Trophy Muley in South Dakota
I live and work on the Dahl Ranch year around. I see and keep track of the mule deer throughout the seasons. Between flying, trail cams, food plots, taking pictures, and all the day to day work that is involved in raising cattle, I watch them grow. I know where they feed and where they bed down for the day. I know where they water and what trails they use. This knowledge is not acquired by hunting public lands for a couple of days or by hiring a guide that leases land and only hunts it during season. It can’t even be gained by a quick pre-scout. It’s a lifestyle and I live it. I have hunted all my life and I’m passionate about it. When you hire me as your guide, I will use every resource available to provide you with a safe and amazing trophy deer hunt with memories that will last a lifetime.
2019 Mule Deer at the Ranch
Spot and stalk is what it's all about for rifle and archery mule deer hunting in South Dakota, especially on private land. Blinds are also used depending on the ability and preference of the hunter. The mule deer hunts are fair chase and the terrain consists of badlands, draws, agricultural fields, sagebrush flats and river bottoms. Rifle season traditionally starts the second Saturday of November and goes for 16 days. A typical Mule deer is going to score between 155 BC and 180 BC, with the potential for larger.
Even though you have to send in an application archery mule deer licenses are guaranteed with no deadline to apply and cost $286. You can either apply online or send in a paper application. Archery season starts the 1st of September and goes to January 1.
Our rates include guides, lodging, and meals.
Rifle hunters can increase their chances of drawing a deer tag by applying for two different license. The first application is called the West River Special Buck license and its due in early April. It cost $560 and this is your best chance of drawing a license. The Special Buck license is good for one any deer so if you see a big Whitetail buck while you are hunting Mule deer you have the option of taking him. This license is for private land only, and private land is all we hunt. If unsuccessful in drawing the Special Buck license you can then apply for West River Deer draw in June. The general drawing license is species specific and this license cost $286. Even though you have to send in an application archery Whitetail deer licenses are guaranteed with no deadline to apply and cost $286. You can either apply online or send in a paper application.
