South Dakota

[Om]

in regards to no need to carry in SD due to low population density....HUH?!?!!? That is EXACTLY why SD has one of the highest per capita rates of CCW in the nation...a low population density means there are vast areas with little to no law enforcement presence. I grew up in a rural county of approximately 2000 people that covered an area of 1310 square miles. This ENTIRE area was "patrolled" by the countny sheriff and one or two deputies....the odds of all three being on duty at any given time were close to zero. Calling 911 can realistically result in a 20 minute (or potentially much longer) wait for help. Due to the facts eing what they are, many SD residents realistically believe that they will be "on their own" if the need for protection arises and carry accordingly. Factor in the presence of multiple native american reservations, hotbeds of criminal activity, strewn throughout the state (and imposing a confusing aspect of jurisdictional questions) that include several of the poorest counties in the nation, and the idea one shouldnt really have a need to carry goes completely out the window. I'd argue one has MORE of a need to carry in areas with limited law enforcement resources, not a lesser need.


That said, the idea one will face open hostilities on the reservation, and that one shouldn't go there unarmed ever is a bit alarmist. I've spent a lot of time on various reservations in SD, and while hotbeds of criminal activity as stated, the idea whites face open discrimination or are retaliated against just for being present is laughable. When not raised around the culture, I can see one being intimidated by suddenly being a minority out in the middle of absolute nowhere....but the days of raidng parties and scalping are over folks That said, the SD permit IS valid on tribal grounds within the state of SD.

Regarding Gamestalker's comments.......I'm a bit confused as a lifelong SD resident. State law has been amended to forbid publication of CCW holders. Even before that point, it wasn't part of the permitting process per se, but a matter of public record. Some overzealous news agencies used the public record to gather names, and published them on occasion. Such actions was not welcomed by a good many people, and the law was were changed to prevent this occurrence. Open carry has long been legal in SD, and cannot remember a time when it wasn't, to be perfectly honest (38 yrs old here, been carrying legally since 18). Frankly I think Gamestalker is mistaken in the idea open carry was ever prohibited during his time as a resident. I cannot find ANY reference ANYWHERE with a basic google search that implies its EVER been against the law to open carry in SD., thought I'd welcome info to the contrary if one comes across it) As a gun owner and shooter, I honestly cannot imagine a much more gun-friendly state.

Population density is strongly coralated with crime rates.

 

[Davek1977]

and LACK of population density means law enforcement resources are very few and far between. If you are comfortable going unarmed, and having a potential hour wait for any assistance call, by all means, feel free to do so. Many people rightfully are concerned about their safety in such situations. Its a full 56 miles between the westernmost and eastern most communities. With one law enforcement officer on duty, do you really feel that he can effectively protect every resident of a county comprising over a 1000 sq. miles? I do not, and prefer NOT to leave my safety in the hands of others, especially others that may be an hour or more away from being able to actually assit in any shape or form. Believe me when I say that there ARE those to take advantage criminally in such areas due to low liklihood of being caught in the act.

 

[Om]

and LACK of population density means law enforcement resources are very few and far between. If you are comfortable going unarmed, and having a potential hour wait for any assistance call, by all means, feel free to do so. Many people rightfully are concerned about their safety in such situations. Its a full 56 miles between the westernmost and eastern most communities. With one law enforcement officer on duty, do you really feel that he can effectively protect every resident of a county comprising over a 1000 sq. miles? I do not, and prefer NOT to leave my safety in the hands of others, especially others that may be an hour or more away from being able to actually assit in any shape or form. Believe me when I say that there ARE those to take advantage criminally in such areas due to low liklihood of being caught in the act.

Well, no. This is about density, not total size. Take a million people and spread them out and crime will be low, but take that same million people and cram them in a city and crime skyrockets.

 

[Davek1977]

"Well no"

"No" WHAT??
A low number of LEO's in a given area, coupled with long response times, make very compelling reasons to carry if you ask me. I never claimed South Dakota had high crime rates or that pop. density didn't affect such rates. What I did say, and still holds true, is that lack of LEO presence is a compelling reason for many to carry, and I stand by that.

