There’s no place like South Dakota to hunt pheasants! Since 1919, the tradition of pheasant hunting has brought friends and families together in holiday-like fashion. Every year opening weekend brings unprecedented enthusiasm, excitement, and activity to cities and rural communities across the state.
Annual pheasant harvests by hunters in South Dakota usually number over 1,000,000 roosters!
But that’s not all. Pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, mule deer, whitetail deer, mountain goat, mountain lion, bison and wild turkeys are also hunted in South Dakota. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your next bird hunting trip to South Dakota.
Hunting Birds in South Dakota
- South Dakota is the pheasant hunting capital of the world. The average annual pheasant harvest during the past 10 years is 1.2 million roosters!
- In addition to pheasants, South Dakota has some great sharptail grouse hunting. You can also find the occasional Prairie chicken and covey of Hungarian partridge.
- Great habitat, with a diverse mixture of grassland, crops, wetlands and shelterbelts.
- High numbers of wild birds, and long seasons.
- Most of South Dakota is privately owned, so permission to hunt is required, but public lands such as Game Production Areas and Walk-In Areas offer choice habitat for pheasants.
- Early in the season, pheasants are scattered in small groups, but winter’s fury concentrates birds into heavy cover. Tree strips, cattail sloughs, and dense weed patches hold pheasants at this time of year. Don’t buy into the myth that opening day is the best time to hunt.
- There are a number of great pheasant hunting guides and lodges that we can refer you to if a DIY hunt isn’t for you.
Best hunting locations in South Dakota.
South Dakota is known for its vast and diverse hunting grounds, making it a popular destination for bird hunters. Some of the best locations for upland bird hunting in South Dakota include the Black Hills National Forest, the Missouri River Valley, and the grasslands of the eastern part of the state. Each location offers unique terrain and bird populations, so it’s important to research and choose the best location for the type of bird you want to hunt. Additionally, be sure to obtain any necessary permits and follow all hunting regulations in the area.
Are you hunting birds in South Dakota this year? We’d like to help you book your trip.
Discover why thousands of people have trusted Outdoors International to help plan their bird hunt.
Outdoors International has a team of hand-selected wingshooting experts to help you book your next bird hunt. Our job it is to help you in researching, booking and planning a great bird hunt, so you can just show up and shoot.
This outfitter is an honest hardworking outfitter and I cannot recommend him highly enough.
I have to say this was the best upland bird hunting I have ever experienced. To top it all off the rancher whose land we hunted on and his wife invited the entire group on the last morning for a home cooked feast of a breakfast at their ranch house. Finer people I have never met.
Louis Digiovanni
The dove hunting in Mexico was like a video game!
There are literally millions of White wing doves in the areas surrounding the lodge. The dove shooting starts as soon as you get out of the truck and doesn't stop till Jose says it is time to go. I really love the fact that I don't have to hassle with taking my shotgun with me. They have plenty of Benelli shotguns for you to use in both 20 and 12 gauges. They do an excellent job of scouting and know exactly where the doves are and where to put you on the field to get the most action.
Dale Roden
You'll be hooked after you go hunting in South Dakota the first time.
It may take you several more trips to get it out of your system, if you ever do. If you get the chance, have Outdoors International set you up with their SD pheasant hunting lodge. They'll leave lasting impression on you as the hunt was over the top. The food, the lodge and the people are top notch and the trip will not disappoint.
Michael Marbach
