South Dakota’s traditional pheasant hunting season kicks off this weekend.
Game, Fish and Parks officials said they are extremely optimistic on harvest numbers this year.
Pheasant hunting is one of the state’s oldest traditions. Hunters come from around the Untied States and from around the world for a chance to hunt in the fields of South Dakota.
The income brought in by hunters renting cabins, buying equipment, fuel, and food helps sustain many small-town businesses.
Nick Harrington is the Communications Manager for South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. He said this year's pheasant season looks promising.
“All things top to bottom, especially from that spring/summer time to now, indicate really good bird numbers, awesome habitat conditions. I’d say this year’s hunting season is going to be just as good, if not even better than last year's, which was pretty dang good as it was,” said Harrington.
Last year South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks reported over one million pheasants harvested. This was a 10 percent increase over the past 10-year average.
Harrington said with new programs like PATH, acreage for public access to hunting has increased across the state.
He reminds hunters to be respectful of the property they are hunting on.
“Be ready to share the road with some agricultural equipment this year. Don’t park in approaches that might block fields. Don’t park in front of gates. If you are hunting an area that you have permission for, leave the gate how you found it," said Harrington. "If you found it closed, close it behind you. If you found it open, leave it open. Just those types of things. Being a good neighbor, being a responsible outdoorsmen hunter, that’s what keeps these relationships going and also it just makes it safer and that much more enjoyable for all of us.”
Traditional pheasant season begins Saturday and runs through Jan. 31.
