South Dakota’s population went up tremendously over the weekend, for a 48-72 hour period anyway. Thousands of out-of- state hunters and in-state hunters flocked to their favorite place to shoot the Chinese Ringnecked Pheasant. Last year, South Dakota welcomed just shy of 97,000 out-of- state hunters, throw another 70,000 in-state hunters into the mix, and you soon realize how important that beautiful bird is to our economy. Pheasant hunting is a family tradition that dates back to 1908. It was in the small town of Redfield that it all started and it has being growing ever since.
My opening day started with a cup of coffee, one too many donuts and some socializing with my wife’s family as we gathered to start the day’s hunt near Presho. This chunk of land is dedicated to pheasant habitat and is graciously shared with friends and family.
It didn’t take long to get back in the swing of things. Shortly into the first field, the sounds of “HEN”, “ROOSTER” and the dreaded “STILL A ROOSTER” were hollered as a few pheasants escaped the first encounter of the year. For once, I can say that wasn’t me on our first walk. But not to worry, Federal Ammunition, my bird to shot-gun shell ratio wasn’t very good on this day! Opening day wasn’t as successful as years past. We harvested 23 roosters, as always it was a great time had by all. Unfortunately, I don’t I remember any of my brothers-in-law missing more birds than I, oh well some things will never change!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Great blog Justin! I am headed to SD this weekend to get back in the pheasant fields and really looking forward to it. I do have one question for you, with you being involved with the state and located in Pierre you might have some thoughts.
I am wondering if there will come a time when South Dakota decides that the fate of its pheasant hunting heritage lies in its own hands and gives up on national politics. Our national politicians continue to push habitat aside and things like the Farm Bill aren’t really helping especially when they aren’t passed! I have been waiting for a comprehensive plan from South Dakota to improve habitat in the state. Something locally that makes it worth a farmers effort and pocketbook to leave some habitat for the birds, ducks, deer and everything else. I have always thought of South Dakota as the greatest place on earth for hunting… I am looking forward to sharing that with my two sons as they grow older (hopefully!).
Thanks for all you do!
Tony
Tony,
Thanks for the comment. I know there will be some legislation possibly brought to this legislative session by a representative that would address this issue.
With state budgets being so tight these days I don’t forsee much happening on this in the near future but that is only my opinion.
I do know it is being thought about though among our state legislators.
Thanks
Glad to hear it is at least on people’s minds… Thanks for the reply!
Tony