Hunting Policy
Black Hills Hunting Preserve Information
We are composing this information to better inform you about how the Black Hills Preserve hunts for elk, mule deer, whitetail deer and buffalo are conducted. The Sunrise Ranch is located about 6 miles north of Edgemont, SD, on the south edge of the beautiful Black Hills National Forest. The BHHP hunting area features about 9 miles of canyons and 2 miles of river bottom to hunt. The property contains some prairie land and the other portion being timbered with canyons and rocky outcroppings—all classic big game habitat. All big game hunts at the Sunrise Ranch (SR) are for 3 nights/3 day stay, and a hunter can stay additional nights for the rate of $100 per person, per night.
All sportsmen should arrive at the SR about 4 or 5 PM the afternoon before their hunt begins. The easiest way to get to the ranch is to first get to Edgemont, SD and then google directions to Sunrise Ranch. The address does not work with most GPS systems. Do not be alarmed if nobody is present at that exact moment you arrive. Keep in mind that the SR is a working ranch and they might be out doing chores, hunting or running a quick errand. Feel free upon your arrival to walk into the great room and make yourself comfortable.
The facility has a 300-yard rifle range, if you need to check your weapon’s accuracy. The evening before the hunt will be basic preparation making sure you have all of your equipment ready to go and the proper clothes selected for the weather conditions. Any balance of the hunt price will be collected before the hunt begins, a brief “battle” plan for the next day will be discussed and any questions or concerns you have can be brought to our attention. We want you to feel totally comfortable about the hunt and well prepared to have a safe, successful and memorable hunt.
Each morning of the hunt a ranch breakfast will be available with meat, eggs, coffee, tea and juice. We will provide snacks and drinks while in the field, and lunch will be provided at the lodge. No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the field! In the evening when we arrive back at the SR, the evening meals will consist of steaks, chops, roasts, etc., with veggies, salads and dessert items. You won’t go hungry at the SR and you will be pleased with the quality of the meat. You might want to bring an extra cooler, as the SR might have an over abundant supply of buffalo or other meat for sale.
We will be hunting out of 4WD vehicles in most cases. The most common hunting method will be spot and stalk, but we can also hunt out of ground blinds or from a natural cover stand. We will hunt the entire day or as long as the client wishes. We are responsible for all field and trophy parts care. At the hunting location, we have a walk-in cooler to hang your carcass for cooling and a walk-in freezer. We recommend that before departing, that you leave your carcass hanging in the cooler overnight for the trip home. There are also some stainless steel tables to work on if you want to reduce or break down your quarters into smaller pieces. There are commercial processors within 75 miles of Edgemont in any direction, but please be advised that during the hunting season they are busy and it might take several days for your carcass to be processed. If you want your meat professionally processed please let us know before you come so we can make an appointment. Most hunters currently bring several larger coolers or a smaller 5-8 cubic foot freezer (with extension cord) to transport their meat back home. If you elect to go the commercial processor route, you should plan on approximately $350 or more on the cutting and packaging of the meat. If you choose to haul your quarters back home for processing, we will assist you with loading the cooled quarters in your coolers or freezer.
When you harvest an elk, buffalo or other animal, we are responsible for handling the trophy parts for you. The ranch does have a preferred taxidermist and we can safely store your valuable trophy parts in our walk-in cooler or freezer. Our preferred taxidermist picks up the trophy parts on a weekly basis. Keep in mind with elk and buffalo, you have larger than normal trophy parts. The capes off these critters cannot be placed inside a 48-quart cooler! With an elk and buffalo, you have the following trophy items possible: shoulder, neck or life-size mount, European or bleached skull mount, horns on a panel or wooden plaque, and tanning a portion or remaining portion of the hide. In most cases, it is smart to have your elk mounted with removable horns, as they are hard to handle or hang inside some homes. It is common for buffalo skulls to be painted or decorated by an artist, which makes a once in a lifetime trophy. Both animals are valuable, unique trophies that sometimes have a high monetary value; and we would recommend that you keep them secure while traveling back home under lock and key.
The Black Hills are one of the most beautiful, historic areas in the entire USA. After the hunt, we urge you to spend some time exploring the area while your meat is being cooled and processed. Some clients stay for their entire allotted time and others, if successful, leave early due to schedule or work demands. But, whatever the case, we want your trip to be safe, fun and successful! Anytime you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to speak with someone that’s part of our crew. We value and want to earn your business! Our goal is to have you come as a client and leave as a friend!