 

[WKY]

Well, regardless of the views, I will carry daily as I do here. Just picked up a new XDS 9mm last month in anticipation of a move and bought the wife a XDM-9. Being that my ccw will expire in November, I'll probably just renew it and get a new one over there to ensure we're covered.

Thanks again for all the info here and those that emailed.

 

[Om]

"No" WHAT??
A low number of LEO's in a given area, coupled with long response times, make very compelling reasons to carry if you ask me. I never claimed South Dakota had high crime rates or that pop. density didn't affect such rates. What I did say, and still holds true, is that lack of LEO presence is a compelling reason for many to carry, and I stand by that.

Ok I'm talking about crime rate and population density, you're talking about response times and other things.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

That said, the idea one will face open hostilities on the reservation, and that one shouldn't go there unarmed ever is a bit alarmist. I've spent a lot of time on various reservations in SD, and while hotbeds of criminal activity as stated, the idea whites face open discrimination or are retaliated against just for being present is laughable. When not raised around the culture, I can see one being intimidated by suddenly being a minority out in the middle of absolute nowhere....but the days of raidng parties and scalping are over folks That said, the SD permit IS valid on tribal grounds within the state of SD.

Allow me to clarify. I don't think as a white man I'd be drug out of my vehicle or have stuff thrown at my truck or anything like that. The natives are not openly hostile or anything so bigoted. I have met many Lakota who are very pleasant and friendly people. However, as you stated, crime is higher on the reservations than in the rest of the state, which is what you would expect in a high population center that is stricken with poverty. My concern would be if my vehicle were broken down. I think your chances of running into an opportunistic predator are perhaps a bit higher, and me being white could be just the thing to get me robbed. I could be totally wrong on that, but I carry when ever it is legal for me regardless, and every time I've ever been there or near there I've gotten stared at pretty hard. Of course, it is their home, and they may just be wondering what I'm up to.

 

[CB900F]

WKY;

You may wish to re-think your choice of carry firearm. My son went to use his XD in a late fall situation a couple of years ago. Pulled the gun, pulled the trigger, all click, no boom. Thankfully, it was not a self-defense kinda thing. So we started to try & figure out what the reason was for the FTF. Turned out that wearing a heavy enough glove the grip safety would not disengage & allow the gun to fire. So, South Dakota winter time = gloves, frequently heavy gloves.

My son now carries a CZ and the XD is long gone.

900F

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I'd argue one has MORE of a need to carry in areas with limited law enforcement resources, not a lesser need.

I whole heartedly agree with this logic. There is so little law enforcement in SD, Wyoming, and ND, one HAS to be prepared to defend themselves, and ensure their own survival. Calling 911, IF you even have cell service will likely result in over an hour wait for help.

 

[Reloadron]

Well according to the Ohio CCW Reciprocity Map South Dakota will be just fine to visit. South Dakota is on my Bucket List for Spring of 2016. As many times as I have driven cross country including a few northern route trips I have never seen Mount Rushmore and I have that high on my list. No clue why but I want to get there for a visit. I figure it's like the stupid The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Takes every bit of 15 min to check out and that is all there is in Pisa, Italy. So this spring I'll get to South Dakota just to check out some faces carved in a mountainside. Nice knowing I can have my gun.

Ron

 

[oneounceload]

Having spent two winters in SD's northern brother, ND, buy warm clothing, get a block heater installed on your vehicle and be prepared for some VERY cold weather; otherwise, enjoy the hunting season!

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Well according to the Ohio CCW Reciprocity Map South Dakota will be just fine to visit. South Dakota is on my Bucket List for Spring of 2016. As many times as I have driven cross country including a few northern route trips I have never seen Mount Rushmore and I have that high on my list. No clue why but I want to get there for a visit. I figure it's like the stupid The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Takes every bit of 15 min to check out and that is all there is in Pisa, Italy. So this spring I'll get to South Dakota just to check out some faces carved in a mountainside. Nice knowing I can have my gun.

