Hunting Reminders

Sundance, WY – With hunting underway all across South Dakota and Wyoming, visitors are reminded to follow South Dakota and Wyoming hunting regulations, as well as Black Hills National Forest shooting and travel regulations: 

“We’d like to remind the public that off-highway vehicle (OHV) travel is allowed only on roads and trails designated open to motorized use,” said Steve Kozel, Bearlodge District Ranger.  Black Hills National Forest offices offer free maps showing routes open to motorized travel. These maps are also available on the Black Hills National Forest website.  “Please be a courteous hunter; illegal off road travel can ruin someone else’s hunting experience,” said Kozel.

Some areas may not be safe to hike in during hunting season. Please review the maps of game management units and stop by a local Forest Service office to find out which areas are best to avoid during the season.

The Black Hills National Forest contains dead trees, killed by the mountain pine beetle. Remember – your safety is your responsibility. Locate vehicles and campsites away from dead trees; they can fall without warning and carry an ax or saw in case a tree falls across a road. Check the status of your desired campground by visiting: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/blackhills/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5370500&width=full, or call a local Forest Service office for more information. Reservations for most campgrounds can be made at www.recreation.gov  or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on most of the Forest for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period. However, around developed reservoirs and campgrounds, camping is allowed only in designated areas.

Fire restrictions remain in effect.  Please park in areas clear of tall grass and brush. “The Forest is tinder dry and one small ember could ignite a massive wildfire,” said Kozel.  Visit http://www.blackhillsfirerestrictions.com/ for more information. Also be sure to check local weather conditions before heading out.

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.