Ranches & Information
RANCHES - The properties we hunt at Whispering Winds Outfitters are all on well managed private ranches located in central South Dakota near Fort Pierre along the Missouri River watersheds. The terrain on our ranches ranges from river breaks, crop fields and into rolling grasslands. Making it some of the best habitat for mule deer, whitetail deer and merriams turkeys. We manage our ranches for trophy mature bucks. We have over 40,000 acres with 16 available tags, taking an average of 1 deer per 2500 acres. These are vehicle based, spot and stalk hunts with low physical effort. We can cater to older hunters who can’t get around as well, kids and mobility impaired hunters. Our mule deer range from 150”-180” with the occasional 180”+. Whitetails we target bucks in the 140”-160” with the occasional 160”+. On these hunts one should expect to see an average of 10-30 deer a day with 5-10 of them being bucks. Hunters should be proficient out to 300 yards with a rifle and 80 yards with a bow. We have management programs in place with our ranchers. We have archery only ranches and our rifle ranches do not get hunted before opening day so the deer wont be pressured. There will not be more than one hunter per ranch each week unless it happens to be a 2 hunter one guide situation or one hunter for mule deer and one hunter for whitetail. We keep it low number of hunters per week to give everyone more space and opportunities if the hunting is slow. It’s still hunting and we will have slow days so sticking to this plan will maximize the hunter’s opportunity. We are 100% honest about our hunts and do not over book or over hunt our ranches.
WEATHER & GEAR - South Dakota can be bipolar. It will be 60° one day and then 15° and snowy the next. One thing is guaranteed, it will be windy at some point on your hunt. Our guides use a good layering system like KUIU in the Valo Camo. Dark colors tend to stick out in the dull dead grass of prairie country. Light layer for hiking and puffy jacket and pants for sitting and glassing in cold windy weather. Whitetail stand hunters, I recommend wearing whatever will keep you warm. We do have enclosed elevated and ground level blinds to use that we will provide buddy heaters for. But if tree stand hunting you will need the warmest clothes you have. A day pack for snacks, headlamp, extra clothes, gloves, hat, and any extra gear. Warm boots for stand hunters and good hiking boot for spot and stalk hunters. Shooting sticks. An xtra release for archery guys.
TRAVEL - Hunters will need to fly into Pierre where we can arrange to pick you up or fly into Rapid City or Sioux Falls and rent a vehicle. It’s about 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive from either location to Fort Pierre. Once at camp your guide will provide transportation! If you like to explore and tag out early or want to stick around a few extra days South Dakota has some great places to visit from the Badlands, to Mount Rushmore. We are travelers too and love to explore and learn history. We would be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
MEAT PROCESSING AND TAXIDERMY - We have a local processor and taxidermist that we can take your animal to. You can also cut it up yourselves and take it home with you. All hunters are required to get their game processed or take it home with them. Once the game is processed they can donate it to one of our guides or a local resident. It is not our responsibility to pay for your deer processing. We can ship the meat for you but WWO is not responsible for any lose or damage by the shipping company.
GRATUITY - Tipping our guides and cooks is not required but is highly recommended. We strive to have the best service out there. Tip accordingly but the industry average for guides is 10-20% of the hunt cost. Also if you ever have an issue with one of our employees please contact me personally ASAP so I can resolve the situation.
WOUND POLICY - We have a strict wound policy on our deer here at Whispering Winds. If you draw blood that is your deer. You can still keep hunting for that exact deer but you will not be allowed to pursue another one. No exceptions!