Hunting Region Breakdowns

Pheasant hunters in a field
Pheasant hunters and dog sitting on farm equipment
SD Pheasant Hunting

A Fly-Over Guide to Hunting South Dakota

In a state as vast as South Dakota, it helps to know where to go.

 

Northeast Region

This is where it all started. The first official pheasant release in South Dakota happened north of Redfield in 1908. Eleven years later, Redfield hosted the first pheasant season -- a one-day affair on which 1,000 hunters shot 200 birds. Today, this region is a well-performing and often underrated pheasant destination. 

Aberdeen

Aberdeen

The third-largest city in South Dakota is a pheasant hunting hub - and it's surrounded by 332,000 acres of public land. As an added bonus, all hotels are pet-friendly. 

Pheasant Hunting - Redfield

Redfield

The "Pheasant Capital of the World" sits on the intersection of US Hwy 281 and US Hwy 212. It's the home of numerous outfitters, guides and lodges.

Regions - Watertown

Watertown

If you love great dining after a day's walking, stay in this town right off I-90. Be sure to try the award-winning pizza at Dempsey's Brewery Pub & Restaurant. 

huron big pheasant

Huron

Within a 60 mile radius of Huron is 124,652 acres of prime public hunting. This year, hunters found plenty of birds. Mid-day hunting conditions are presenting a challenge to find birds, so hunters are focusing on high-percentage locations when birds would fly back to grass and other roosting areas.

There's one bird here you definitely can't miss: The World's Largest Pheasant. It's a 28-foot, 22-ton fiberglass rooster near Highway 14.

Central Region

Endless horizons. Missouri River views. Fantastic pheasant hunting. Central South Dakota has them all. The vast grasslands areas in this region are prime rooster cover and the friendly small towns are perfect hunter habitat.

Pierre Hunting

Pierre

Pierre offers all the essential amenities for an unforgettable trip, from fine dining to dog-friendly hotels. It's also one of the few places in the world where you can bag the upland bird trifecta⁠—sharp-tailed grouse, prairie chicken and pheasant—all on the same hunt. Bird numbers are strong here this year, especially in the mornings along road ditches. Good hatches in areas that received a decent amount of rain are making for solid hunting.

Pheasant Hunting - Chamberlain

Chamberlain

Walleyes meet ringnecks on the banks of the Missouri River in Chamberlain. If you’re looking for a rod and reel vacation, this is a great place to start. Chamberlain is also home to the luxurious Thunderstik Lodge. 

Winner

Winner

Ready for a West River adventure? Tripp County routinely ranks near the top of the South Dakota harvest lists. This year, hunters say bird numbers are up from recent years. Windy and dry conditions add a level of challenge, but a lot of birds are still being taken.

Mitchell

Mitchell

Mitchell is where eastern South Dakota blends into the west. It's also where you'll find plenty of corn, birds, and blaze orange adventures. Hunters in the Mitchell area are doing well this year, finding birds across the Mitchell area.

Planning Tools

Planning Tools

Whether you’re looking for a guided lodge experience or a public land adventure, we’ve got the resources to get you started.

Pheasant Hunting
Public Hunting Areas
Pheasant Hunting
Season Information
Licenses
Pheasant Hunting
Lodge & Guided Hunts
Pheasant Hunting
Beginner Resources
Pheasant hunter walking in field
Sportswomen
Pheasant with a hunter blurred out in the background
FAQs
Frost covered cattails at sunrise
Late Season Hunts
World's Largest Pheasant statue
Small town experiences
Public Hunting Resources
Maps & Resources

Find a variety of maps, downloads, and planning information on the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website. 

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Public Hunting Maps
SD GFP Mobile App

Carry your license in your pocket. Type "SD GFP Outdoors" into the App Store. 

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Hunting Region Breakdowns

SOUTH DAKOTA HARVEST MAP This is where it all started. The first official pheasant release...

Hunting Lodges & Guided Hunts

Group of Pheasant hunters by an old style bus
Group of pheasant hunters gathered around a fire
SD Pheasant Hunting

Hunting Lodges & Guided Hunts

For sure-fire action, there’s no beating a stay at a South Dakota hunting lodge. For many, hunting in South Dakota is a welcome return to simpler living. It’s a way to reconnect with friends and family over great game and fantastic eats. A lodge trip is a vacation you’ll never forget — that’s why thousands of hunters and foodies return each fall.

Pheasant Hunting Lodges

With comfortable amenities, expert guidance and convenient access to prime hunting grounds, lodge adventures in South Dakota are as varied as our Great Plains landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a do-it-yourself hunt or an all-inclusive getaway, South Dakota has something for you. Hunting is rarely a sure thing, but you’re guaranteed to have a blast with one of the options below.

Pheasant Hunting Guides

If you’re newer to pheasant hunting, enlist one of our knowledgeable guides to make your time in the field as fun and successful as possible. These skilled guides will take you to the best spots and provide you with everything you need for an unforgettable hunting experience.

Group of pheasant hunters gathered around a table in South Dakota
A hunting dog walks toward the camera in a field in South Dakota with other hunters and dogs in the background.
Three men smile and laugh together on a deck overlooking a vast grassland in South Dakota at sunset.

Get Your Small Game License

Get your ticket to outdoor adventures! South Dakota’s 2025 season begins on Saturday, October 11 for residents only, and Saturday, Oct. 18 for everyone, ending Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Learn More
Planning Tools

Planning Tools

Whether you’re looking for a guided lodge experience or a public land adventure, we’ve got the resources to get you started.

