The country
Cottonwood bottoms, cedar draws and brushy side-coulees off the Cheyenne River, with grass and crop edges above. Whitetail cover and mule deer country sit side by side.
South Dakota Whitetail Deer Hunts
River-bottom bucks in the cottonwoods and cedar draws, hunted in the heart of the November rut on land no one else has touched.
$5,250 + tax · 4 days
Nov 14–17 & Nov 20–23, 2026
95–100% opportunity
The hunt
Rut-time whitetails in the Cheyenne River bottoms
Dakota Safaris has guided trophy whitetail hunts in western South Dakota since 1965. Our area encompasses approximately 150,000 acres of privately owned land north and south of Wall, along the rugged Cheyenne River drainage. Whitetails here hold in the river bottoms, brushy creek fingers and cedar draws, and they feed out into the crop and grass edges morning and evening — classic rut hunting in country that sees no pressure.
We guarantee an opportunity at a four point on one side or better, western count, with a success rate of 95–100% consistently. One of our deer made the Boone & Crockett record book in 2010. We do not promote shooting anything less than a four-point buck, because taking only a few of the big ones each year is what keeps this herd strong.
Both rifle weeks fall in mid-to-late November, when mature bucks are on their feet in daylight. Your guide is a rancher or ranch hand who has watched these deer all year and knows which draw a heavy-beamed buck beds in.
What a whitetail hunt looks like
How we hunt
Sit the funnels and feeding edges at first and last light, then still-hunt or glass the draws midday. Your guide will match the pace to what you want out of the week.
Rut timing
Both November weeks catch rutting activity, when mature bucks travel in daylight and respond to does. It is the best stretch of the season to see a big deer on his feet.
A day in camp
Picked up pre-dawn, hunting through legal light, then back to a catered gourmet meal. Beds, linens and towels are provided at a modern ranch home.
Whitetail — 4-day rifle hunt
Per hunter, plus tax
$5,250
- Additional days — $500 per day
- Non-hunting ride-alongs — $500
- Lodging, all meals and guiding included
- Four-wheel-drive hunting transportation
- One party at a time on 150,000 private acres
- $1,500 non-refundable deposit after you draw; balance due October 15
Dates & licensing
| Rifle week 1 | November 14–17, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Rifle week 2 | November 20–23, 2026 |
| Season opener | Usually the 2nd Saturday in November |
| Archery option | Sep 1, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027 |
| License | Lottery draw; apply from April |
All big game rifle licenses in South Dakota are selected by lottery, and we send applications to every client with a confirmed booking. See our licenses & draw page, and confirm current rules at gfp.sd.gov.
Answers
Whitetail hunting FAQ
How much is a guided whitetail hunt?
A 4-day guided whitetail rifle hunt is $5,250 plus tax. Additional days are $500 per day and non-hunting ride-alongs are $500. A $1,500 non-refundable deposit is due after you draw, with the balance due October 15.
Do you hunt the rut?
Yes. Both rifle weeks — November 14–17 and November 20–23, 2026 — fall in the stretch when mature bucks are moving in daylight.
Can I hunt whitetail and mule deer on the same hunt?
Whitetail and mule deer share this country, but which species you may take is determined by the tag you draw. We will help you apply for the license that fits the hunt you want.
How do you hunt whitetails here?
Sitting funnels, river crossings and feeding edges at first and last light, with still-hunting and glassing through the middle of the day. The terrain suits both sitting and spotting or walking and stalking.
What rifle should I bring?
A rifle in the .30/06 class with a scope and sling, plus ammunition, binoculars, hunting boots, clothing for variable November weather, a thermos and personal items.
How many hunters are in camp?
Our facilities are limited and the 150,000 acres are reserved exclusively for our hunters, so during your hunt you are not likely to see anyone but your own party.
What is included?
Guiding, lodging in a modern ranch home with beds, linens and towels, all meals including catered evening dinners, and four-wheel-drive hunting transportation. Licenses, tax, gratuities, travel and taxidermy are not included.
Two rifle weeks, and they fill early.
Call or email to hold dates for November 2026, and we will send your license application when the draw opens.