wisturkeyhunter
New member
I didn't say that, you guys can read into it all you want.
Thinking about a fall 2013 trip to Ft. Pierre National Grasslands, any tips/thoughts?
- Thread starter 519vx
- Start date
519vx
Member
To get out there as early in the season was another great suggestion that I got from here. I was fortunate and was able to get a hotel reservation in Pierre from Oct 24 - 27 which puts me there the week after the season opens. That was just more good advice I got and wouldn't have necessarily thought of, as here in Wisconsin I personally like the colder weather of mid to late November on to hunt.
small munsterlander owner
Banned
come on wisturkeyhunter you told the guy that if hes not getting pheasants in WI then you doubt "my words" that hes working hard enough & wont have the desire to go to a strange new state & hunt hard with out local help???
he never said anything about piling birds on the tailgate... you are not telling 519 how it is you are telling 519 what you think of his DESIRE & hunting/scouting skills re read your post thats clear??? i read into it...
to be honest i NEVER hunt as hard in MN my home state as i do when im on a 3-5 day hunt out of state... maybe thats just me???
but if anybody is dumb enough to plan a 3-5 day trip out of state drive 10 hrs & pay at least 110$ 4 a license plus hotel stay & food & you cant bring your self to hunt hard then its your own fault that you are there & get skunked in the pheasant & prairie grouse capital im sure 519 understands this
many many public land hunters are willing to work for there birds & anytime my hunting party or family travels for either a turkey or pheasant hunt to a strange new area or state we always hunt much much harder then we do at home in MN to be honest i dont know anybody who dose hunt harder at home then they do when they lay down $$$ for a trip to a new area???
you said your peace wisturkeyhunter we are not picking on you its just he asked for help not to have his desire or hunting/scouting skills called into play we all understood your point on the 1st post you maid... the 2nd post was the kinda dickish post...
he never said anything about piling birds on the tailgate... you are not telling 519 how it is you are telling 519 what you think of his DESIRE & hunting/scouting skills re read your post thats clear??? i read into it...
to be honest i NEVER hunt as hard in MN my home state as i do when im on a 3-5 day hunt out of state... maybe thats just me???
but if anybody is dumb enough to plan a 3-5 day trip out of state drive 10 hrs & pay at least 110$ 4 a license plus hotel stay & food & you cant bring your self to hunt hard then its your own fault that you are there & get skunked in the pheasant & prairie grouse capital im sure 519 understands this
many many public land hunters are willing to work for there birds & anytime my hunting party or family travels for either a turkey or pheasant hunt to a strange new area or state we always hunt much much harder then we do at home in MN to be honest i dont know anybody who dose hunt harder at home then they do when they lay down $$$ for a trip to a new area???
you said your peace wisturkeyhunter we are not picking on you its just he asked for help not to have his desire or hunting/scouting skills called into play we all understood your point on the 1st post you maid... the 2nd post was the kinda dickish post...
small munsterlander owner
Banned
thats good you got a room already 519 way to plan ahead...
another reason for the hole prairie grouse flushing out of range is like it or not the use of hunting dogs lol i have read in at least 2-3 articles on prairie grouse hunting & seen it 1st hand my-self that prairie grouse are 1 of the few upland game bird species that a hunting dog is not required & a flushing breed is the hardest to hunt with & get bird up with in range while in the prairies...
i seen & shot at many many more birds when i walked the prairies alone & with no dog... i was able to get much much closer no doubt about that in my book!!!
even with a solid pointing llewellen setter my brother has we flush more birds in range with out a dog then with a dog... i did get onto a bunch of birds with my olde english bulldogge she flushed & found my 1st ever prairie chicken it was outstanding in my eyes to watch my big ol bulldog stay steady on the shot & run over & pin down my wing shot chicken i will never forget that scene!!! 2nd was my 6-7 month old small munsterlander doing the same for my father 1st prairie chicken last yr!!! they both were there to retrieve the chicken it was great to watch!!!
