South Dakota Unit 35B:elk draw odds & harvest
2 hunt codes for elk. 2026: 10 to 40 tags, 58 to 1,855 applicants per hunt.
Hardest draw in Unit 35B2026 draw
35B2110 tags, 1,855 applied, under 1% drew.
One of South Dakota's hardest elk draws: 2nd hardest of 59 in 2026.
Hunt codes
Elk huntsin Unit 35B
Whole-hunt draw results: applicants, tags and the share that drew.
| Hunt code | What it is | Draw result · 2026 | Tags | Success 3-yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35B21 | prairie firearms elk · Sep 1–Dec 31 | 5 of 1,850 drew | 10 | 83–100% |
| 35B23 | prairie firearms elk · Sep 1–Dec 31 | 40 of 58 drew | 40 | 13–70% |
Some hunt codes cover several units; the hunt page lists them all.
Harvest
How hunters didin Unit 35B.
Harvest success by hunt, 2020–2025
% success35B2183–100%
100%
100%
100%
83%
100%
100%
202020212022202320242025
35B2313–70%
63%
70%
46%
13%
2020202120242025
45%+28–45%Under 28%
Before you apply
- Tag fee
- “21 - one any elk $195”
- Points
- “One point may be purchased each year the applicant is unsuccessful.”
- Application fee
- “A non-refundable $10 application fee is charged for each season applied for.”
Rules for 2026.
Season dates · 2026
- 35B21Prairie Firearms ElkSep 1–Dec 31
- 35B23Prairie Firearms ElkSep 1–Dec 31
Confirm in the regulations before you go.
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