South Dakota Unit CU1:elk draw odds & harvest
1 hunt code for elk. 2026: 11,887 applicants per hunt.
The draw in Unit CU12026 draw
CU12135 drew, 11,887 applied.
One of South Dakota's hardest elk draws: 1st hardest of 59 in 2026.
Hunt codes
Elk huntsin Unit CU1
Whole-hunt draw results: applicants, tags and the share that drew.
| Hunt code | What it is | Draw result · 2026 | Success 3-yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU121 | ceeCuster State Park. | 35 of 11,887 drew | 50–88% |
Some hunt codes cover several units; the hunt page lists them all.
Harvest
How hunters didin Unit CU1.
Harvest success by hunt, 2024–2025
% successCU12150–88%
50%
88%
20242025
45%+28–45%Under 28%
Before you apply
- Points
- “30% of all licenses available, and any remaining licenses from the landowner pool, are issued at this point in the drawing sequence.”
- Application fee
- “A non-refundable $10 application fee is charged for each season applied for.”
- Deadline
- “Access Permit 11/05/2026 12/03/2026, 08:00 AM CST 12/04/2026”
- Tag fee
- “21 - one any elk $195”
Rules for 2027.
Public land & access
Each program opens on the state's site. Check on-the-ground signage.
Ask FarWide
Answers use the same figures as this page.
Source: SDGFP · Updated Nov 13, 2026