After spending time over Thanksgiving with family and friends, enjoying good food, and likely a football game or two, many hunters, anglers, and trappers set their sights on the winter season. While winter is viewed as a slow time by many, some of the best outdoor opportunities in the region are just beginning!
Time to Hit the Ice
Ice fishing season is upon us and thanks to an early cold stretch, many anglers have already been out taking advantage of first ice opportunities across the upper Midwest including in South Dakota. Anglers who have been able to enjoy safe ice are reporting excellent fishing as well, finding quality walleye and great numbers of perch.
While it is always important to keep ice safety top of mind any time on the water, before venturing out on the lake for the first time this season make sure you’ve brushed up on your safety tips and are sure the ice is completely ready for you. We’ve got a long season ahead of us and want to make sure you are able to enjoy it!
Still Time for Winter Ringnecks
For many South Dakota pheasant hunters, Thanksgiving marks a crucial day in the pheasant hunting season. The crowds of opening day are gone, crop harvest has been completed, and many deer and other big game tags have been filled. This is a time that many hunters start focusing on the wiley rooster and enjoying some of the best hunting of the season.
Indeed, there are still over two months left to chase ringnecks in South Dakota. This will be the third year of the extended pheasant season, which is set to close on January 31, 2023. Successful late season hunters often focus on heavy winter cover, stay very stealthy as late-season roosters are educated roosters, and take advantage of lesser-known areas that may not have seen the pressure others did at the beginning of the season.
Predator Hunting Opportunities
Winter is also an excellent time to get out and enjoy predator hunting and South Dakota predator hunters have something new to be excited about this year! Newly established is The Predator Hunter Association, which offers membership opportunities and multiple coyote calling contests.
Registration is currently open for the Randy Roede Memorial Coyote Calling Contest, which will take place Saturday, December 10. This contest has a $75 registration fee and is open for two-man teams.
Additionally, The Coyote Cup will take place on March 3-4, 2023. This is the state’s largest coyote calling contest based out of Fort Pierre, South Dakota. This contest is open to 60 three-man teams and registration will open in early 2023.
Check out The Predator Hunter Association to learn more about predator hunting in South Dakota and to get involved!
Enjoy South Dakota State Parks Year-Round
There is still plenty to enjoy in South Dakota State Parks! State parks are open year-round in South Dakota for hiking, snowshoeing, fishing, cross-country skiing, and more! Many parks will also be offering First Day Hikes, which is a great way to kick off your 2023 goals and resolutions. Find your local park to see what opportunities it has to offer!
If you’re looking to find the perfect place to stay for your trip, but don’t want to battle the cold and snow, check out the modern lodging options that many parks have to offer. These suites, cabins, and lodges are the perfect place to stay whether you are ice fishing, hunting, or just want to escape to the parks!
Winter is here and there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy across South Dakota! Whether you’re looking to ice fish, late-season pheasant hunt, get to calling, or just escape to a park there is something for you to enjoy!
