Non-Trophy Bison Harvest - General Information

The harvest

The purpose of the harvest is to remove surplus management cows and non-trophy bulls, (primarily two year old bulls), from the herd. Your guide will locate this class animal for your selection.

The fees

Permit Fees:  Bull - $1500    Cow - $1000

The applications

Applications are mailed out in June or maybe downloaded from the website www.custerstatepark.info. They are due mid August for initial drawing. Leftover permits, if any, will be available until late September.  Appropriate license fee must accompany the application. Unsuccessful applicants will have their fee refunded.

Hunt equipment and handling

Equipment needed for the hunt is your weapon and whatever photography equipment you may desire. The park will provide transportation in the field and will field handle your harvest.  Field handing includes field dressing and delivery of the bison from the field to your vehicle at a location in the park. The permit holder is responsible for arrangements with a locker for processing and shipping. Delivery to a local processing facility is available for an additional fee. If the permit holder does not wish to harvest the animal, arrangements may be made for Custer State Park personnel to harvest and deliver the carcass to a local locker for the additional fee.

Harvesting weapon

The minimum size rifle permitted is one capable of delivering 2,200 foot-pounds muzzle energy with factory loads, and minimum caliber of .270.  Archery hunters’ equipment will be required to meet restrictions for South Dakota Administrative Rule 41:06:05.

The rules

If you are selected for a park hunt, a park official will guide you. South Dakota Administrative Rule 41:06:06 requires a hunter to be guided during this hunt.  In the case of a non-lethal archery shot on an animal, it will be at the park official’s discretion if a follow up firearm shot is required.

Lodging and accommodations

Lodging and accommodations are readily available in Custer (15 miles from park headquarters) or Rapid City (30 miles from park headquarters).  Park lodging may also be available, contact 1-800-658-3530 for further information.

Transportation

Access to Rapid City by commercial airlines is available, and car rentals are also available. However, the hunter is responsible for transporting his own bison meat, hide, and if desired, head, and the preparation of the cape.

Special needs or requests

If you have any please contact us

All that needs to be done during the off season is to get your name on our mailing list. Applications will be sent out beginning in June. If you have further questions, call Gary Brundige or Chad Kremer, Custer State Park at 605-255-4515, or email CSPBISONHUNTS@state.sd.us.

Submit to: NON-TROPHY BISON HARVEST – CUSTER STATE PARK – 13329 US HWY 16A – CUSTER, SD 57730

Click Application for a  CUSTER STATE PARK NON-TROPHY BISON Application .

Click here to get a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

If you have further questions email or call:
email  CSPBISONHUNTS@state.sd.us
Custer State Park main office 605-255-4515
 

CUSTER STATE PARK
13329 US HWY 16A
CUSTER, SD 57730

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