i know its hard to hunt with out our friends the dogs on a hunt so i doubt you will leave the dogs in kennel on the trip but it was just a tip i have found...
keep intouch it like to maybe share a hunt with you out there if im in SD at the same time... also keep in mind you can only hunt 5 days at a crack & you will have a 2nd 5 day hunt period to use once you buy ur sd pheasant license thats when you can make you late season cold weather hunt out to the SD prairies if you have the time free????
another reason for the hole prairie grouse flushing out of range is like it or not the use of hunting dogs lol i have read in at least 2-3 articles on prairie grouse hunting & seen it 1st hand my-self that prairie grouse are 1 of the few upland game bird species that a hunting dog is not required & a flushing breed is the hardest to hunt with & get bird up with in range while in the prairies...
i seen & shot at many many more birds when i walked the prairies alone & with no dog... i was able to get much much closer no doubt about that in my book!!!
even with a solid pointing llewellen setter my brother has we flush more birds in range with out a dog then with a dog... i did get onto a bunch of birds with my olde english bulldogge she flushed & found my 1st ever prairie chicken it was outstanding in my eyes to watch my big ol bulldog stay steady on the shot & run over & pin down my wing shot chicken i will never forget that scene!!! 2nd was my 6-7 month old small munsterlander doing the same for my father 1st prairie chicken last yr!!! they both were there to retrieve the chicken it was great to watch!!!
i know its hard to hunt with out our friends the dogs on a hunt so i doubt you will leave the dogs in kennel on the trip but it was just a tip i have found...
keep intouch it like to maybe share a hunt with you out there if im in SD at the same time... also keep in mind you can only hunt 5 days at a crack & you will have a 2nd 5 day hunt period to use once you buy ur sd pheasant license thats when you can make you late season cold weather hunt out to the SD prairies if you have the time free????
shorthairs4life
New member
Just wanted to say a few words about wisturk.
When I first moved to WI I couldn't find a wild bird to save my life. I felt like I was looking hard but no results. I kept complaining about the bird numbers and much like you he kept jabbing away at me much like your hearing now (519). Those words fired me up and I got out and tried new places and eventually harvested a few wild birds. This season was even better. Next season should be even better, I found another new spot holding wild birds (thanks to continued scouting time).
Moral of the story he is trying to convey is if you put on the miles, you will eventually find the spots that are holding birds and you'll have some fun here at home.
Everybody gets motivated differently but his words kept me fighting and in my case I'm glad I did.
I've hunted SD for the last 3 years and I think I'm going to pass this year and enjoy the comforts of home.
All in all, when you get to know Wisturk you find that he is a very stand up guy. He takes hunting seriously and if you don't, then he let's you hear about it.
When I first moved to WI I couldn't find a wild bird to save my life. I felt like I was looking hard but no results. I kept complaining about the bird numbers and much like you he kept jabbing away at me much like your hearing now (519). Those words fired me up and I got out and tried new places and eventually harvested a few wild birds. This season was even better. Next season should be even better, I found another new spot holding wild birds (thanks to continued scouting time).
Moral of the story he is trying to convey is if you put on the miles, you will eventually find the spots that are holding birds and you'll have some fun here at home.
Everybody gets motivated differently but his words kept me fighting and in my case I'm glad I did.
I've hunted SD for the last 3 years and I think I'm going to pass this year and enjoy the comforts of home.
All in all, when you get to know Wisturk you find that he is a very stand up guy. He takes hunting seriously and if you don't, then he let's you hear about it.
519vx
Member
Shorthairs - I started this thread just with the hopes of getting some info or tips or suggestions about doing my first ever trip to hunt South Dakota. Several guys offered me some really good suggestions and I am very grateful for that. Just because I've done well on wild birds in my part of Wisconsin doesn't mean I'm any less serious than any other hunter. My desire to try a trip to South Dakota might suggest just the opposite.