Ron

Enjoy your visit to the Black Hills Reloadron. It's a beautiful place with a lot of things to see. Just an FYI, spring is when the Hills get's the majority of its moisture, and is still rather cool. Large dumps of snow occur in February, March, and April, and in the lower elevations stays on the ground consistently until early to mid April. In the high country you can see snow on the ground in spots until late May or the first week in June.

Evening temps in spring can dip into the 30's pretty regularly, but day time temps creep up into the 50's and 60's. The forest is extremely green in spring, but dries out and cures in August.

IWB carry works well in spring as a fleece or light jacket is very appropriate, but temps vary a lot based on altitude. Appropriate dress for the southern Hills can become overwhelmingly warm if you head to Rapid City. So pocket carry may become a need as well. Bringing two holsters with you for different carry conditions could be of a benefit.

 

[Reloadron]

Enjoy your visit to the Black Hills Reloadron. It's a beautiful place with a lot of things to see. Just an FYI, spring is when the Hills get's the majority of its moisture, and is still rather cool. Large dumps of snow occur in February, March, and April, and in the lower elevations stays on the ground consistently until early to mid April. In the high country you can see snow on the ground in spots until late May or the first week in June.

Evening temps in spring can dip into the 30's pretty regularly, but day time temps creep up into the 50's and 60's. The forest is extremely green in spring, but dries out and cures in August.

IWB carry works well in spring as a fleece or light jacket is very appropriate, but temps vary a lot based on altitude. Appropriate dress for the southern Hills can become overwhelmingly warm if you head to Rapid City. So pocket carry may become a need as well. Bringing two holsters with you for different carry conditions could be of a benefit.

Thanks for sharing all of that, much appreciated. Yeah, for reasons I can't explain I have this thing about seeing Mount Rushmore. Possibly next summer Denali National Park so I figured in the Spring Mount Rushmore. One way or another I will get there.

Ron

 

[rust collector]

you might like it here

I've lived in central South Dakota (Pierre) for most of my 63 years, and it's a great place for people who enjoy getting out and on the land. Guns are tools in these parts, so the regulations are user friendly for the most part.

Chamberlain is a small community on the Missouri River about 80 miles from Pierre and from Mitchell. You will see all kinds of people there because of the interstate (I-90), and there are many hunting, shooting and fishing opportunities.

It'll get a bit chilly on occasion, but is temperate most of the time and we don't mind the seasonal variation. The river tends to moderate temps.

As with any other place on the face of the earth, you will be happy here if you take responsibility for your own happiness. If you are used to large city amenities it may take some getting used to, but it's not a bad place to raise a family. I've had a concealed pistol permit for many years, but rarely carry because we really don't see much violence compared to cities.

Welcome!

 

[Sommerled]

South Dakota is one of my favorite states, (Minnesota is my home for now), the variety of land and recreation is amazing. Most are good Americans.

As for Hunting on Indian reservations, my experience has only been positive and I've hunted prairie dogs dozens of times on the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux reservations. In fact, when stopped and checked for license by tribal DNR officers I found them to be much more professional and courteous than ANY Minnesota DNR officer I've encountered. The tribal officers should teach their Minnesota counterparts about how to deal with the public.

The first time my son, myself, and buddy were checked, we were riding ATV's with gun rests on them bristling with varmint bolt guns and AR's and thousands of rounds of ammo. On my hip was a 8" S&W 686 for close shots. After seeing our licenses were in order he asked about my sidearm, I unloaded it and showed him. He was quite interested and I offered him some rounds to pop some rocks nearby. He declined as he handed it back, "I'm on duty". As he departed he said," if you see a coyote, be sure to shoot it!"

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Looks like I will be moving to Chamberlain, South Dakota soon. Does anybody have any experience of the CCW/Firearm Culture in that area? Any place to do some shooting nearby?

I've already did the Google search, just wanted to know if anybody had first hand experience/knowledge.

Thanks for your help!

