South Dakota Archery Deer

In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of The Western Rookie podcast, Brian Krebs dives into the 2025 South Dakota non-resident archery deer applications. With the deadline fast approaching, this episode covers everything you need to know to make an informed decision—whether you're chasing whitetails or mule deer. Brian breaks down public land availability, drought conditions, draw odds, and why South Dakota should be on your radar if you're a bowhunter looking for a quality, budget-friendly hunt closer to home.Key Takeaways:Application Deadline: April 17, 2025Reminder Date: April 10 via the Western Rookie Application CalendarTag Type: Public Land Only archery tags for non-residentsDraw Odds (2024): ~57% with 0 pointsTag Cost: $286 for non-residents — one of the cheapest archery mule deer tags availableDrought Status: Majority of South Dakota is currently in severe to extreme drought, potentially impacting antler growthWhitetail Overview:East River units have very limited public landSome units offer great trophy potential (160" B&C+)Filtering units with 20%+ public land reduces options from 85 to about 10Mule Deer Overview:West River units offer more public land and better accessSeveral units exceed 170" trophy potentialSome units have up to 100% public land, especially near national forestsTips & Tools:Use GOHUNT Insider to check predictive draw odds (Code: Western for $50 in gear credit)Leverage GOHUNT Maps to scout units and verify public land accessAlways double-check road access with local counties—some roads may appear public but are actually private or closedSouth Dakota offers a fantastic opportunity for consistent DIY mule deer or whitetail bowhunts—especially for hunters looking to stay closer to home, spend less, and build experience year after year. Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/thewesternrookieHave Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]! Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTIC Coolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersFirst Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE  https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave 10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbbSave 20% on your first order at Bull Elk Beard Oil with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/X4mp2wWCRK Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.