The properties you hunt are on private ranches located in the West River areas of South Dakota; from Fort Pierre along the Missouri River watersheds – and to the prairie and badlands country in the western part of the state. The terrain on these ranches range from river breaks, crop fields and on into rolling grasslands. This is excellent habitat for mule deer, whitetail deer and turkeys. Note the body size of the deer in the pictures! Success is typically extremely high.
You will have over 40,000 acres available, and with 16 tags available, that is an average of 1 deer per 2500 acres. Low pressure. These are vehicle based, spot and stalk hunts with low physical effort. Hunt Nation likes that they can cater to older hunters who can’t get around as well as they once could; and for kids and mobility impaired hunters. Their Mule Deer range from 140”-180” with the occasional 180”+. For 2026 we still have 6 available archery mule deer guided hunts. Details appear in the pricing section below. These hunts are 2 hunters with one guide, although 1X1 can be arranged usually.
The BEST NEWS is that these private land archery tags are essentially over the counter tags (OTC); so no draw normally. Nonresident private land only licenses are available for purchase throughout the season, beginning in June. However, a nonresident may only possess one ST101 license type (i.e., public/ private or private land only “any deer” license). You will also need a habitat stamp.
For 2026: Outfitter can also take one more whitetail and one more mule deer hunter for rifle November 19th provided you have drawn the West River Special Buck or have points for the West River draw coming up in June.
They like to target Whitetail bucks in the 140”-160” range; with the occasional 160”+ showing up. On these deer hunts it is reasonable to expect to see 10 to 30 deer and 3 to 10 bucks per day (except for the occasional slow day).
Archers should be proficient out to 60 yards with their equipment. Rifle hunters should be proficient out to 300 yards. It is common, especially with archers, to have 1 to 2 stalks per day. There will not be more than one hunter per ranch each week unless it happens to be a 2 hunter and one guide situation; or one hunter for mule deer and one hunter for whitetail. By keeping to low numbers of hunters it gives everyone more space and more opportunity. Please realize — It’s hunting and there can be slow days, but by sticking to this plan the outfitter will maximize your opportunity. This outfitter prides himself on being 100% honest about his hunts and does not over book or over hunt these ranches. Hunt Nation also likes and believes in telling it like it is! And we think these South Dakota Archery Mule deer hunts are a nearly unbeatable experience; one that will give you multiple stalks and multiple opportunities and will result in a solid learning experience as well as a great hunt.
WEATHER & GEAR – South Dakota weather can vary greatly, meaning dress in layers. It will be 60° one day and then 15° and snowy the next. One thing is guaranteed, it will be windy at some point on your hunt. Hunt Nation suggests you use a good layering system like KUIU in the Valo Camo. Dark colors tend to stick out in the dull dead grass of prairie country. Wear a light layer for hiking and have puffy jacket and pants for sitting and glassing in cold windy weather. Whitetail stand hunters should wear whatever will keep you warm. They do have enclosed elevated and ground level blinds to use that they can provide buddy heaters for. For tree stand hunting you will need the warmest clothes you have. A day pack for snacks, headlamp, extra clothes, gloves, hat, and any extra gear. Warm boots for stand hunters and good hiking boot for spot and stalk hunters. Shooting sticks. And an extra release for archery guys.
TRAVEL – Hunters will need to fly into Rapid City where they can arrange to pick you up or rent a vehicle. Most hunters prefer their own vehicle for its versatility in coming and going and site seeing after filling tags. It’s about a 1.5 hour drive to your lodging. Once at camp your guide will provide transportation for the hunt. If you like to explore and tag out early or want to stick around a few extra days South Dakota has some great places to visit from the Badlands, to Mount Rushmore. We are travelers too and love to explore and learn history. We would be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
MEAT PROCESSING AND TAXIDERMY – There is a local processor and taxidermist that they can take your animal to. You can also cut it up yourselves and take it home with you. All hunters are required to pay to get their game processed or take it home with them. Once the game is processed if you do not want it then you can donate it to one of our guides or a local resident. It is your responsibility to pay for your deer processing. You can also arrange for shipping the meat to you.
GRATUITY – Tipping your guides and cooks is not required but is highly recommended. Good outfitters really strive to have the best service out there, and that requires hiring and retaining quality guides and staff. Tip accordingly but the industry average for guides is 10-20% of the hunt cost. The outfitter has told us at Hunt nation, that if you ever have an issue please contact the outfitter personally ASAP so he can resolve the situation.
WOUND POLICY – They do have a strict wound policy on their deer. If you draw blood that is your deer. You can still keep hunting for that exact deer but you will not be allowed to pursue another one. No exceptions!
2026 PRICING:
Archery: We have currently, as of late May 2026, have 6 remaining archery mule deer openings. These are guided 2 hunters to one guide. They are 5 day hunts, with additional days available at $1000 per day. Your food, lodging, hunt and game transport is all included. The outfitter will purchase your tags, using the information you set up on line with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks on line. There are 2 openings of per date on October 24; October 31 and November 7, 2026. Regular price is $10,500; but Hunt Nation has a SPECIAL Deal so you can save $1000 and hunt for $9,500 per hunter. With many less productive mule deer hunts selling for $10,000 to $14,000, this is a wonderful opportunity. And NO DRAW!
RIFLE for 2026: Outfitter also has openings for one more whitetail and one more mule deer hunter for rifle deer. November 19 is the hunt start date. BUT you must have drawn for West River Special Buck or have enough points for the West River draw coming up in June. Same discount of $1000, so you pay just $9,500.
LICENSES: For 2026 the non-resident Archery tag is $375; the habitat stamp for non-residents in $25. The outfitter will assist you in acquiring the license which is an over the counter private land bow license.