National and state parks have lured in photographers over the years with their natural beauty, abundant wildlife and spectacular image-making opportunities in protected regions. Outside of these protected meccas there are few places a photographer can go and concentrate on such a vast variety of subjects successfully in such a short amount of time. Nestled in the beautiful Black Hills and often appropriately referred to as South Dakota's own "Little Yellowstone", Custer State Park is just such a haven! The park itself encompasses some 73,000 majestic acres, making it one of the largest national parks in the country. Its widely varied ecosystems range from rolling prairie to mountainous pines, and to the unique geological formations of the Sylvan Lake area.

Proving there is more to see in South Dakota than just a bunch of "Stone Heads", the park is home to one of the nation's largest publicly owned, relatively free roaming bison herds, as well as elk, deer (both Mule and whitetail), bighorn sheep, pronghorns, mountain goats and various species of "Small Game". For the adventurous or budget-conscious photographer there are 9 scenic campgrounds scattered throughout the park. If money is not a limiting factor and your sense of adventure is fulfilled by creature comforts, then 4 state-owned, privately operated resorts throughout the park offer top notch dining, lodging, and recreational opportunities.

There are really no disappointing ways to explore Custer State Park's vast acreage and adjoining wilderness areas. The hikes are majestic, and the drives breathtaking. The horseback rides are relaxing and often just the ticket for a close encounter with wildlife. The park proprietors also offer Jeep tours, which can be one of the most informative ways to take in all that the park offers to a first time visitor.

The majority of photographers prefer to travel by car. I recommend starting with the park's 18-mile paved Wildlife Loop, preferably in the morning or early evening, when the buttery light melts into the prairie valleys. All of the park's creatures are at peak activity during this time. The loop covers much of the park's southern half where the deer, pronghorn antelope and bison roam its rolling grasslands.

Bison are generally easy to spot throughout the loop. The herd numbers close to 1,500, which is one of the largest left in the world. Most times of the year the herd doesn't concentrate in too many areas. Be prepared to wait when the buffalo decide to cross the road. And don't let their seemingly docile nature fool you into getting too close a look
at their shaggy hides. It is also not uncommon for campers in the park to wake up with one or more of the beasts standing amongst the various tents and campers. Antelope would probably be the next easiest to spot throughout the loop, and are found predominantly near the park's visitors center and several of the dirt roads inbetween. Antelope activity heightens in the fall months as they enter the breeding season and start preparing themselves for the harsh winters.

If Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are more what you are after you may want to try the higher elevations as they are rarely seen from a vehicle. Hikes through the Black Elk Wilderness Area (accessible from the State Park) or along the stunning Needles Highway (Hwy. 87) and Iron Mountain Road (Hwy. 16A) offer up the best chances for success. Blue Bell Lodge Stables also offer daily, guided, trail rides that will get you off the beaten path. Depending on the time of year you may get the opportunity to ride alone with the guide offering you the best chance to find various wildlife with ample time to photograph them. No matter how you choose to explore the park the plentiful wildlife will not disappoint you!

Editor's Comment: Let us know what you think! Please email the Editor to let us know your thoughts. Cory Kittle has been an active member of PhotoMigrations since May 2002. Cory is a full time member of the United States Air Force with 14 years of service and has been involved in photography just as long. He is working towards a second career at wildlife photography following his retirement from the Air Force in October of 2008. His two tours in South Dakota beginning in April of 1989 has given him ample time to explore the vast prairie and Black Hills area's of western South Dakota and provided him the opportunity to intimately photograph the wildlife of the area. You can visit his website by clicking the link: Cory Kittle Nature Photography.