Traditions Remain Strong for South Dakota’s Pheasant Opener

By Justin Stakes

Pierre, SD -(Ammoland.com)- Cities and towns rolled out the orange carpet to pheasant hunters for the traditional pheasant season opener.

While the annual pheasant brood survey showed a decrease in the statewide index from 2015, hunters were successful across the state and made memories to last a lifetime.

“Standing crops were an obstacle in some areas, but hunters found decent bird numbers across the state,” said South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Secretary Kelly Hepler. “The tradition of the opening day of South Dakota’s pheasant season is special. Whether it’s a first time hunter putting their first rooster in their game bag, or a grizzled vet meeting up with long-time friends and sharing a hunt, this is what we live for”.

Reports from across the state indicate the following:

• Central Region, Nathan Baker, GFP regional game manager
  • Average bird count per person: 2 birds in Lyman, Tripp, Hughes and Brule Counties 1 bird per hunter in most other areas.
  • Pierre, Chamberlain and Mobridge areas.

• Northeast Region, Nick Rossman, GFP regional game manager
  • Average bird count per person: ½ to 1 bird per hunter. Lots of standing crops in the Watertown …Read the Rest

    Source:: AmmoLand