2010 South Dakota Pheasant Hunting Forecast
South Dakota - Still Rules the Roost
Credit: (PF)
Source: pheasantsforever.org
Published: Sep. 13, 2010
Forecast: Coming off a season in which hunters harvested more than 1.6 million roosters, South Dakota's 2010 brood survey count showed a 3 percent increase from last year. To state it best, South Dakota remains the "Pheasant Capital."
In 2009, South Dakota's official pheasant population estimate was 8.4 million, and hunters averaged 9.9 roosters each for a total season harvest of more than 1.6 million. The state's August brood survey calculates a pheasant-per-mile index, with the 2010 statewide pheasants-per-mile average at 6.45 (compared to last year's average of 6.26). According to this year's survey, the Chamberlain area topped the list with 17 pheasants-per-mile. South Dakota hunters will also find very strong bird numbers in the Pierre (13.95), Mobridge (10.85) and Winner (8.42) areas. Those areas are followed by the Huron, Aberdeen and Mitchell areas, all checking in around 6-7 birds-per-mile.
Weather conditions over the past year have been variable across the state, and CRP acreage has dropped to about 1 million acres. Despite these concerns, the quality of existing habitat appears to have boosted reproduction. Oddly enough, the abundance of moisture last fall may have contributed to the increase this year, as it prevented many corn fields from being harvested, so entire crop fields were left standing across the state. These fields then provided food and cover sources and protective habitat for pheasants during the harsh winter.
Season Dates:
October 16 through January 2, 2011
Daily Bag Limit:
3
Possession Limit:
15
Field Notes:
South Dakota's
opened 1.2 million acres for hunters last year, many pursuing pheasants. A recent study (postal and email surveys to a random sample of hunters) by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department also revealed the Walk-In Area program helped boost South Dakota’s economy by at least $15 million last year. Considering the state spent $2.2 million to lease the 1.2 million acres, and considering the tough economy, that's something to crow about.
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Reader Comments
3 Comments on 2010 South Dakota Pheasant Hunting Forecast
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The prices some people/lodges are charging to hunt is ridiculous and should not be allowed or at least monitored. Cut out the middle man. After all it's been the average Joe that has brought SD Pheasants to where they are today. Most are catering to large companies and big dollars. They are causing the average Joe and his sons and daughters to sell their hunting gear for a less expensive sports. When I hear that from my friends of 30+ years it makes me sad. Isn't there a balance between MONEY and Heritage and family values? There is but some don't care.
09/22/10 12:00 AM by Ric -
I am an out of state hunter and have been hunting SD for about 28 years and it is ridiculous how much the motels and even the places to eat are in the prime hunting times (first 3 weeks). I don't mind paying a big license fee, I think that is perfectly fair, but the motel/hotel gouging is unreal at times. I have 26 people that spend $1000 a year to hunt in SD every year and most of that goes to motels and food. The state should get the bigger % and make more land accessible to hunt.
sincerely
Alan
10/19/10 12:00 AM by alan pulliam -
My friend and I and whoever we can get to come have been traveling from Mich to South Dakota for the last 12 years. I think it safe to say that we have been priced out of our yearly trip due to Farmers and Hotel Prices. Please, think of the Average Guy!!! And the money you will loose from the little guy like us.
10/23/10 12:00 AM by Patrick Brooks