Hunt The Greatest SD

Pheasant Hunting
Public Hunting Areas
Pheasant Hunting
Season Information
Licenses
Pheasant Hunting
Region Breakdowns
Pheasant Hunting
Beginner Resources
Featured Content
#SDinthefield

Hunting Lodges & Guided Hunts

Pheasant Hunting Lodges With comfortable amenities, expert guidance and convenient access to prime hunting grounds...

SD Pheasant Hunting - Beginner's Resources

Young pheasant hunter with two others
South Dakota pheasant hunting
SD Pheasant Hunting

Beginner's Guide to Pheasant Hunting

You’ve decided you want to try your hand at pheasant hunting. So, what now? Here are answers to some of the questions you might have before starting a South Dakota adventure.

Where Do I Start?

Do some homework before you hit the field. Your fellow hunters will thank you for it (and probably help you along the way). 

Hunter Education

Hunter Education

It’s not just for kids. If you’re new to hunting, sign up for a hunter safety course to learn general safety, firearm etiquette and hunting ethics. Even if they aren’t required, the classes are a great way to become a responsible hunter. Visit Hunter-Ed.com and find a hunter safety course approved by your state. Many courses are available online! Check out the South Dakota Hunter Safety schedule.

Ask Around

Ask Around

You’re not on this journey alone; there’s plenty of wisdom out there if you know where to look. Join an online forum and find out what people are saying about the upcoming season. Even better, you could connect with like-minded hunters and join your local Pheasants Forever Chapter. 

hunting

What Gear Do I Need?

Here are some basic items you’ll need for any outing. If you’re hunting at a lodge, many places will have gear you can rent while you’re there.

Pheasant Hunting_Shotgun

Shotgun

Without a shotgun, you’re just a birdwatcher. The most common sizes—and the easiest to find ammo for—are 12 or 20 gauge. While the 12 gauge is most common, many prefer the shorter, lighter 20 gauge, especially kids and women. The firing style (double-barrel, semi-automatic, or pump-action) is all a matter of preference.

Pheasant Hunting_ammunition

Ammunition

Shotgun shells are measured by the diameter of the pellets inside. It helps to think of the shell size like golf clubs, the lower the number, the further the projectile goes. Most hunters use anywhere from 7.5 to 4 shot. Remember: when hunting public land, you must use steel shot. You can only use lead shot when hunting on private property. 

Pheasant Hunting_clothing

Blaze Orange Clothing

Wear a blaze orange hat. Especially when walking through tall grass, a hat’s key for letting other hunters know you aren’t a target. Below the ears, uplands vests are great for storing shells and carrying birds. They come in a range of styles and prices, so you don’t need to break the bank for a piece of functional and fashionable sportswear. 

Pheasant Hunting_Boots

Boots

More so than any other type of hunting, pheasant hunting involves walking—miles of walking. You’re going to want a pair of at least semi-waterproof boots that you’ll be comfortable spending all day in. Think about what time of year you’ll be hunting. In the early fall you might want lighter, breathable footwear. For the winter you’ll want weather-proof insulated boots.

Pheasant Hunting_eyewear

Eyewear

Birds aren't the only thing flying around out there. Many hunters rock a pair of shooting glasses or protective sunglasses to keep shell particles from hitting their eyes.

Group of pheasant hunters and two labs in a field

Shirts & Pants

Long pants are an absolute must to keep off the briars and other unwanted tagalongs that lurk in the undergrowth. As far as shirts go, it's best to dress in layers. Especially in the early season, South Dakota mornings can be chill and the afternoons warm. You'll heat up as you walk, so dressing in layers can keep you fresh and ready.

Get Ready for the Trip of a Lifetime

Jace pestered his grandfather Jerry to find a place to hunt pheasants. One contest victory later, generations of hunters were in the fields of South Dakota, making memories, traditions and friends while realizing how a passion for hunting can make anyone feel young.

Missouri River Hunting
Missouri River Hunting
Corn Field Hunting
Cornfield Hunting
South Dakota Sunset
South Dakota Sunset
Pheasant in a wheat field
Pheasant in a Wheat Field

Where Should I Go?

South Dakota has millions of acres of free-access public land. Read more about the SD regions or find a field using our South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks GPS maps.

REGION BREAKDOWNS

Get Your Small Game License

Get your ticket to outdoor adventures! South Dakota’s 2025 season begins on Saturday, October 11 for residents only, and Saturday, Oct. 18 for everyone, ending Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Learn More
Planning Tools

Planning Tools

Whether you’re looking for a guided lodge experience or a public land adventure, we’ve got the resources to get you started.

Pheasant Hunting
Public Hunting Areas
Pheasant Hunting
Season Information
Licenses
Pheasant Hunting
Region Breakdowns
Pheasant Hunting
Lodge & Guided Hunts
Pheasant hunter walking in field
Sportswomen
Pheasant with a hunter blurred out in the background
FAQs
Frost covered cattails at sunrise
Late Season Hunts
World's Largest Pheasant statue
Small town experiences
#SDinthefield

SD Pheasant Hunting - Beginner's Resources

Do some homework before you hit the field. Your fellow hunters will thank you for...

Trails End Cabins & Motel

Trails End Cabins & Motel, Hill City

On a quiet street, just an easy two blocks from downtown Hill City, you'll find Trails End Cabins & Motel. We offer deluxe motel rooms, log cabins and cottages that sleep 2-10 with varying amenities. We take pride in maintaining a super-clean property with new, comfortable beds (with quilts)

Spring Creek State Recreation Area

Spring Creek Recreation Area, near Pierre

Sitting on the shores of beautiful Lake Oahe north of Pierre, Spring Creek Recreation Area is a water-lover's paradise. Lake Oahe has more than 2,000 miles of shoreline and its clear waters are ideal for boating, sailing, fishing, water skiing and diving. Campers, history buffs, mountain bikers and

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