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.
At a glance
Elk hunt codes
1
Cee
Applicants · 2026
11,887
Harvest success 3-yr
50–88%
Compare species at a glance
Hunt codes
Best draw odds
- Deer100% drew
- Turkey14% drew
- Elk<1% drew
- Pronghorn<1% drew
- Bighorn sheep<1% drew
Harvest success, 3 yr
- Deer74–89%
- Turkey26–49%
- Elk50–88%
- PronghornNo harvest report
- Bighorn sheepNo harvest report
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
- 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.
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