In a state heavily abundant with several species to hunt South Dakota reign’s as the #1 state for Pheasants. With a population estimated at over 8.1 million from last year anyone can clearly see why South Dakota is the place to be in the fall to chase roosters. Almost 180,000 licensed hunters, resident and non-resident traveled throughout the state to pursue these fast flying upland birds last year. The season is currently underway and I was lucky enough to get some high quality upland bird hunting in.
They flush so fast in front of you a keen eye and fast shooting skills are a must. If you are not 110% sure or hesitate don’t shoot. There will always be more opportunities to hunt pheasants and make the ethical shots you need and want to take to succeed. More than so your hearing may offer you a second opinion and if a cackle follows you have yourself an immature male more than likely. Hens are silent except the sound of there beating wings. Only 3 male birds may be taken in a day. A non-resident tag is $110 for 10 days and you can break up your license into two legal five hunting days.
To get an idea of how old your pheasant is take a look at the spur’s located on the ankle of the bird. It is no claw like a turkey’s but still could do some damage. If the spur is less than ¾ an inch in length it is a juvenile of less than one year. Color can always play a factor in age also. A dull-colored spur would identify a juvenile where as a dark black shiny and sharp spur would identify an adult male. Tail feathers however do get longer with age but does not offer a solid source of aging a bird.
We chased those roosters for several straight solid days in South Dakota. We hunted private and took advantage of the abundant public hunting grounds available. Several crops where still in tact which made it tougher for us as they would hide in corn until the sun went down and knew they would be safe from hunter’s ways. However the ones that hide in the different native grasses and cattails we filtered through with the dogs were flushed into the air or would run ahead and sit at the edges of all possible cover for them to hide in. The dogs really enjoyed working the land. My adrenaline rushed every time the dogs would get "birdie" on a scent and tails begin to beat fast as a flush was soon to follow. I have a passion for chasing pheasants as it is my favorite game to eat and I really enjoy the metallic variety of coloring on the roosters. They are truly a creative creature of God’s work. Upland bird hunting is also a great physical work out for one’s body.
