters alike.
Where South Dakota Elk Roam
Elk in South Dakota primarily inhabit the Black Hills region, a landscape characterized by pine-covered mountains, deep canyons, and open meadows. This area provides ideal habitat, offering dense forests for cover and open grazing areas. Key locations include the Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park.
Beyond the Black Hills, scattered populations also exist across western South Dakota’s prairie landscapes, including Butte, Bennett, and Gregory counties, and the Lower Brule Indian Reservation. While the Black Hills offer mountainous habitat, prairie units provide a more open environment, creating distinct ecological niches for these adaptable animals.
Elk Population and Management
South Dakota’s elk population is a success story of wildlife re-establishment. Elk were virtually eliminated from the state by the late 1800s due to unregulated harvest. Reintroduction efforts began in the early 1900s, with Rocky Mountain elk from Wyoming and Montana transplanted into Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park between 1900 and 1916. This led to a gradual increase, reaching approximately 1,000 by 1928.
Currently, the Black Hills elk population exceeds 6,000 Rocky Mountain elk. The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) manages these herds with winter objectives of 6,000-8,000 elk for the Black Hills and 500-600 for Custer State Park, depending on habitat. Management strategies focus on maintaining habitat and using harvest to keep populations within objective ranges. SDGFP also addresses conflicts with landowners on prairie lands, where elk sometimes cause property damage and consume livestock feed.
Opportunities for Viewing and Hunting
South Dakota offers opportunities to observe elk. Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park are prime viewing locations. The Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park, an 18-mile scenic drive, is a well-known spot where elk are often seen grazing in open meadows, particularly at dawn and dusk. In Wind Cave National Park, elk can be spotted near Boland Ridge during these times.
For those interested in elk hunting, it is a highly regulated activity managed by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, with licenses available exclusively to South Dakota residents. Hunters apply through a lottery system, with different season types for rifle and archery across Black Hills and prairie units. Elk hunting seasons typically occur between September 1st and December 31st, though specific dates vary by location and weapon type. The demand for elk tags is strong, with thousands of applications submitted annually for a limited number of licenses.