What Makes South Dakota The Best Place For Pheasant Hunting?

It’s that time of year again in South Dakota, when thousands of hunters trade in their office chairs for pickup tailgates, slip into blaze-orange vests, and lock and load their trusty shotguns. Yes, it’s opening weekend for pheasant hunting, and if you’re heading out, your odds of bagging a few birds are looking pretty good.

According to Dakota News Now, pheasant numbers and the number of hunters hauling them home have been climbing steadily since 2017.

Here’s a crazy number for you: in 2024 alone, more than 1.3 million pheasants met their Waterloo in South Dakota fields. That’s the most since 2012, when hunters hit 1.4 million. It’s basically the bird version of a blockbuster sequel, Pheasants: The Return of the Roosters.

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If you shelled out for a hunting license, good news, it’s been money well spent. The pheasant population has enjoyed five straight years of growth here in South Dakota, meaning you’ve got a better shot at taking home dinner than ever before.

With so many ringneck roosters cruising the prairie skies, it’s no wonder South Dakota continues to reign as the pheasant hunting capital of the nation. In fact, Dakota News Now reports that hunters in the Rushmore State usually harvest more birds in the first two weeks of the season than hunters in other states manage all season long.

What are the rules of engagement in this annual showdown between humans and pheasants?

Each hunter can legally bag three pheasants per day, with a maximum of 15 birds over five days. Shooting hours run from 10:00 AM (Central) until sunset, giving the birds at least a few peaceful morning hours to reconsider hightailing it to another state STAT!

This year’s season runs from October 18 through January 31, 2026, so you’ve got plenty of time to load up, head out.

So, be safe out there, hunters. May your aim be true, your dog be obedient, and hopefully you don't forget where you parked the truck!

Source: Dakota News Now

17 Animals You Can Hunt All Year in South Dakota

South Dakota loves to hunt. It's not only one of the state's most popular pastimes, but it's also big business. Especially South Dakota's famous Pheasant season.

There are seasons for hunting deer, antelope, turkey, and even bison. Plenty of opportunities to get that freezer in the garage stocked up.

The South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department is the place to go for info about hunting licenses and specific rules and regulations for hunting in South Dakota.

GET: South Dakota Hunting and Trapping Handbook

Hunting most game in South Dakota is restricted to specific hunting seasons. Like deer and pheasant seasons in the fall.

But there are also animals you can hunt year-round in South Dakota.

There are still some rules to follow, like where exactly you can hunt. South Dakota has millions of acres of public and private land to hunt on. And you'll still need a hunting license.

So, always check with the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department for the latest information and regulations.

LOOK: South Dakota Is Home to the World’s Largest Pheasant [PICTURES]

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns