Have a trip planned to Bennet County in southern SD for the upcoming deer season. But, with estimates of over 30,000 head of livestock lost during the early October blizzard, I was wondering if anyone has any information regarding the storms effect on the deer population.

Are you hunting with an outfitter? They should know. I work in Pine Ridge SD 40ish miles west of bennet county. We were in the blizzard also. I think the deer, antelope etc did ok. They are not bound by fences like the livestock. BUT I think the deer numbers are way WAY down due to blue tongue from last years draught. That is what I am noticing. I live in the wide open spaces and have a major river system (for our part of the world) running by my house. It is rare for me to see a deer. I can see miles no deer sighted last night, and the night before.

But that was before the blizzard too. Talk to your outfitter. I have a friend that is coming up with his son in-law to hunt deer. I want to talk them out of it, but I assume they are just interested in hunting and enjoying the wide open spaces and each others company.

Thanks slim. No outfitters involved. Just hunting on a friends ranch that actually borders Pine Ridge. Hunted there for several years and even with the blue tongue reports from last year, there were plenty of deer in his area. haven't talked to him in a couple of months but I will be calling him in the next few days. It will not change my plans, mainly just interested in some"guy time".

That is why I haven't told my friend to save his time. If you are coming to be in the wide open spaces go for it. I'm sure coming from NC the difference in geography is worth the price of admission. If you expect the great hunting of 2 years ago stay home. The "guy time" is what is really about if only more people understood that. Have fun.