Need some help....

[Mooner]

The wife and I are looking for a weekend rooster hunt in S. Dakota as a 25th wedding aniversary gift to ourselves(she's a special gal). Were thinking the weekend of Nov. 3/4 (deer opener in Minnesota). Would like to go somewhere that has pointing dogs to help improve our chances of hitting some birds. I would appreciate any suggestions on where we might go to have a nice relaxing getaway.

[Powerstroke]

Just as a starter I would contact the sponser for this very forum. UGuide SD. They have a banner ad to click on below the pheasant,grouse,dove line. They've been around here for more than a year and have gotten some great reviews. They've been posting lots of info about the SD scene lately too. Also check the resort locator at the top of the page for other suggestions.

[Ufatz]

Personally, I'd just Google "pheasant hunt in South Dakota" and stand back. You'll get a flood of stuff BUT look for a WELL KNOWN outfit that has been there a while, with proper housing, seasoned guides and lots of land. Don't snap at the first one. There are some dandy FIRST CLASS places out there operated by some HIGH CLASS folks. Sniff 'em out and have a hunt you can remember. Lotsa fun.

[CodyDawg]

One thing to REALLY consider is whether you will be hunting wild birds or released birds. Depending on your wants, this can really be different hunting. A vendor brought me to a lodge (Rock Creek) last year which advertised wild birds and they were not at all. As I am a diehard, I was dissapointed in how easy it was. However, if you are not into really working for your birds, this might offer the best scenario for you. Rock Creek (just outside Mitchell) was a first class organization, great lodging, food, etc and you will get plenty of close shots behind their brittanys. If you want the really good service, be prepared to pay top $. Thunderstick is a mint-on-your-pillow type place, but the hunting is fantastic. As a 25th Anniv present, that may be something you like. Both of those places I have personally been and you will get plenty of close in shooting, but both are released birds. If you are casual hunters, you may not know the difference. If you want further info on either place, let me know.