Early SD archery opener?

[Lockdown]

Just saw on Fb that South Dakota voted in favor of a Sept 1st archery opener. Not 100% sure if it’s effective this year.


Anyone have more info??

[cattailcrusher]

From what I see on the SDgfp website is that the opener is still on sept. 22, I know that archery antelope and elk opener is on the 1st. If it got voted to change, I would guess that it wont be changed till next year.

[Lockdown]

I believe the vote just happened on Friday. One member (Of a SD hunting group) said he contacted a GFP official and he said the new season opener comes into effect this year. I can see how they wouldn’t have the website updated mere hours after the vote. But can also see how info off a fb page could be false

There were guys who were disappointed and concerned for those fortunate enough to draw elk tags since they previously had the woods to themselves during that time frame.

Others seemed worried about the effect it would have regarding pressure on trophy bucks especially west river mulies. Some mentioned putting a cap on NR archery tags because of it. Others mentioned hiking tag prices.

Will be interesting to see how this plays out.

[bh bowhunter]

Just read the same info on facebook, but I haven't seen anything official yet. I will be curious to know if the Sept 1st opener includes the Black Hills where I hunt. All the extra hunters in the woods will definitely have an impact on the archery elk season.

[Lockdown]

Just read the same info on facebook, but I haven't seen anything official yet. I will be curious to know if the Sept 1st opener includes the Black Hills where I hunt. All the extra hunters in the woods will definitely have an impact on the archery elk season.

I Think they should implement a limited draw for the coveted zones like the hills. Most of the state pressure is pretty low. So I don’t see an issue for 90% of the state, but I agree certain areas it could cause conflict.

And with the amount of time it takes to draw that elk tag it sure would suck to have some jabroni come in and ruin your hunt.

[cattailcrusher]

As you said it will be interesting to see how it plays out, an early opener would attract a lot more NR's. And they definitely don't need to make the hunters who draw a elk tag any more worked up, with the draw statistics already being such a sore subject.

[cattailcrusher]

Also those extra few weeks before the ducks hunters hit the sloughs would be awesome.

[cattailcrusher]

Just saw that the archery season is indeed going to begin on the 1st of september this year, it didn't say if they put in any special regulations when in comes to hunting in the hills.

[Lockdown]

Just saw that the archery season is indeed going to begin on the 1st of september this year, it didn't say if they put in any special regulations when in comes to hunting in the hills.

I’m betting it’s something that gets worked into the equation. Maybe next year? Who knows.

I get the feeling it’s a few of the guys that hunt the best highest pressure zones that are doing the complaining. I was talking with a couple guys today (who have also bowhunted WR) and they both shook their head about too much pressure. They don’t see much where they hunt either.

The biggest question for me is when do I go to SD now? I asked the wife if she preferred me being gone 7 strait days or two long weekends. She wasn’t sure I have thought about doing an opening weekend hunt then rut hunt.

There’s some East river stuff I’m dying to get to. Was thinking of trying it for a velvet whitetail. Then again velvet mulies sound fun too. Idk what to do