I'm a pretty hard core bass fisherman in the spring and summer, thus my username here. I've competitively fished several big out bass tournaments across around the country at places that I've never been. In preparing for those tournaments, I've sought similar help from others more familiar with the waters than I was. In return I've offered my unconditional help to those that come to Wisconsin to fish or hunt.
I don't need positive or negative motivation of others to help me become a better or more successful hunter. My motivation and my definition of success comes from within. Everyone defines success in a different way. Wisturk and I just have different ideas on some things.
I'm a pretty hard core bass fisherman in the spring and summer, thus my username here. I've competitively fished several big out bass tournaments across around the country at places that I've never been. In preparing for those tournaments, I've sought similar help from others more familiar with the waters than I was. In return I've offered my unconditional help to those that come to Wisconsin to fish or hunt.
I don't need positive or negative motivation of others to help me become a better or more successful hunter. My motivation and my definition of success comes from within. Everyone defines success in a different way. Wisturk and I just have different ideas on some things.
Last edited:
wisturkeyhunter
New member
I really wasn't trying to be abrasive and I do hope you get into some birds.
Love me some fishing.
Love me some fishing.
carptom1
Well-known member
I just wanted to let you know that I will be about 50 miles SW of Pierre in that time frame. If you find yourself struggling, or want a change of pace, PM me and I will give you my cell #. I know some good road hunting spots up there, or maybe we could hook up for a day. Some on here have a hard on for SD for whatever reason. His comments would have pissed me off too. Nobody should challenge your effort as a hunter. It will be an adventure for sure. Pierre is pretty crowded that time of year. Good luck!
519vx
Member
That's a dandy fish.
I know that is problem with Internet boards, that a message doesn't always come across the way it was intended
. I don't want to take the thread off topic, but I bet I could spend an afternoon or two this summer putting you on some decent LM (release) or a good meal of panfish.
I know that is problem with Internet boards, that a message doesn't always come across the way it was intended
. I don't want to take the thread off topic, but I bet I could spend an afternoon or two this summer putting you on some decent LM (release) or a good meal of panfish.
519vx
Member
Thank you Carptom! Pierre is just kind of a base camp for me as I found a room there, places to eat, and I will almost certainly take a few casts below the page dam as was suggested here. Is there better surf and turf than pheasant and walleye? 
I kind of figured it would be busy around Pierre. It's not unlike the fishing tournaments, a lot of guys stay close to town. I start my search further out and that is my plan here. I picked Pierre for several reasons. I have the opportunity to hunt grouse and chickens, there is a lot of public land within an hour, and the pheasant harvest densities are pretty good in most of the counties around Pierre according to some info that I found on the state wildlife website. Couple that with the chance to fish if I want to and it sounds good already. That being said, i am a realist and get it that game in the bag is earned.
I kind of figured it would be busy around Pierre. It's not unlike the fishing tournaments, a lot of guys stay close to town. I start my search further out and that is my plan here. I picked Pierre for several reasons. I have the opportunity to hunt grouse and chickens, there is a lot of public land within an hour, and the pheasant harvest densities are pretty good in most of the counties around Pierre according to some info that I found on the state wildlife website. Couple that with the chance to fish if I want to and it sounds good already. That being said, i am a realist and get it that game in the bag is earned.
Uncle Buck
New member
I cast and blast about every other year in Pierre on the grouse opener. My nephew went the last two years, but if I need a party or two next year, I would be willing to show a couple of you the ropes. I have a big boat and motor so no worry there.
519vx
Member
I sure wouldn't be opposed to meeting up with a few guys for a hunt out there if the timing works. I'm staying in Pierre but will be driving some distance every day to scout and check some areas in just about every direction from Pierre.
Oh...and The SD fish and game website's interactive tool that shows walk in and other public areas is pretty neat.
Oh...and The SD fish and game website's interactive tool that shows walk in and other public areas is pretty neat.
Hobie1026
Active member
prairie grouse
Take this with a grain of salt 'cuz I've never hunted SD, but in ND, when I want to target sharptail grouse with my flushers here's what I do.
