Trip Prep

What to Bring

  • Hunting clothing that is blaze orange or another suitable orange vest.
  • Several layers of clothing; Fall conditions vary, we highly recommend base layers to avoid constricting heavy outerwear.
  • Shooting gloves and eye protection.
  • We suggest your lightest shotgun capable of handling 3” shells. We also provide high quality shotguns-free of charge.
  • Hunting boots that are broken in – the field is not the place to do it.
  • All appropriate supplies for your dogs that will be joining the hunt.
  • Camera and/or video equipment to help capture the memories!
  • Or, let our Pro’s create a personalized documentary for you or your group! (View video packages here)

Airport Options

There are several South Dakota airports to choose from. We can provide transportation assistance for our Guided Guests. ETA’s from Airports are to our Guided Hunting Grounds. List Airports below as: Aberdeen-20 minutes away Watertown1.5 hours away Huron 1.5 hours away Sioux Falls 3 hours away Pierre 3 Hours away.

Chartered Flights

For those of you bringing your own plane or chartering a flight, the following three companies can accommodate all of your needs.

Finding Your Lodge

Some of our lodges can be a bit tricky to locate, especially those that are fairly rural. We suggest you use our Google map and directions to ensure you’re arriving exactly where you should.

Licensing Information

South Dakota Pheasant License >> Apply Online

  • Season runs from October 19th, 2024 to January 31st, 2025
  • Shooting hours: 10:00am til Sunset
  • $121 for Non-Resident Small Game License plus $25 for habitat fee
  • 3 roosters per day and 15 possession Limit
  • $10 Youth (12-17) Non-Resident Small Game License
  • Predator Hunting allowed with Small Game License

Self-Guided Guests

Note: You will be hunting WILD Pheasants. Let me repeat that, you will be hunting WILD Pheasants. That being said, as much as we welcome you, our Pheasants do not. Meaning, they are genetically programmed for survival and appropriate tactics are vital for consistent success. Please check out the blog for Dennis’ over 40 years of insight on how to best bag your birds. Please, take the time to study all articles and videos. Our birds simply do not care who you are, who your dog is, his pedigree, how much they cost, training or ribbons around their neck. South Dakota is the ultimate field trial and I must report, that a good many fail. They must be kept within gun range-at all times. A wild birds first instinct is to run and if your dog is running after them, the birds automatically win as they will not stop and you will not shoot. We have no more influence over how the Pheasants react than you do. We certainly cannot control your dogs, the weather, your tactics or shooting, etc. This is truly a do it yourself deal and if you and your dogs are not yet up to it, I would recommend a Guided Hunt your first time out. This allows you to take part to learn how we approach various situations. We whole heartedly welcome your dogs to hunt with our seasoned dogs. You will be amazed at how much they can and do pick up in just a couple of days.

Additional Suggestions

Please try and condition yourself and your dogs-if you bring them.  It will make the entire experience much more enjoyable.  If you have a physical ailment or handicap-please let us know in advance-we can easily accommodate your special needs.

Twelve Gauge guns are strongly recommended as our birds are 100% Wild.  Meaning they are wily, fast, and tough-particularly later in the season.  The lighter gauges can and do work, provided you have experience handling them. Beginners are best to start out bigger.

We do not require plugs to shoot pheasants in SD. Please have them removed prior to arrival and be ready to rack off some rounds at our roosters! Feel free to read-up on South Dakota’s laws for hunting, firearms and ammo.

It is recommended that you obtain your hunting license before your arrival.  You can do this by visiting the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks website.

We strongly recommend that you appoint one person as your banker.  This will make it easier on your entire group and darn sure helps us.  We want our entire Staff’s focus to be on providing our Guests with great hunting.