No. But I do have personal experience with having the transmission in my old 1984 Pontiac 6000 SUX replaced there when it gave up the ghost about 10 miles East on I-90 back in 1993. I was treated fairly, and quickly, by the shop and was on the road the very next day. And a local hotel put me up at a good discount due to my financial strappedness over having to buy a transmission.

I had my handgun with me, but nobody knew. Never saw anything that seemed anti back then.

If that's representative of their typical good nature, I'd say it's a pretty swell place.

 

[Davek1977]

As a lifelong resident, I agree...by and large, SD has a lot of good, hard-working, honest people. Gun culture is pretty firmly ingrained here, and opening day of pheasant season warrants more attention than Christmas in many households. I can't understand how Gamestalker can to form his opinion of SD, because it certainly doesn't reflect my experience nor those experiences that I know of. Other than the Argus Leader...the Sioux Falls newspaper....printing the names of CCW holders due to that being a matter of public information at the time (NOT published by the state...by a PRIVATE paper, using PUBLIC record...and has since been specifically prohibited under state law) I'd argue he was confused as to what state he was talking about No idea what he's referring to as to the "handgun culture" being dramatically different. Open carry is allowed and somewhat common, and I'm not sure what "other" issues he is talking about....Getting a CCW is as easy as going to the county Sheriff on your *18th* (yes, SD allows 18 yr olds to CCW) birthday, paying ten dollars, and having a background check done. I walked across the street from my hgh school after classes were dismissed the day I turned 18, and walked away 10 minutes later with a license to carry. Yep, our gun culture is pretty prohibitive here....(maybe why we have one of the highest per-capita rares of CCW permits issued!!!!)

 

[Blaker55]

This whole reservation thing has gone a bit wonky. I've lived and worked here off and on for most of my life. I'd wager that driving around the reservation, you'd be much safer than wearing the opposing teams jersey at a Philly, NY, Baltimore,
SF game. Many, many more hostiles at an Oriole game I attended than at any pow wow or rez cafes I've been at. Even the ticket vendors were jerks.

Does bad stuff happen on the rez? Yup.
Does bad stuff happen in our SoDak major cities? Yup.
And law enforcement deals with it.

Does bad stuff happen in St Louis, Baltimore or ? Yup.
And what is law enforcement directed to do? Watch it happen?

I'd say the comment about being many minutes or hour(s) away from called in help is a very accurate statement and many of us are prepared to some extent for that situation. Out here, 99% + of the vehicles that would stop to check you out are there to offer to help in some way.

But I do find this an interesting thread. I've enjoyed it. Hopefully we gain another population or two, to our great state. Keep it going and someday we will get up to 2 members in House of Reps!

 

[buck460XVR]

From what I've seen, that state is all about guns and hunting.

Guess you've never been to Sturgis, eh? They don't call the Wednesday of Bike Week there "No Panties" cause of the birds..........

 

[Captcurt]

Chamberlin is a Pheasant Hotspot.

South Dakota has a shall issue for conceal carry and will honor a permit from another state. Google open carry and go to wikipedia. At the bottom of the page is a list of states.

 

[WKY]

Went to visit the area a few days ago. Absolutely gorgeous country. Hope to join the population before long. Thank you everyone for the info and opinions.

 

[Red Wind]

Thanks for sharing all of that, much appreciated. Yeah, for reasons I can't explain I have this thing about seeing Mount Rushmore. Possibly next summer Denali National Park so I figured in the Spring Mount Rushmore. One way or another I will get there.

Ron

Get there if you can. I was at Mt.Rushmore in 1998 and Denali in 2005. Both are spectacular in their own way. And don't miss Custer State Park in South Dakota. And the Deadwood area. The ghost of Bill Hickok is really there.

An amazing amount of wildlife, more than I've seen in any of the 49 states (missing Hawaii) at Custer. Also the Badlands are bad (the roads! ) and are most worthwhile. And the Mizzou River following the Lewis & Clark trail.

South Dakota is very special and the gun culture and gun laws are very fine.