Bird numbers are high, hunting pressure is low. Our roosters are waiting to meet you right in the middle of where it all started.
Summer is now officially upon us, and it is easy to predict what will surely be yet another great pheasant season here in South Dakota. There are many phases that take place from nesting to having fully mature birds. The most important and exciting time of the year (other than pheasant season itself) is what I term the growing season.
We had an open winter, meaning no snow or inclement weather. Therefore, no winter kill of our previous three outstanding hatches — a great thing. A not so good thing was that we went into fall dry, and with no snow this winter, spring started out extremely dry. Which can have a major impact on nesting success and chick survival. As if brought in on a silver platter, we received timely rains and the pattern continues. Finally, with warm and even damn hot weather, everything is growing like wildfire including a bumper crop of early hatch and soon to be fully mature roosters. Times are good here in the famed James River Valley of South Dakota.
South Dakota Sets a New Record!
Pheasant hunting in South Dakota just had a record-breaking season — and this year is shaping up to be even better. Learn More
Knowing all of this, we can predict our pheasant numbers to be as high as I have seen in nearly 50 years of pursuing them.
With this spring’s excellent hatch mixed in with the previous year’s birds, we will see a high percentage of 2- and 3-year-old roosters with the extra-long tails and white tipped spurs. Our guests’ bags will not only be full – they will be sporting some extra-long tails protruding and waving in the South Dakota breeze. Seems only fitting with a logo like Best Tail Around. And with another season of ideal conditions, we’ve got the proof to back it up.
If you have never experienced a traditional and true to our South Dakota values pheasant hunt, this season is the time to head on out and see us, and of course, our birds. Keep in mind that this is not a “March and Shoot” operation and unlike most outfitters, we cater to smaller groups. Come see us for your bucket list hunt – whether it’s getting grandpa back out in the field or giving the youngsters their first taste of tradition. Even better? Our favorite: multi-generational hunts that bring everyone together. Because at the end of the day, the most important thing we deliver isn’t just birds – it’s the lifelong memories that come with them.
Please check out www.dakotapheasantguide.com to get a good feel for what we provide and then give Dennis a call at 605-887-7069 to discuss details and options. The good word is out, and openings will not last long.
Please remember to be extra cautious when working your dogs in the heat this summer. Please stick to mornings and evenings. Water work is the preferred hot weather option. Your dogs will appreciate and second that.