Solo Pointing Dog Hunter

D

DH in Oregon

New member
I have decied to make the trip to SD for my first Dakota pheasant hunt. I have wanted to come out for the last 3 years but the hunting partner never could make it. This year was supposed to be the year, but again, he can't go. I am not waiting anymore. I need to get my dogs on birds and I just want to see good numbers. I really just want to watch them work so the block/drive hunt is out.

I don't mind paying the reasonable tresspass fee ($125) and have found a lodging/hunting access outfit in Eureka. Any suggestions of places that offer a good hunting experience...great cover, good people (land owners/community), and decent birds? I am hoping to find a spot with some public land/Walk In areas nearby to try my luck as well. I am used to poor bird humbers and don't mind working for my birds. I hope to find a spot that I can return to in a couple years with my young son.

Thanks,

DH
 
If I was going solo I would hit public ground. Not many outfitters are going to offer a solo experience, they need to make money and can't do that with one guy. You can get your limit it just might take a while longer.
 
i agree, going with an outfitter will get you and your dogs thrown in with a group of....who knows?....but probably few real hunters you could trust or feel comfortable with....you might have better luck in the middle of the week knocking on doors and offering to pay to hunt, which would be a much better use of your time than hunting all public ground all day long.
 
Go to the SD Game, Fish & Parks web site. http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/info-request.aspx You can order a 2010 copy of the Hunting Atlas that shows all the public land and walk-in areas. There is actually a ton of public and walk-in land in that part of the state. I'm not saying it all has pheasants but I'm sure that if you visit with the locals at the cafe or bar they will steer you in the right dirrection. Maybe even come up with some private land for you to hunt on. You being a solo hunter with one dog may give you an advantage over 1 or more vehicles loaded with hunters asking or a place to hunt.

I live in Aberdeen and hunt public land a lot by myself and my 2 Brittanys. I do okay but it can be a hot and cold proposition. One day you see all kinds of birds and the next time you hunt the same area you hardly see a bird. But I enjoy getting out with the dogs and spending the time in the field. I think you can have a great time by yourself or maybe one other hunter. If you get out here and feel the need for a fellow hunter to join you I just might be available. :)
 
Eureka area has a number of areas with public access. Let your dogs have at it,as a solo you will do find. That area last season had a very late (spring) harvest of corn so bird numbers should be good. Be aware area last fall was way above average for water.
 
try this no. in kimbell south dakota, ask for Bobby I talked to him and he helps
book hunts for some small outfitters in Kimbell SD can't remember thier rates
but it was about what your looking for. He talked like he could take just me
and my dog out hunting private property it won't hurt to give him a call at
605-691-4636. I think I got his no. here on the forum.
 
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