South Dakota is known as the greatest state to pheasant hunt, and for good reason, over 1.3 million pheasants were harvested during the 2024 season. The upland game bird hunting opportunities extend far beyond pheasants, with South Dakota having fantastic grouse hunting as well!
Learn More: South Dakota Celebrates Best Pheasant Season in a Decade
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) announced that nearly 99,000 grouse were harvested throughout the 2024 season.
“This is the highest harvest we have seen since 2000,” said Alex Solem, Senior Upland Game Biologist in a press release. “Perhaps more importantly, this is the highest birds per hunter since 2000 as well.”
The average number of birds per hunter, a metric used to determine individual hunter success, was 5.15 for 2024.
“A high overall harvest number is one thing,” continued Solem. “When you’re seeing individual hunters have more birds harvested, that’s when you know you had a really strong season.”
While the hunting was fantastic, the average days hunted was nearly identical to the last two years. Despite this, the 2024 season saw a 42% increase in harvest from 2023. There were abundant birds and excellent hunting conditions, yet the South Dakota grouse season continues to fly under the radar.
“South Dakota is indeed the greatest state to pheasant hunt, but you’re missing out if you aren’t enjoying the grouse hunting opportunities as well,” concluded Solem.
Grouse hunters also now have more opportunities to enjoy this season, as 2024 was the first year the grouse season was extended through January. This provides an extended opportunity for hunters to hit the field and also aligns with the traditional pheasant season as well.
The 2024 upland game bird harvest information concludes two things: South Dakota is indeed the greatest state to pheasant hunt and the multispecies opportunity are just as great! Upland game bird hunters should make plans to enjoy all of these opportunities as there is much to be excited about for the 2025 fall season!
The 2025 South Dakota Traditional Pheasant Season will take place October 18, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
The 2025 South Dakota Grouse Season will take place September 20, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
Complete information regarding the South Dakota Grouse Season can be found on the GFP website.
Header image courtesy South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
