One man and dog

Shooter · #1 10-05-2009, 04:15 PM

I would like to hunt in South Dakota this year some time during the season.
I hunt by myself with my lab. I would like to find a place where one man can
hunt with his own dog on private property for 5 days or so. (Pay as you go)
I would be willing to camp on the property or pay for a room. Does anyone know of anything like this. I really can't afford the big dollar hunting lodge type thing, but always wanted to hunt pheasants in South Dakota. I got layed off this year, so for once I finally have time to go, but no money. Ain't life funny? Thanks in advance.

moellermd · #2 10-05-2009, 05:14 PM

I would go late in the season when the sloughs are frozen over and head around the Watertown area. Aberdeen area might be good also. Lots of public ground. That time of year not so much pressure and the birds will be looking for thick cover.

Shooter · #3 10-05-2009, 05:26 PM

Thanks for any info.

Shooter · #4 10-05-2009, 05:28 PM

You really think public will work out. Public land here in Wisconsin is a joke

Downtown Bang! · #5 10-05-2009, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shooter

I would like to hunt in South Dakota this year some time during the season.
I hunt by myself with my lab. I would like to find a place where one man can
hunt with his own dog on private property for 5 days or so. (Pay as you go)
I would be willing to camp on the property or pay for a room. Does anyone know of anything like this. I really can't afford the big dollar hunting lodge type thing, but always wanted to hunt pheasants in South Dakota. I got layed off this year, so for once I finally have time to go, but no money. Ain't life funny? Thanks in advance.

Not saying you can't find an option but solo hunters in the pay-to-play arena are at a big disadvantage. Many of the operations with rental housing want at least four hunters to make it worth their while. I suspect the smaller "under the radar" guys would be more receptive to work with solo hunters especially if your looking late season. How you find them will be the challenge.

Just thinking out loud but some of the hotels help broker deals between out of state hunters and local landowners. Could be an option.

Maybe check the online classifieds in some of the smaller newspapers looking for small trespass fee operations or place a small ad for yourself.

Often the local Chambers of Commerce have lists of trespass fee operations. An email to them with an explanation might help them point you in the right direction.

You also mentioned camping as an option. FYI many of the small SD towns do have city owned campsites at pretty reasonable rates. Usually with water and electrical hook-ups.

For what its worth a freelance trip on public land can be a very good hunting experience and inexpensive too. If you were to go during the week starting about November 10th a guy can basically have the public areas to himself. You won't limit out by noon everyday (some days you may not limit at all) but every rooster is well earned and a trophy in its own way.

UGUIDE · #6 10-06-2009, 12:02 AM

Shooter, the advice given here is sound. If you don't have the funds to blow then I would stick to freelance and do your homework, especially if you have time on your side.

1, guy, 1 dog, private and exclusive hunting may be harder to find in South Dakota than a couple good public honey holes.

Groups, on the other hand, are a different story in SD.

1stout · #7 10-06-2009, 06:56 AM

Public land has birds, you just need to be willing to go where others won't. Look for areas with food, water, and heavy cover like cattails. I've hunted a lot of public land in SD and usually have pretty good luck. I can and do hunt private land as well but I like a change of scenery and it gets me more exercise, the dogs love it to. Get a map of the public hunting ground before you go and target areas with public ground so you give yourself more options. Good Luck.