Hey Neb, I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers....I agree and appreciate the honesty of those that said numbers will be way down, just wanted to give a little different perspective is all. I hate having to go out of state and I'm not looking forward to knocking on doors when things are less than desirable. I will, by suggestion, wait until after Thanksgiving to go as someone on this forum mentioned that giving friends and relatives first dibs is the right thing to do. I can relate that some won't go because they won't see the numbers they are used too.. (happened to us when we would go salmon fishing in the Niagara river)..but to some seeing any at all would be a welcome sight. I can only hope that numbers rebound so those of us that have never been can enjoy what many of you have experienced. I'll consider it a success if we just get a few.
Worth driving 22hrs.
- Thread starter jdk529
- Start date
UGUIDE
Active member
HB, I agree but I could tell you story after story after story about my landowners that thought they had birds and didn't and then didn't think they had birds and did.
I think it is sad when someone is going to base their annual trip on a post form someone who has posted about 20 times total and says "he knows a guy" and that guy says such and such.
I have landowners that I know have birds but they would be hesitant to tell you they do because they really have no good evidence of it just because of the nature of pheasants.
UGUIDE
Active member
They guys and gals that come to our camps aren't like the guy that is outlined on your post. So I don't know what the argument is really. I am sure the mods tolerate certain types of arguments just not sure this would be one of them.
NOPLCLKNEB
Banned
Uguide: I hunted SD in 2009, 2011,2012. I also hunted SD about 15 other times between 1983-2000. The bird numbers from 2009 to 2012 dropped by a huge number.
The South Dakota Game and Fish put out a report that says bird numbers are down 73% in the area I hunted in 2011 and 2012. The last thing they want to report is that bird numbers are down. The amount of income the state takes in due to pheasant hunting is huge. I'm sure they checked, double checked and checked again, to make sure those numbers were as accurate as possible.
My observation with the habitat, and bird numbers from 2011 to 2012 reflect the states report. The people I know that farm in South Dakota have told me the report is correct from what they have seen.
I'm not going to "pay to play" in SD this year based on the states report of bird numbers, my own observation based on 2011 & 2012, and from the farmers I have talked to in SD.
Based on all I have said above, by beef is that you, in my opinion, are trying to paint a better picture of bird numbers than is the case.
I also find it odd that you are calling for the "mods" to ban me, and my opinions, based on the fact that the guys and gals that are your clients are not like me.
I could be wrong, the state could be wrong, the farmers that I have talked to could be wrong. But I bet we are not, and I find it funny that I get under your skin so bad, by simply agreeing with a report put out by the State of South Dakota, and my own observations.
The South Dakota Game and Fish put out a report that says bird numbers are down 73% in the area I hunted in 2011 and 2012. The last thing they want to report is that bird numbers are down. The amount of income the state takes in due to pheasant hunting is huge. I'm sure they checked, double checked and checked again, to make sure those numbers were as accurate as possible.
My observation with the habitat, and bird numbers from 2011 to 2012 reflect the states report. The people I know that farm in South Dakota have told me the report is correct from what they have seen.
I'm not going to "pay to play" in SD this year based on the states report of bird numbers, my own observation based on 2011 & 2012, and from the farmers I have talked to in SD.
Based on all I have said above, by beef is that you, in my opinion, are trying to paint a better picture of bird numbers than is the case.
I also find it odd that you are calling for the "mods" to ban me, and my opinions, based on the fact that the guys and gals that are your clients are not like me.
I could be wrong, the state could be wrong, the farmers that I have talked to could be wrong. But I bet we are not, and I find it funny that I get under your skin so bad, by simply agreeing with a report put out by the State of South Dakota, and my own observations.
Neb calm down
NOPLCLKNEB
Here are my thoughts on the thread
1). Numbers may be down here and there yes. But to be honest with you the 3 places I have been to in the last three weekends have had good number of birds. I have physically seen good numbers, not outstanding, but great numbers to go out on the limb and say get out there and hunt.
