The 2009 pheasant hunting season is almost here.  I am pumped, as usual, and I hope you all are too.

Since I'm lucky enough to live in South Dakota and have guided pheasant hunters for many years, I feel I have some "inside info" that I can share with those of you making the trip to hunt birds in SD this year.  In all honesty, I think it will be one of the best I have ever seen. Here's why...

  • Bird Numbers - From what I've heard, read, and more importantly, seen, the 2009 pheasant outlook is going to break records again.  We already had high numbers last year.  Add to that a mild winter and a very good hatch, and there is no reason for it not to be a record year.
  • Number of Hunters - It's no secret that the economy is you know what, and because of the bad economy, there will be far fewer wingshooters making the trip to SD this year. That equals a very healthy rooster count throughout the season.
  • Better Rates - Virtually every pheasant outfitter I've talked to say they are booking fewer hunts and are also lowering the prices on their packages.  If you were waiting for a year to save some money on a pheasant hunt, this is the year.
  • The SD Hunting Experience - No matter what bird numbers are or how bad the economy is, one thing is always true...South Dakota is THE place to go for a wild pheasant hunting.adventure.  There is always the argument that South Dakota pheasant hunts are over-priced, and some lodges are definitely catering to the higher end, but there are deals out there.

In summary, here's my advice to those of you still looking for a quality pheasant hunt this year in SD, or anywhere.  Find a reputable pheasant hunting outfitter that is in your price range, put a group of 8 to 12 hunters together, and book a late season hunt (which are amazingly under-rated).  I guarantee you will have a hunting trip to remember.

To get started, contact one of the South Dakota pheasant hunting guides on ClassicPheasantHunting.com and see what they have to offer.  Each has different styles, amenities, and camp cultures.  All are good small-town folks who would love to host you on a quality SD pheasant hunt.

Take care and keep pheasant huntin' !!!