South Dakota big game hunting – these hunts are as close to a sure thing as you can get!

South Dakota big game hunting with Crooked Creek Outfitters offers prime mule deer and whitetail hunts, antelope hunts, and predator hunts in “almost” Montana. The hunting area covers over 37,000 acres, some of which borders Montana. The hunting area is located in Harding County, South Dakota.

The outstanding rugged terrain and range is loaded with mule deer and antelope. The whitetail hunts are conducted on river bottoms that are loaded with big whitetail. The outfitters are very experienced and know their South Dakota hunting land, and in some cases, you will fill early.

While hunting with Crooked Creek Outfitters you will be housed in comfortable surroundings. Meals are not provided with our hunts unless prior arrangements are made with owner Matt Gilbert, 1-701-523-1401.

We offer guided archery/firearm hunting for deer and antelope. Archery is a guaranteed draw, you may purchase your license by applying directly to the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks licensing division(opens in new window) Firearm tags on the other hand are a lottery draw and also have to be applied for through the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks licensing division.

Mule deer hunts are spot and stalk done along pre-scouted trails, gullies, alfalfa fields, waterholes, fences, and water tanks. Archery antelope and whitetail hunts are conducted using both man-made and pop-up ground blinds. Archery antelope is conducted on water holes and alfalfa fields, where as the whitetail is conducted on river bottoms.

Crooked Creek Outfitters, LLC has the U.S. Forest Service Permit for all of Custer National Forest located in our area.

Owners Matt Gilbert and Pine Gilbert are native to the area, having been born into ranching families in Harding County. John Hight is also native to Harding County. John handles licensing issues and will assist Matt and Pine with guiding where needed.

Over the years, John pursued a career in Law Enforcement and learned the outfitting business from the bottom up – by working for others. In 1983, John came back to Pierre, SD, and established “Cherokee Charters,” which catered to fishermen and big game hunters. In late 2001, John sold that business and formed Crooked Creek Outfitters along with Matt Gilbert. Matt, in contrast, stayed in Harding County and is a partner in the family ranching operation there, along with his wife, Carmen, daughter Gracy, his dad, and his brother.

In 2010 Matt’s brother Pine was brought into the company as a partner. Pine takes care of the family ranch business while Matt and John are guiding hunters. In 2012 Matt and Pine have taken over operation and daily responsibilities of the company. John is staying on to assist where needed.

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