I have driven anywhere from 3-8 hours to get out and see for myself. I do not put a 100% stock in GFP numbers as I know the process of how it is done, and honestly could be the 1-2 days they are counting, nothing shows. Cover is getting thicker and thicker. Birds are getting smarter. Heck it could of been a foggy misty morning, no bird would show if its like that.
Habitat is down, maybe where your "friends" farm theirs is as well. Maybe they should be investing in some habitat, as standing corn does not do anything for these birds during the winter months. So I guess before we all go off on crying about how the numbers have declined, lets look at the situation and how can I as a hunter help.
2). As for your beef with Uguide, we are going to ask for you to politely calm down.
3) To anyone looking to come to SD, do not hesitate. Numbers are down? Maybe, maybe not in some areas. But I can tell you from personal experience that life is to short not to do something if you have the chance or means to. Do not let some guy and his spiteful feelings about paying to play change your thoughts. There are plenty of wild bird outfits that we know, there are also many place we know that have birds by the thousands right now. Do not hesitate to ask someone who does this for a living, rather then someone on the outside.
I can tell you this that I will look forward to this fall, and the birds that I see, or even do not see. I will enjoy walking the fields with my hyper black lab and her (probably last year) white lab of a mom walking behind me. I will enjoy chasing a few roosters, maybe shooting a few. Taking photos and relaxing in SD.
You may have to hunt a little longer, harder and wiser this year. You can not expect to shoot them from the door of your truck, might be a day long event. But have fun, enjoy life and make the choice that makes sense for yourself.
NOPLCLKNEB
Here are my thoughts on the thread
1). Numbers may be down here and there yes. But to be honest with you the 3 places I have been to in the last three weekends have had good number of birds. I have physically seen good numbers, not outstanding, but great numbers to go out on the limb and say get out there and hunt.
I have driven anywhere from 3-8 hours to get out and see for myself. I do not put a 100% stock in GFP numbers as I know the process of how it is done, and honestly could be the 1-2 days they are counting, nothing shows. Cover is getting thicker and thicker. Birds are getting smarter. Heck it could of been a foggy misty morning, no bird would show if its like that.
Habitat is down, maybe where your "friends" farm theirs is as well. Maybe they should be investing in some habitat, as standing corn does not do anything for these birds during the winter months. So I guess before we all go off on crying about how the numbers have declined, lets look at the situation and how can I as a hunter help.
2). As for your beef with Uguide, we are going to ask for you to politely calm down.
3) To anyone looking to come to SD, do not hesitate. Numbers are down? Maybe, maybe not in some areas. But I can tell you from personal experience that life is to short not to do something if you have the chance or means to. Do not let some guy and his spiteful feelings about paying to play change your thoughts. There are plenty of wild bird outfits that we know, there are also many place we know that have birds by the thousands right now. Do not hesitate to ask someone who does this for a living, rather then someone on the outside.
I can tell you this that I will look forward to this fall, and the birds that I see, or even do not see. I will enjoy walking the fields with my hyper black lab and her (probably last year) white lab of a mom walking behind me. I will enjoy chasing a few roosters, maybe shooting a few. Taking photos and relaxing in SD.
You may have to hunt a little longer, harder and wiser this year. You can not expect to shoot them from the door of your truck, might be a day long event. But have fun, enjoy life and make the choice that makes sense for yourself.
Uguide..I assume you are talking about me. You make me smile. You know why I only have twenty some posts? I'm telling like it is. Doesn't mean someone might not come and have a hunt of a lifetime..hope they do. There has got to be some nice pockets out there somewhere..but not where I am and much of the state..period.
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Bottom line is..the original poster asked if worth it to drive 22 hrs to hunt pheasants. Knowing what I know about our pheasant conditions...I would never do so. Like other guy said about fishing drop off...same thing. I went bear hunting a month ago because guide said high number of bears, good success rate. I went..got a bear. Had he said the opposite-no way would I had gone. Outfitters/guides have to run their business and I wish them luck and success-sincerely. But that doesn't give a black and white answer to the original question.
by the way..I have 26 posts now..am I getting more credible?
by the way..I have 26 posts now..am I getting more credible?
mnmthunting
Banned
I wonder why anyone would argue "pockets of birds"
That's what you have during low pheasant populations.
