Pheasant numbers in S.D. hit 40-year high

[rundrave]

Pheasant numbers in S.D. hit 40-year high

From the Sioux Falls ArgusLeader

Published: 08/26/05

Pheasant hunters could see the best hunting in a generation this season, according to a survey that found more pheasants in South Dakota than any time in the last 40 years.

The exact population is unknown, but it is 21 percent higher than last year and 74 percent higher than the 10-year average, according to the state Game, Fish and Parks Department's annual brood survey.

Officials conduct the survey on 109 established routes of 30 miles each. They found an unusually even distribution, suggesting good hunting almost everywhere.

But some places posted more significant increases, especially the Aberdeen, Watertown, Sisseton, Brookings, Huron and Pierre areas.

"It means that we're going to have a fantastic season," said Chris Hesla of the South Dakota Wildlife Federation. The regular season starts Oct. 15.

[Snag]

I'll be calling my old college roomate tomorrow. I hope the Minnesota numbers are that good.

[Blaze]

Thanks alot, rundrave! There goes my productivity for the day...er, week. I'm taking my wife to SD for her first ever pheasant hunt this fall and I've never hunted SD before. My new pup is gonna have a hey-day too. It's gonna be like Christmas in October this year!

Ok, how do I try to be productive for another 6 weeks?

[gspman]

I've got a trip booked in early Nov. and am very excited. Hopefully my dog won't short circuit with all the birds she's likely to run into. Too bad the ruffed grouse #'s are low again this year. I'm looking at this as being my dog's formative season and want to get her into as many birds as possible. I'll probably make a couple of grouse trips anyway. It's always fun to walk in the woods and there's always woodcock to chase as well.