1st trip-mostly scouting...
DB,
Maybe...just looking at my options for what may be my 1st DIYer trip to SD. I liked the mix/variety of public lands in that area in the atlas and WILMA system. Plus, its less of a drive than heading further west for me. I almost was able to join a make-up party down towards Miller, but got too much family stuff going on when they're heading out.
SD GFP lists survey data for Sisseton and Aberdeen, wasn't sure how applicable any of that was to the Hecla-Britton area, if at all, so I was trying to gauge what the bird numbers might be like out that way. Its a trade off, higher bird density (superficially basing it on the maps and survey data) seems to equate with less public hunting opportunties in SD.
I like to work the cattails and large grass lands with my dog and maybe just a few guys, while it would be thrilling to see hordes of birds flushing like rats, I'm more after a basic hunt with an honest chance at a brace of birds over the course of day. That used to be no problem in my part of Iowa, until the last 2-3 years.
Also found some reasonable costing private lands over by Eureka; that might be the best option for my 1st time to SD-if I can swing it-despite the longer drive. There appears to be a mix of public lands out there as well.
Thanks for sharing your view from the ground. :cheers: