Possibly relocating

[Rippinlip]

I may be relocating to Southeast SD in the next 6 months or so and I was wondering if you outdoors men and women could give me a feeling of what I have to look forward to in Hunting and Fishing, such as:

Is there alot of Public land to hunt or mostly private,

Deer poulations, pheasant, duck and Goose populations?

How is the fishing, winter and summer?

I know it seems like alot of questions, but just wondering.

Thanks in advance

[Skis]

I live in Northwest Iowa, but do all of my fishing in South dakota. Living in SE South Dakota you will be in close proximity to everything you want and more

You can drive to Platte, Chamberlain, Pierre and fish the Missouri River. You can fish Madison, Thompson, and so many other bodies of water within 60-90 miles drives. You hit the Mitchell/Watertown area you are entering pheasant country.

Winters stink, unless you like ice fishing because it gets cold, but it goes away and spring rolls around.

[Rost]

It depends which city are you moving to. I lived in SF for 9 months and had a really hard time with it.

[rundrave]

plenty of outdoors stuff as mentioned above. Do you know where you may be relocating to? That may give us a better idea.

I lived up in the cities for 5 years but moved back to SD and havent regretted it since. There are pros and cons to both places. I grew up here in SD so I may be biased to that but my family is here as well so that plays a big part.

Rost I lived in Madison for a year and had a really hard time with it lol

[Rost]

Ha ha! You missed out on one helluva degree !

I certainly wasn't trying to slam SF in my previous post. There's 150k people there and most people really like it. It just wasn't for me personally. I grew up in a small town and SF was just to big.

It's just what you are used to. I like having quick access to the hobbies I live for. In the spring/summer, I'll fish 4-5 times a week. In the fall, I'll hunt 4 times a week (scout Thursday and Friday- Hunt Sat/Sun). Some days I bowhunt before and after work. I have shot a limit of mallards and been at my desk (in my office) by 9:00 am. I could not even come close to this lifestyle while I was in SF.

[Rippinlip]

It would be in the Brandon area, we were there to visit all Friday and over night to check out the schools and some possible real-estate. Liked what I seen, just did not get a chance to see what the hunting and fishing would be like.

I am real curious on mainly Deer hunting and fishing(both summer & winter), anything close so a person don't need to drive 100 miles to get in on some decent action.

Thanks again

Mark

[ifishsd]

If you like bow hunting deer there are alot of places around Brandon to hunt. I believe the nature area south of Brandon is open to bow hunting. They are lots of pulic land west of sioux falls about 30 to 40 miles for hunting. Mostly pheasants and waterfowl hunting.

As far as fishing goes there isn't much around Sioux falls for decent fishing. Lake alvin isn't to far away. It's loaded with tiny bluegills. The big sioux river is good if you like catfish. Lake Madison and Brandt lake are about 40 miles north and they offer some decent fishing at times.

Fishing is good in SD, but from the brandon area you will be driving the 100 miles to get to the good lakes. Watertown area is always a good choice for ice fishing. Lot's of Jumbo perch up there.

I live in Sioux Falls also. I would have to agree with Rost. It sucks down here. Pretty much hunting and fishing is a weekend thing if you live in Sioux Falls. I grew up in SW MN and only had a 10 minute drive to good hunting and Fishing.

[Rippinlip]

Thanks to all that replied, job is getting closer, I think anyways.

Looking forward to becoming a resident and meeting some fellow FM's and trying to hook up and do some hunting and fishing in the state of South Dakota.

Hopefully more advice as the time gets closer.

Thanks again

Mark