South Dakota reports strong start to pheasant hunting season

South Dakota’s pheasant hunting season has commenced with encouraging reports from opening weekend. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks conservation officers contacted over 1,800 hunters representing 44 different states, including participants from Alaska and Hawaii.

Many hunting groups reported averaging one to two birds per hunter, with some individuals reaching their limits. While hunting was reported to be slower in northeastern South Dakota due to standing crops providing cover, conditions are expected to improve as farmers continue harvesting and more fields become available.