2008 February

South Dakota Pheasant Hunting Trivia

A group of pheasant hunters with their limit of South Dakota birds

The first pheasant hunting season was in 1919. South Dakota first implemented a 12 noon starting time for shooting hours in 1931. The 1944-45 pheasant hunting season set records for: The largest bag limit of 10 pheasants. Five of the 10 could be hens. The longest pheasant season when it opened on September 20, 1944 and … [Read more...]

Pheasant History in South Dakota

In the Beginning I doubt the one-day season in Spink County carried much resemblance to the festive atmosphere of opening days of modern times. It's hard to imagine that a bird that currently numbers somewhere near the 10 million mark was once non-existent in this state. This arguably most prolific game bird known to man didn't make its appearance … [Read more...]

A Basic Guide For Aging and Sexing Upland Gamebirds

Pheasants A hunter needs to know the difference between a hen and rooster pheasant before he or she pulls the trigger. Most of the time, the identity of the bird flushing at your feet is obvious. There are situations, though, where it is good to hesitate or hold back. Birds flushing into a rising or setting sun are often a tough call. It's not … [Read more...]

Pheasant History

The Ringed-necked Pheasant was imported to America from Asia, and no other game species introduced to this continent has been as successful at flourishing as the pheasant. One of more than 40 species originating in Asia and Asia Minor, these birds from the genus Phasianus are perhaps better known than any of the other 15 groups of pheasants in the world. … [Read more...]