| |
|
|
Q. When is the South Dakota pheasant hunting season?
A. The regular season traditionally opens the third Saturday in October (officially set in April).
- The 2012 South Dakota pheasant season is expected to open on Saturday, October 20th.
- The 3-day youth season is the first weekend in October.
- 3-day resident-only season is the weekend following the youth season.
Q. What are the shooting hours?
- Opening Week: 12 pm (noon) CST to sunset
- Remainder of the season: 10 am CST to sunset
Q. What is the daily limit and possession limit?
A. The daily limit is 3 roosters, and the possession limit is 15 roosters, taken according to daily limit. The limit accrues at the rate of 3 birds a day, and 15 birds may not be possessed until after the 5th day of hunting.
Q. How do I purchase a South Dakota hunting license?
A. You can purchase your non-resident small game hunting license on-line using this link: http://www.sdgfp.info/Index.htm. Or, you can purchase your small game license at many convenience stores.
Q. Are guests allowed to bring their own dogs?
A. Yes, dogs are more than welcome at Ringnecks Hunting & Lodging, provided vaccinations are current, the dog is obedient and well-behaved. Dogs are not allowed in the lodge, but there is a dog house, and there are kennels available onsite for the dogs' use. Ringnecks provides trained hunting dogs.
Q. Does Ringnecks have airport shuttle service available?
A. Yes, we have transportation to pickup hunters from the airports in either Pierre (50 miles), Rapid City (160 miles), or Sioux Falls (180 miles).
Q. What size shotgun and shells/choke are recommended?
A. A 12 gauge shotgun is most effective, along with a modified choke or full choke. Throughout the first month of the season, the pheasants aren’t very flighty, so a modified choke with a 5 or 6 shot (preferably coated bb’s) works well. After a month of being shot at, the pheasants flush quicker and often further away, so a full choke and a 2-4 shot will provide more suitable range.
16 and 20 gauge shotguns also do a good job with a 3”, 4 shot shell.
Stephan’s load of choice is Fiocchi’s 12 gauge GOLDEN PHEASANT GPX - 2 ¾” length, max dram equiv., 39 grams shot, 1 3/8 oz shot, 1485 fps, 4-5 or 6 shot size with nickel-plated bb’s.
Fiocchi’s use of hard, nickel plated shot, results in enhanced penetration at the longest ranges, tighter patterns (due to less shot deformation), and clean kills.
Q. What can we expect for bird numbers?
A. According to Game, Fish, & Parks, the highest pheasant densities in South Dakota were found in:
- 22.56 birds PER MILE in the Chamberlain area that includes Brule, Buffalo, Lyman (that’s us!), Aurora, and parts of Charles Mix, Gregory, and Tripp Counties.
- Pierre (Hughes County) ranked 2nd with 11.48 pheasants per mile
- Winner (Tripp County) was right behind Pierre at 11.43
Ringnecks Hunting & Lodging land is located all across Lyman County – north, south, east, and west of our homebase in Presho. As you can see, our location IS the NUMBER ONE pheasant population in the entire state of South Dakota, at ALMOST DOUBLE the pheasants of the #2 & 3 populations! #2 Pierre is in the next county north of us, and #3 Winner is in the next county south of us, so yes, we are absolutely in the HEART of pheasant hunting.
You will be amazed at the amount of pheasants here. Since 2005 the numbers have kept increasing, and with the great weather and rain we’ve been getting in 2011, the crops will be outstanding, which leads to even greater pheasant habitat! Game, Fish & Parks estimates South Dakota has over 8.5 million pheasants in the state, making it easily the best pheasant hunting in the world!
(Pheasant Hunting in South Dakota)
Q. How soon should I reserve a hunt?
A. The sooner the better for your preferred date and lodging selections, as most hunting groups return year after year and reserve their next year’s hunting dates before departure.
However, Ringnecks Hunting is expanding and does have new openings, so check with us for your desired hunting dates. Call 605-ROOSTER (766-7837) or click Contact Us to submit an information request.
|
|
