How to Pheasant Hunt in South Dakota

South Dakota is flooded annually with pheasant hunters.

The hour of regulation quickly approaches. Hunters clad in fluorescent orange litter the open fields of South Dakota. The clock strikes 12 p.m. CST. Then, a sound reminiscent of a the last massive Independence Day fireworks show you attended fills the cool, crisp, October air of South Dakota. Pheasant hunters--South Dakota residents and nonresidents--have begun pulling their shotgun triggers. Prepare yourself for an exciting hunt because South Dakota is an acclaimed pheasant hunting state.

Things You'll Need

• Hunting license
• South Dakota hunting atlas
• Shotgun
• Ammunition
• Fluorescent orange garment
• Hunting guide (optional)

Instructions

1. Study a South Dakota hunting atlas. The hunting atlas contains valuable information by providing detailed maps outlining all public hunting areas in the state. Locate a game production area in the atlas. Public pheasant hunting opportunities are abundant in these game refuges because of the natural wildlife habitat that is provided. Walk-in areas provide additional public hunting opportunities (no permission required), and these areas are updated in the atlas annually.

2. Purchase a state-mandated, small-game hunting license. A small-game license is a requirement for residents and nonresidents of South Dakota prior to participating in the pheasant hunting season.

3. Purchase the necessary hunting supplies. Buy, or perhaps even borrow, an appropriate gauged shotgun with which to hunt pheasant. Recommended shotgun gauges for small game include (strongest to weakest): 10, 12, 16 and 20. Coordinate your shotgun ammunition with the gauge of gun you will be using. Shotgun shells are sold based on shot potency. Buy 4- or 6-ounce shot for best results. Prepare for unexpected weather conditions--South Dakota endures an inclement wintry season.

4. Schedule your hunt to correspond with South Dakota's pheasant season. Tradition dictates that the pheasant season opens annually on the third Saturday during the month of October. Hunting opportunities can be limited in game production areas during the first few weekends of the season because of the sudden influx of nonresident hunters into South Dakota.

5. Plan a public road hunting expedition. You may take pheasants and waterfowl from most public road rights-of-way. Drive along the country gravel roads of South Dakota in search of pheasant habitat (next to grain fields and grasslands). Walk the ditches between the road and the fence line during your hunt. However--according to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Service--the governing laws regarding road hunting are complex in nature. Study these rules extensively prior to road hunting.

6. Ask permission prior to hunting. A majority of land in South Dakota is private farm land. Hunting on private land without permission is a crime called trespassing.

7. Hire a pheasant hunting guide. Guides often have advanced permission to hunt private land and, for a specified fee, will instruct or even hunt alongside you to ensure you enjoy a successful hunt.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear a fluorescent orange garment for safety while hunting (cap, shirt or jacket). This is required and will allow other hunters to spot you easily.

• Shotguns can be lethal weapons--always use with extreme caution.

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References

• SDGFP: Pheasant Season
• SDGFP: Hunting Handbook

Resources

• SDGFP: Hunting Atlas
• Allens Hillside: Guide Services