South - Southeast SD bird numbers?

Just got back from that general area yesterday. There's still birds for sure but like others have said they're educated and have their running shoes on. The depression sank in bad on the way home this trip, I was able to make six trips this year but I'm guessing this was my last for this year.
 
I was out today, tons of birds. Should have had 3 in under 30 minutes. I got two in the first 15, which is the fastest I’ve ever shot 2 birds. Proceeded to miss 2 easy shots over the rest of the walk. They all held tight and flushed within 20 yards. Had some truck trouble, so I ran into town to get it fixed, then had time for an hour long walk before close. Put up maybe 75 birds on that walk, but all of them were wild as can be. Very very cool to see though. Tomorrow will be my last hunt of the season, and I hope to get a couple more.
 
We just got back from the great state. Was really crazy to be walking CRP at the end of january... didn't take but 6 steps in cattails.... 4 days. 2 days with 4 birds 2 days with 6 birds
 

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MNMEAD said:
I was out today, tons of birds. Should have had 3 in under 30 minutes. I got two in the first 15, which is the fastest I’ve ever shot 2 birds. Proceeded to miss 2 easy shots over the rest of the walk. They all held tight and flushed within 20 yards. Had some truck trouble, so I ran into town to get it fixed, then had time for an hour long walk before close. Put up maybe 75 birds on that walk, but all of them were wild as can be. Very very cool to see though. Tomorrow will be my last hunt of the season, and I hope to get a couple more.
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I only got one more. THUMBS DOWN on that. 62 degrees on 1/28 with insane winds. Too hot for the dog, but too much wind to be comfortable without a sweatshirt. Enjoyed two tailgate beers to reminisce about the season before driving the 4.5 hours home. Great season with great company (Dog obviously, Wife twice, wife and dad once for the first time since I was in high school.)

The end of the season always makes me feel a bit lost. I've got other activities to look forward to, but I'm truly obsessed with chasing birds with my dog. Always feels a bit like losing a good friend when the season ends.
 

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MNMEAD said:
I only got one more. THUMBS DOWN on that. 62 degrees on 1/28 with insane winds. Too hot for the dog, but too much wind to be comfortable without a sweatshirt. Enjoyed two tailgate beers to reminisce about the season before driving the 4.5 hours home. Great season with great company (Dog obviously, Wife twice, wife and dad once for the first time since I was in high school.)

The end of the season always makes me feel a bit lost. I've got other activities to look forward to, but I'm truly obsessed with chasing birds with my dog. Always feels a bit like losing a good friend when the season ends.
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Right on
Wrapped up my season on Monday and have been feeling melancholy ever since. More so this season for me with my dog now 8 and hitting home that I only have a couple more seasons with him in the field. Still at his peak but man was he sore and limping around afterwards.
Starting to think about a new pup and family member...
 
BirdDoggin said:
Right on
Wrapped up my season on Monday and have been feeling melancholy ever since. More so this season for me with my dog now 8 and hitting home that I only have a couple more seasons with him in the field. Still at his peak but man was he sore and limping around afterwards.
Starting to think about a new pup and family member...
Click to expand...
I did that in 2023, and just at the right time too. I hunted my 9 year old with the puppy that fall, and my old girl turned 11 this last December. She went on a grouse hunt and a "pretend" pheasant hunt this season. She just can't do it anymore. She gets around just fine, and enjoys going on a run with us or fetch, but doesn't understand how to slow down in the field. She makes it about an hour in the field before she is in pain due to her hips stiffening up. Hurts me to see, but when I take the little one with me every weekend my wife makes sure she gets plenty of "jazzy time" in the house. Even worse, if she'd just trot around near me when hunting she could go for a full day with no problem. But that isn't who she is, so I'll make sure she still feels special and doesn't feel replaced by her little sister. But damn did it happen FAST. Slowed down one year then basically retired the next. You don't see how much they slow down until you've got a 10 month old in the field with them.
 
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