South Dakota: A Pheasant Hunting Paradise

South Dakota and pheasant hunting are commonly used together in conversation.  For 100 years, South Dakota’s vast expanses of habitat have provided excellent opportunities for pheasants to thrive.  From October 18 to January 4, 2009, wingshooters will again be exploring this habitat for a bird that has made South Dakota a great fall destination. 

If last year’s near record number of pheasants was not enough, brood surveys for 2008 have shown a pheasant count that is up nine percent.  How fitting, being that this year marks the 100^th anniversary of the successful introduction of the Chinese Ring-necked pheasant into our state.  If there was ever a time to experience a hunt in South Dakota, start a new hunting tradition or meet up with some old friends, this would be the year to do it.  

With many questions surrounding the future of hunting, not only in South Dakota, but around the country, it’s nice to find some solace in a pheasant population that is again near record highs.  Questions of habitat and the economy have taken a backseat to a wildlife population that is flourishing in South Dakota.    

Optimism and hope for a continuously bright future is on the horizon.  With a successful opening weekend hunt behind us, we look to the late season to bring us continued opportunities for success in the fields.  Success that is not only measured by the number of birds in the bag, but by the memories created in the fields.  With the millions of acres of rich wildlife habitat open to public hunting and a rising pheasant population to pursue, this year’s late season hunt will be one of the best in recent memory!  

South Dakota wouldn’t be celebrating its Pheasantennial without the proper management of habitat.  The grass roots organizations, Pheasants Forever chapters and our own Department of Game, Fish and Parks are all to thank for another near record population of pheasants this year.  With consistent conservation and preservation efforts, fair weather patterns and a little luck, South Dakota’s wildlife will continue to flourish, and we will continue to enjoy what many are calling “the good old days” for many years to come.  

Links:

·       Pheasantennial Website
·       Hunting in South Dakota