Wait til after about 9 or so. Find ridgelines. Put your dog on heel. Walk up the windward side of the hills. At the ridgetop release your dog. If there's grouse they'll be loafing in the lee side of the hill out of the wind and you'll have the jump on them.
I've gotten huge coverys up hunting this way, surprising them and the flushes are usually pretty short range. Having a flusher is an asset with this technique, not a liability. However in my whole life I've only flushed 2 pheasants using this technique so for whatever reason don't expect to find roosters dpoing this, just grouse.
Now someone will come along and explain why this technique won't work this being the internet and all and this advice is worth what you paid for it. But hey, the more tricks in your bag the better your chances. Good luck and have fun.
Take this with a grain of salt 'cuz I've never hunted SD, but in ND, when I want to target sharptail grouse with my flushers here's what I do.
Wait til after about 9 or so. Find ridgelines. Put your dog on heel. Walk up the windward side of the hills. At the ridgetop release your dog. If there's grouse they'll be loafing in the lee side of the hill out of the wind and you'll have the jump on them.
I've gotten huge coverys up hunting this way, surprising them and the flushes are usually pretty short range. Having a flusher is an asset with this technique, not a liability. However in my whole life I've only flushed 2 pheasants using this technique so for whatever reason don't expect to find roosters dpoing this, just grouse.
Now someone will come along and explain why this technique won't work this being the internet and all and this advice is worth what you paid for it.
But hey, the more tricks in your bag the better your chances. Good luck and have fun.
519vx
Member
Interesting tip about how to hunt the grouse with a flusher, thanks!
About the grouse...how are they for table fare? Are prairie chickens found in the same areas? It would be neat to spend a little time targeting prairie chickens. How are they for table fare? They look like neat birds, especially the males.
About the grouse...how are they for table fare? Are prairie chickens found in the same areas? It would be neat to spend a little time targeting prairie chickens. How are they for table fare? They look like neat birds, especially the males.
Take this with a grain of salt 'cuz I've never hunted SD, but in ND, when I want to target sharptail grouse with my flushers here's what I do.
Wait til after about 9 or so. Find ridgelines. Put your dog on heel. Walk up the windward side of the hills. At the ridgetop release your dog. If there's grouse they'll be loafing in the lee side of the hill out of the wind and you'll have the jump on them.
I've gotten huge coverys up hunting this way, surprising them and the flushes are usually pretty short range. Having a flusher is an asset with this technique, not a liability. However in my whole life I've only flushed 2 pheasants using this technique so for whatever reason don't expect to find roosters dpoing this, just grouse.
Now someone will come along and explain why this technique won't work this being the internet and all and this advice is worth what you paid for it.
That is exactly what I would say, I have hunted grouse for 40 years. They like to get on the breezy side near the top. Now Prairie chickens not sharptails are always low on the slopes, in smaller flocks, in denser grass and some service berries or high rose hips, in this enviornment, they are eating grasshoppers and ripe red rose hips only, with a garnish of fresh green leaves. They are delicious, eat quickly, fried in bacon grease and lightly. This is before snow. After it gets nasty, they are wary, travel for miles, roost in trees, but still eat rose hips, sometimes with crickets, and fly to feed maybe miles. One the best bird hunting experiences. You should experience it.
mnmthunting
Banned
Good Sharptail Country in MT has lots of brushy coulees. Grouse tend to follow the coulees to the ridges then follow another coulee back into the valley. In Sept and into early Oct they will feed up the sides of the coulees eating grasshoppers and Crickets, for sure greens. Buffalo Berry are common in most all coulees so are Snow Berry, Rose Hips and Choke Cherry. If the weather is warm Sharpies spend mid day is in the shade. Food is plentiful, grouse won't go far from the safety of the brush.
These Young Sharpies are excellent camp meat, cut up, dusted in flour, seared in hot oil.
Can't wait until Sept.:thumbsup:
These Young Sharpies are excellent camp meat, cut up, dusted in flour, seared in hot oil.
Can't wait until Sept.:thumbsup: