South Dakota Pheasants

[Jeff Olson]

I forgot to mention that if any of you guys use pheasant tail feathers for tying flies,I saved a bunch and would be happy to give them to you. I live by tablerock dam. just personal message me on here if you want some.

[mhowerton]

I have hunted South Dakota the last three years with some friends that have a farm near Colome, SD. We hunted first week of November and averaged right around 2 birds per person each day. Also had to hunt alot longer than a typical year. The drought really hurt the area we were in. We also got drawn for waterfowl this year and had some great duck hunts in the NE part of the state. South Dakota is a wingshooters paradise. Already looking forward to the trip next year.

[Jeff Olson]

opening week report. as predicted, bird #s were way down this year. still had a enjoyable hunt ( I just really enjoy south Dakota ). I hunted 6 days and bagged 9 roosters. hunted from Aberdeen to Miller, sd. about the same everywhere we went. birds were thin, 1 or 2 here & there, never saw any large coveys. I would say that over half of the crops are still up, and that is where the birds are. if anyone is going out I would suggest the waterfowl production areas. or any cover around any good water source that would not of dried up last fall . last falls drought really hurt them . hopefully weather conditions will be better and they will rebound nicely for next year! also, I headed back here a few days early to try the northern zone opener for ducks. hunted the Nodaway valley on sat & Sunday. lots of guys and they only had 9 of the 15 hunting areas open because of lack of water. so I did not draw a area, and had to hunt a open area. did ok, Saturday saw a lot of teal and woodies. shot 2 of each, and 1 more woddie on sunday morning. not many lrg ducks there yet. happy hunting!

[moodyfour]

My Dad is up there now... Will post if he let's me know how they are doing. Bucket list trip for me, hopefully someday I can make the voyage. First trip there for him but his buddies have been going for awhile now.