Those that maintain habitat will likely have "pockets of birds"
SD will probably have 500,000 + rooster harvest in 2013.
That should convince all that there are "pockets of birds" :cheers:
That's what you have during low pheasant populations.
Those that maintain habitat will likely have "pockets of birds"
SD will probably have 500,000 + rooster harvest in 2013.
That should convince all that there are "pockets of birds" :cheers:
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carptom1
Well-known member
Good post. The OP's question is not an easy one to answer. Would I drive 22 hrs to hunt pheasants, even in a good year? No, but I don't have too. It is only 8 or 9 for me ( depending on how much cofee I drink). If there were no wild birds I might. The trip is about much more than simply seeing a bunch of birds. To somebody like myself and others who have hunted SD for quite awile, if we don't see a couple thousand birds than it was a down year. To a guy hunting Kansas, a couple hundred is a bunch. To a guy from back east, ten might be a buttload. Nobody will know until the first couple weekends what is out there. I made three trips to SD last year. Hunted a total of 13 days. Shot limits everyday ( except one) and lost three birds the dog couldn't find. That was when birds were down 18% or so. The horror. So I might walk 4 days and shoot 3 or 4. Who cares. Still will beat Kansas or any other state. What does u-guide have to gain from pumping up numbers? His camps are pretty much full with checks already cashed. Still going to be some of the best hunts up there. I appreciate his reports and videos from his camps, they keep me pumped up a little. I know I will be up three weeks from this thursday, and I cant wait.
Also don't get into the " i'm not spending 2-300 per bird for pheasant's" That's just a stupid argument
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519vx
Member
Great post Tom that very much describes my situation. I've been planning my first ever trip to South Dakota for months. Would I like to have heard bird numbers are up? YES. But, like Tom says above, even with numbers down there are way, way way more birds in SD than we will ever have here in Wisconsin. I've never seen 10 birds in a day ever in Wisconsin, ever. So I'm used to a lot of nature walks while carry an O/U. I'm okay with knowing that its pretty unlikely that I'm going to limit out especially given that my hunting will be public access land. I'm also going to spend some time on the National Grasslands hunting prairie chickens and sharptail grouse, which is something else that I simply can't do here in Wisconsin. And yes, I'll have my favorite spinning rod along and plan to terrorize a few walleyes below the dam at Pierre.
Stay home and watch Pheasants Forever TV if you want to, but I know that my pup and I are leaving for SD exactly 3 weeks from tonight.
this is the last I'll say because there has been many good points on the question. I am just glad I do not have to make the decision to come or not. Road trips are so much fun but...you are going for an end result and that is birds. So tough! Sometimes reality is best served with facts. The facts state birds down 64%. You can argue that number all you want. Is it a perfect number..I doubt it but it is a lot better than any one of us can come up with. I guess non res guys/gals just need to weigh your options and take the plunge. On a side note...maybe traffic will be down way less and spots hit way less which could then lead to more success for those that do come?? That would be an oxy moron huh!
post count 27!
post count 27!
519vx
Member
"you are going for an end result and that is birds."
Wrong. I'm going for the overall experience. I'm going to spend several days dedicated to just me and my pup. We've got some great grocery stores in Wisconsin if I was going just to fill up a freezer. yes, I want to shoot a few birds but going hunting has always been far more to me than just pulling a trigger.
Wrong. I'm going for the overall experience. I'm going to spend several days dedicated to just me and my pup. We've got some great grocery stores in Wisconsin if I was going just to fill up a freezer. yes, I want to shoot a few birds but going hunting has always been far more to me than just pulling a trigger.
You need to reread my post. I said, "End result and that is birds."
I never said a thing about filling a freezer. I said birds..that means seeing, dog putting up a few, watching and yes shooting. You come for the birds. If not..why are you coming? Bet you could have a great experience a lot closer than 22 hrs. 4-5 hrs I get it...22....I have concerns.
