Nebraska & Samuel R. McKelvie National Forests
Buffalo Gap, Fort Pierre, & Oglala National Grasslands

Camping

Primitive camping (no facilities) is allowed anywhere on the national grassland. Since there are no trash disposal facilities on the grassland, follow the "pack it in, pack it out" philosophy. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal grill, or a coal or wood stove is prohibited. Use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices is permitted.

Fishing

Ponds on the Ft. Pierre National Grassland are identified on the grassland map and provide a variety of warm-water fishing experiences including ice fishing and fly fishing for bass and other pan fish. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks provides additional information about public fishing waters.

Hiking and Biking

Follow the numerous dirt two-tracks to bike or hike cross-country. You can hike anywhere on the national grasslands. "Anywhere" may seem like an overwhelming choice, but use a grassland map to identify an area or special feature that you want to explore. Be sure to take plenty of drinking water since there is no potable water available on the grassland. Bikers should be prepared for the abundant prickly pear cactus and other spiny plants.

Horse Riding and Camping

While there are no developed horse facilities on the national grassland, the wide-open spaces are especially well suited for horseback travel. Please leave the numerous gates as you find them to assure that livestock grazing systems works as they are designed. Certified weed-free feed for recreational stock is required on the national grassland.

Hunting: Big Game, Upland Game, and Varmint

All areas are open for public hunting and fishing under state rules and regulations. Shooting a firearm within 150 yards of a developed recreation site or across a forest road is prohibitied (36 CFR 261.10.d.1). Big Game archery and firearm opportunities include white-tailed and mule deer, and antelope. Big Game license holders need to be certain of the hunting unit boundaries. The Ft. Pierre National Grassland is designated as one hunting unit by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.

Prairie chicken and sharp-tailed grouse hunting is popular. The Forest Service asks hunters to participate in a voluntary wing count during hunting season. This count allows managers to determine the relative hunting success from year to year as well as the ratio of young-of-the-year birds to adults, which is an indicator of reproductive success. Each year, approximately 12,000 acres of the Ft. Pierre National Grassland are rested from grazing. This allows grassland plants to provide for a higher cover level, which enhances hiding and nesting habitat for ground- nesting birds and other animals. Ring-necked pheasants are becoming more common on the grassland due to the high cover levels.

Many of the grassland ponds provide good early season duck hunting prior to freezing over.
Varmints include prairie dog and coyote which are determined by state law.
See South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks for information.

Off Highway Vehicle Travel

From September 1 through November 30, motorized travel is restricted to numbered roads only. The rest of the year, motorized travelers are encouraged to stay on existing roads and two-track trails.

Special Places

Richland Wildlife Area includes Richland Reservoir and over 500 acres of mixed grass prairie that is not grazed by livestock. Periodic prescribed burns help to mimic natural prairie cycles and disturbances. -- Forest Road 249 is a two-track trail that traverses a long ridge that provides a spectacular view of the treeless grasslands. Early morning or late afternoon shadows enhance the view. -- Timber Creek and Sand Creek in the northeast corner of the grassland exhibit the important riparian habitat component on the grassland. Over 90 percent of prairie wildlife species depend upon this habitat during their lifecycle.

Wildlife Watching

Viewing blinds are set up in April and May near sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie chicken courtship display grounds. Free advance reservations for blinds are required. Contact us for reservations.