Where is the best place to hunt if I’ve never hunted in South Dakota before?

The best places to hunt can be based on an ideal landscape, which can vary throughout South Dakota. You will find different types of hunting experiences based on the locations you visit throughout the state. Redfield and the surrounding area will provide you the traditional South Dakota hunt with wide-open spaces. Head to the northeast if you are looking for more cattails and slough hunting. Or take in the rolling hills of the Missouri River around Mobridge, Pierre, Chamberlain and down into Platte, with many of these areas known for their numbers in bird count.

Do I need to hire a guide or work through a lodge to hunt or is there good public land opportunities as well?

Depending on hunting experience and preference, either opportunity is available throughout the state. There are tremendous guides, along with all-inclusive preserves, to select from which will allow for the least amount of effort for your hunt. If you’re looking for a hunt that will come with some challenge, allowing the dogs to work just a bit more, there is public land opportunities to choose from as well.

Is South Dakota mostly wild birds or are there pen-raised birds?

Most bird populations at hunting lodges are supplemented by stocked birds and you’ll find a mixture of wild and pen-raised birds. Birds that are harvested off public land, such as GPAs, WPAs and WIAs, are going to be wild birds, unless adjacent to a preserve. Some may come from those lands.

What is the current outlook for this year’s hunting?

Numerous factors can affect the season ahead, including the past year, winter severity, habitat environments, current weather conditions, etc. Yet, even in difficult winters, South Dakota landowners and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks help provide quality habitat for an abundant wildlife population. To keep up-to-date on all the information pertaining to this year’s hunting outlook, sign up to receive emails from South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks .

What other opportunities are there to experience while I’m pheasant hunting?

There are a variety of outdoor adventures to enjoy when visiting South Dakota. Visit the state parks that offer wildlife viewing and hiking, along with different types of lodging from cabins to camping. Bring your rods for a blast and cast trip. With not only the Missouri River running throughout the state, but South Dakota also offers shore fishing, boating, fly fishing and more. Or visit some of South Dakota’s top attractions including Mount Rushmore , Badlands National Park and Custer State Park .

How do I obtain a hunting license to hunt in South Dakota?

Purchase and view your license by creating an account . You can also purchase your license at any Authorized License Agent across the state. Make sure to have your license available, whether physical or electronic copy, when you are in the field.

Hunt the Greatest — Pheasant Hunting in South Dakota

What Makes South Dakota the Greatest?

Anyone who’s walked our fields knows why they keep coming back. From 2022 to 2023, the pheasant harvest increased by 7.3 percent for a total of 1.2 million birds! You’d have to add up the total harvests from neighboring states to get numbers like ours. And the way things are looking, 2024 is going to be a record-breaker, thanks to conservation efforts and ideal weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

This year alone, hunters from across the state are reporting excellent bird numbers, with many commenting how numbers are up from previous years! We have the most birds in the country, but the fun goes beyond the field — no place caters to hunters like South Dakota.

“The people here are really special. That’s what makes the hunt. I have repeat hunters who say they’ve never met a rude person in South Dakota. Then, of course, we have the habitat. So it’s the people and the birds that really make our state special.”

— Steve Halverson, owner of Halverson Hunts

“I love South Dakota pheasant hunting because it’s one of the most adrenaline rushing hunts you can go on. There’s the excitement of birds getting up right to you – and there’s the chance to make memories with your favorite people. I love it.”

— Grace Sargent, pheasant hunter

“I love spending time with my kids outdoors. And pheasant hunting is a great way to do it. They can take a shot and miss, and that's okay, but the fun part is putting them in a position where they can be successful.”

— Doug Sargent, pheasant hunter

“For me it's really getting out into the field. It's the sun bathing over the landscape and the way the adrenaline hits you when a bird flushes. It's all of those experiences in the field for me, that really make me love it.”

— Erica Yost, Pheasants Forever

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Pheasant Harvest Report

“Between ideal weather and last year’s harvest count, all signs point to this being the best year of South Dakota hunting in decades."

— Kevin Robling, GFP Secretary

Check out our podcast

The Travel South Dakota Stories

Episode 10: Heroes of the Hunt

Tag along with hunters, anglers, bird dogs and guides in the Missouri River region to see how South Dakota’s hunting and fishing traditions have been kept alive through time.

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