Q.  When is the South Dakota pheasant hunting season?
A. The regular season traditionally opens the third Saturday in October (officially set in April).

• The 2008 season is October 18th – January 4th, 2009.
  
  
• The 3-day youth season is the first weekend in October.
  
  
• 3-day resident-only season is the weekend following the youth season.

Q.  What are the shooting hours?
A.  12 noon, Central Time, to sunset October 18th – October 24th; 10 a.m. to sunset the rest of the season.

Q.  What is the daily limit and possession limit?
A.  The daily limit is 3 roosters, and the possession limit is 15 roosters, taken according to daily limit.  The limit accrues at the rate of 3 birds a day, and 15 birds may not be possessed until after the 5th day of hunting.

Q.  How do I purchase a South Dakota hunting license?
A.  You can purchase your non-resident small game hunting license on-line using this link: http://www.sdgfp.info/Index.htm. Or, you can purchase your  small game license at most convenience stores.

Q.  Are guests allowed to bring their own dogs?
A.  Yes, dogs are more than welcome at A-1 Pheasant Hunting, provided vaccinations are current, the dog is obedient and well-behaved.  A-1 Pheasant Hunting provides trained hunting dogs.

Q.  Does A-1 Pheasant Hunting have airport shuttle service available?
A.  Yes, we have transportation to pickup hunters from the airports in either Pierre (50 miles), Rapid City (160 miles), or Sioux Falls (180 miles).

Q.  What size shotgun and shells/choke are recommended?
A.  A 12 gauge shotgun is most effective, along with a modified choke or full choke.  Throughout the first month of the season, the pheasants aren’t very flighty, so a modified choke with a 5 or 6 shot (preferably coated bb’s) works well.  After a month of being shot at, the pheasants flush quicker and often further away, so a full choke and a 2-4 shot will provide more suitable range.
16 and 20 gauge shotguns also do a good job with a 3”, 4 shot shell.

Stephan’s load of choice is Fiocchi’s 12 gauge GOLDEN PHEASANT GPX - 2 ¾” length, max dram equiv., 39 grams shot, 1 3/8 oz shot, 1485 fps, 4-5 or 6 shot size with nickel-plated bb’s. 

Fiocchi’s use of hard, nickel plated shot, results in enhanced penetration at the longest ranges, tighter patterns (due to less shot deformation), and clean kills.

Q.  What can we expect for bird numbers?
A.  South central South Dakota is famous for year-upon-year having the thickest of pheasant populations.  In 2007 the pheasant population was the highest, and hunting at A-1 Pheasant Hunting was the best ever.  Now, the 2008 hunting season is setting up to be better than the best ever!!!  So don’t miss your chance to get in on the best pheasant hunting ever seen or had.  You won’t regret it.

Q.  How soon should I reserve a hunt?
A. The sooner the better for your preferred date and lodging selections, as most hunting groups return year after year and reserve their next year’s hunting dates before departure. 

However, A-1 Pheasant Hunting is expanding and does have new openings, so check with us for your desired hunting dates.  Call 605-ROOSTER (766-7837) or click Contact Us to submit an information request.