The 2023 South Dakota pheasant hunting season is on the horizon, and now is the time to begin making plans to enjoy the greatest pheasant hunting in the country.
Touted as the greatest pheasant hunting in the country, the harvest numbers support what makes pheasant hunting in South Dakota so special. While other states generally harvest 3 to 6 birds per hunter, South Dakota often sees harvest rates of around 9 birds per hunter. The 2022 season was no exception, with an estimated 1,158,000 total birds harvested.
Following a successful 2022 season, Old Man Winter spent a great deal of time in the state, but quality habitat and timely rains have set up for a successful 2023 season. Nest success and brood survival are expected to be strong, with reports of large broods coming from across the state throughout the summer months. Hunters should expect good numbers of birds and high-quality habitat on the landscape for them to enjoy.
Pheasant hunting is tradition in South Dakota, and whether you still need to make your first trip or have been coming for decades, hunters will find there is no greater place to pheasant hunt than South Dakota!
Pheasant and Grouse Hunting Outlook
Senior Upland Game Biologist, Alex Solem, joined the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Podcast and Blast to discuss in-depth what hunters should expect to see for bird populations, habitat conditions, and the hunting season in general. This is the number one resource hunters should utilize when preparing for their hunting trip this fall.
Public Land Hunting Opportunities in South Dakota
South Dakota has nearly 1.5 million acres of private land enrolled in public access programs. The most popular pheasant hunting lands include the Walk-In Area and the James River Watershed and Big Sioux River Watershed Conservation Reserve Enhancement Programs. Additional public land options include Game Production Areas and Waterfowl Production Areas. Find all of these areas in the South Dakota Public Hunting Atlas!
Blast and Cast Opportunities
Yes, the pheasant hunting is spectacular in South Dakota, but don’t forget about the excellent fishing opportunities as well! The primary pheasant range also features numerous terrific walleye fisheries, many of which offer great shore fishing opportunities.
In the fall, targeting walleyes along rocky shorelines along both the Missouri River and eastern South Dakota is a popular technique. Casting crankbaits or pitching jigs are two top tactics, and both sunrise and sunset offer prime bite windows for hunters.
Make plans to start, or end, the day on the water and make the most out of all of the outdoor opportunities South Dakota has to offer.
Enjoy the Comforts of Home
There is no better place to stay for a fall hunting trip than South Dakota State Parks. Several parks offer modern lodging opportunities, which include modern cabins, suites, and lodges. These make the perfect place for a large hunting group, are a budget friendly option, and sit right in the middle of the best hunting and fishing opportunities.
Check out the variety of options that South Dakota State Parks have to offer and make your trip that much more memorable!