We have gotten off the point of the original question and turned into a soap opera..me included. Many guys are saying all the romantic right things. "Experience, camaraderie, dogs, scenery etc" That's all great but I live off common sense. All out of staters come for our birds. Yes..you do. If you say no..you're lying. South Dakota means pheasants so you want to come to the best place. Albeit...it has declined.
I will quit for good now...someone else can play "Captain Obvious."
I never said a thing about filling a freezer. I said birds..that means seeing, dog putting up a few, watching and yes shooting. You come for the birds. If not..why are you coming? Bet you could have a great experience a lot closer than 22 hrs. 4-5 hrs I get it...22....I have concerns.
We have gotten off the point of the original question and turned into a soap opera..me included. Many guys are saying all the romantic right things. "Experience, camaraderie, dogs, scenery etc" That's all great but I live off common sense. All out of staters come for our birds. Yes..you do. If you say no..you're lying. South Dakota means pheasants so you want to come to the best place. Albeit...it has declined.
I will quit for good now...someone else can play "Captain Obvious."
NOPLCLKNEB
Banned
bigv, you and I are cut from the same cloth. Its nice to hear from someone not blowing smoke. I'm done for now also.
NOPLCLKNEB
Banned
bigv, by the way I'm still an amateur also, but after this post I'm at 50 which might put me in a different league.
UGUIDE
Active member
This is inaccurate.
We all look to the mods to control the site from free radicals. In an open forum you are going to have free radicals and they need to be controlled. A free radical could be a spammer, anti-hunter posing as a hunter, someone saying stay home no birds because they want all the public land to themselves, or even someone just having a bad day and going off.
UGUIDE
Active member
BigV, I was not.
The guy who has seen 1000 birds in a day in SD (his new hunt of a lifetime) may be dissappointed this year.
The guy who has only seen 1 pheasant after a day of beating the brush with his dog all day in his home state that may come out to SD for the first time and see 100 birds in a day may just have is new hunt of a lifetime.
There's speculators and data analysts. One of these gathers more data than the other. The whole picture and story will not be known until well into Dec. after crops are off and hunts have been conducted.
Road Hunting or Road Counting is not indicative of what is in the field. not at my farm nor any UGUIDE farm.
Bird numbers down....well maybe
No one knows for sure yet if the bird numbers are truly down as much as the road counts say. Maybe or maybe not. Well lets see, I could go hunting in South Dakota with my friends and family or stay home and go to work....HMM
I can tell you this I'll tell you about the bird numbers after my hunt the 4th week of the season. BUT to be on the safe side I have increased my budget for beer.
:cheers:
No one knows for sure yet if the bird numbers are truly down as much as the road counts say. Maybe or maybe not. Well lets see, I could go hunting in South Dakota with my friends and family or stay home and go to work....HMM
I can tell you this I'll tell you about the bird numbers after my hunt the 4th week of the season. BUT to be on the safe side I have increased my budget for beer.
:cheers:
Jetifantasy
New member
I only have 20 post ? I've been nice . It Just seems like its getting beyond honest leaning towards negative . To much anger and mistrust . I don't have the money to (waste ). It's what I have been waiting for for a few years . Pulled the trigger on the worst report year of the decade lmao. 
. This thread almost pulled off a save but it's in the wall again . I'm just excited . We actually picked up a hunter from another group at a different camp from this site . Looking forward to it we all read the report most know math. Don't need to beat me with that bat. There are ways to have a good hunt . My drive is 16 hours ,drive the six to me and share the ride. Then you can discount on the 22 . Jeti
. This thread almost pulled off a save but it's in the wall again . I'm just excited . We actually picked up a hunter from another group at a different camp from this site . Looking forward to it we all read the report most know math. Don't need to beat me with that bat. There are ways to have a good hunt . My drive is 16 hours ,drive the six to me and share the ride. Then you can discount on the 22 . Jeti