Hoping for a little help.

I

Izzy0503

New member
Hi folks- Its been a few years since I have hunted South Dakota and we are planning on coming back. Been reading on here for awhile reading all that I can and looking at bird numbers and trying to plan a hunt. I was thinking looking at going to the Webster area because of all the public land and cheaper places to stay around there and a little west. Also my dad and uncle would be able to hunt ditches cause his knees and back can't take field hunting after too many years of farming. I guess I would like to know if I'm wasting my time looking into this area. Paying to hunt private is kind of out due to my wife having our 1st kid this past fall and money is tight. Any help would be great!
 
All you can do is just go, do it, and learn what you can. I would not rule out the Britton area, as I drove back from a hunt a few weeks ago and we saw a lot of birds West of Britton along hwy 10....I used to hunt up there, a fair amount of public land...wait until summer, so you know what kind of weather was had during the critical month of June in different parts of the state...but, yeah, go where there is land to hunt and motels to stay in that you find affordable...there will be more birds in other areas, but that is irrelevant if you can't get on land.
 
Britton area

We hunted Britton area last week of Dec and all the birds we seen were on private land. Yes ton of land to hunt but no birds,they are really down in the area so said some of the locals. Maybe earlier may have been better. If you do go to the Britton area I have a great place to rent. Not mine just info.
 
Thanks for the help guys. I figured waiting to see what the spring weather brings and make for sure plans. I'd take info on places to stay too. We have hunted Iowa in the low years when seeing 1 rooster in 3 days was kinds normal. So I don't think we would be to disappointed in anywhere in south Dakota if it is like hunting North Dakota.
 
It sounds like most of this area is cattails. Am I right assuming this? Is there more grass and crops/feed when you head toward Aerbdeen and Britton?
 
Hunt west and south of Webster and you will find birds. Ditch hunting is ok for early season so if you go later and it snows that option usually is over with
 
I just want to make sure that my Uncle and Dad have couple chances at birds. Bird numbers are always nice but not the main reason for going. It's more about time away, watching our dogs work/learn, and having fun making memories doing what we enjoy.
 
Izzy0503 said:
I just want to make sure that my Uncle and Dad have couple chances at birds. Bird numbers are always nice but not the main reason for going. It's more about time away, watching our dogs work/learn, and having fun making memories doing what we enjoy.
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There are public land birds to be had in the area but short of a great hatch they will require some serious work and boot leather. Limits would be a large accomplishment for three hunters especially if a couple of them are older and less mobile. Appropriate expectations apply.

There is some ditch hunting as well. Many of the ditches will have been mowed but if cattails border or enter into the ditch there will be birds using the area late in the day. Especially if there is a corn field bordering the ROW on the other side of the ditch.

As for places to stay. Day County INN in Webster was OK when I stayed there 10-years ago. There are two motels in Britton. The nicer of the two doesn't allow dogs in the room.
 
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