Trip to South Dakota, maybe?

merlin13

merlin13

New member
I am considering a trip out to South Dakota to go pheasant hunting. I am looking to take my son with me. He has never really done any hunting, and I have never really done any bird hunting to speak of. I have a bird dog (a Brittany) I want to take with us. I am wanting to know everyone's opinion on the best approach. Should we attempt public land, or go with a preserve with wild birds. Also any recommendations as to finding a place out there and any other advice for a novice would be appreciated. Thanks
 
Just my $0.02 maybe before marking plans to head out of state to hunt try a hunt club that may be in your area. Just as kind of a dry run to make sure it's something you guys really enjoy which I'm sure you guys will. And I'm almost positive the dog will have a great time.
 
South Dakota maybe?

Wenzel's Pheasant Hills Ranch. I started out there with my son. Give Gary a call. You won't be disappointed. It's in Wessington Springs. Good luck!
 
Thanks Choclab42, I will definitely be going to a hunt club before. I am hoping to get to one a couple times before they shut down this spring and then again in the fall. I don't know if the South Dakota would happen this year or maybe next. Just looking for some input on planning a trip so I can research well in advance.
 
Yes he does. My son wanted a dog, I agreed if we got one we could hunt with. We didn't want a large breed. After researching we decided on the Brittany. We bought him from a kennel where the breeders are a family of hunters. We sent him through bird and gun intro and then a more extensive 4 week course for on and off lead training. The trainers were pleased and impressed with his performance. I hope I can do him justice.
 
You also might consider Major Ave. Hunt Club at Glencoe - great area to train your dog and sample crp hunting conditions.

As for South Dakota hunting: it may depend on how much you want to spend and what kind of success you envision.

There are lots of "pheasant hunt camps" listed on this site and their fees.

The State of SD has information that's free - maps of walk-in areas for free hunting.

OR, you can select an area and pound on doors to obtain permission. This can be very frustrating.

One fellow on this site only hunts ditches - perhaps that's a way to start.

Lots of options...good luck!
 
merlin13 said:
I am considering a trip out to South Dakota to go pheasant hunting. I am looking to take my son with me. He has never really done any hunting, and I have never really done any bird hunting to speak of. I have a bird dog (a Brittany) I want to take with us. I am wanting to know everyone's opinion on the best approach. Should we attempt public land, or go with a preserve with wild birds. Also any recommendations as to finding a place out there and any other advice for a novice would be appreciated. Thanks
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i think you have been given some pretty good advice, one you have picked a great state to find birds, maybe avoid the first couple of weeks, second, get some experience before you go. go to a game farm, ultimately you'll find it cheap, and go at least a couple of time, in the mean time, try the trap range. don't worry much about the dog either, go for the good time

cheers
 
mustistuff said:
i think you have been given some pretty good advice, one you have picked a great state to find birds, maybe avoid the first couple of weeks, second, get some experience before you go. go to a game farm, ultimately you'll find it cheap, and go at least a couple of time, in the mean time, try the trap range. don't worry much about the dog either, go for the good time

cheers
Click to expand...

Good tip Mustistuff. SD can take a lot out of you:eek:. Lot's of walking and using muscles we normally aren't used to using. Obviously dogs need to be conditioned too.
 
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