He was in partnership with his brother for a few years and in 1985 they separated. Tom married Shelia McDaniel in 1986 and they continued to ranch and expand both the ranching and outfitting businesses. They ran registered and commercial Angus cattle for 15 years and quarter horses and currently commercial cattle and horses. Shelia grew up northeast of Philip, SD on a cattle/sheep ranch and also attended a rural school then went onto high school at Philip. At one point in her “country school days" the boy-girl ratio was 13 to 1 –thus she did as the boys did—riding horseback to school and hunting rabbits on the way was a frequent activity. After graduation from PHS, Shelia attended SDSU and then graduated from BHSU in business and education. Tom took the job of booking for Dakota Trophy in 1987 and has expanded into other areas: turkey, antelope, and archery. In addition to hunting their own ranch and in South Dakota, Tom and Shelia and their children, Mark, Mick and Tomilyn have hunted many western states as well as Alaska, Canada and Africa.
Tom and Shelia have 3 children—Mark was born in 1989, after serving Dakota Trophy hunters dinner Tom took Shelia to the hospital! Mick was born in 1991 and Tomilyn in 1993. Mark, Mick and Tomilyn all attended rural school until Mark graduated 8th grade –at which time we decided to take all 3 kids to Philip for high school. We purchased a house in town—soon to be labeled the “school” house. This allowed the kids to participate in all the activities and not on a 65 miles drive every day! Shelia stayed in town evenings when the ranch/hunting schedule allowed. The activity list was long: football, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, FFA, music—of course academics! It was a busy schedule but a great ride! Today, the kids are very active in the ranching operation. Mark and Mick are currently ranching and doing taxidermy. Check out some of their mounts under the Gallery tab! Tomilyn has finished college with an Secondary Education Degree. She is living at home and working on the ranch - but also teaches high school math at a private high school in Rapid City. She has taken over most of the booking and paperwork for the hunt, so you will deal with her to book a hunt. You’ll find Mark, Mick and even Tomilyn guiding, skinning, caping and cutting meat during seasons. We also are blessed with the presence of 2 grandchildren - Levi and Annie. Levi was born in 2010. He currently goes to our local country school and plays basketball and wrestles. He enjoys going anywhere with his dad (Mick) and especially likes guiding hunters. Annie was born in 2014 and keeps us on our toes constantly. She is the newest ranch manager and quite independent. She loves being outside and playing with the puppies, but also likes to be a girly girl sometimes!
We are proud supporters of NRA, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, SCI and the Mule Deer Foundation.
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