Are you looking to take advantage of South Dakota hunting this year? You’re not alone! In fact, 25% of South Dakota residents are hunters and many more annually flock to the Mount Rushmore State during hunting season. Where is the best pheasant hunting in South Dakota? We’ve compiled four unique places you should consider visiting!
South Dakota Pheasant Hunting
Black Hills
There’s a lot to experience when you visit Black Hills, South Dakota. Not only is there a plethora of pheasant hunting, but you can see some of our nation’s most famous attractions, including Mount Rushmore!
Looking for a quirky, cowboy western addition to your trip? We recommend adding in a special stop in Wall Drug. Just trust us.
Pierre, SD
From mid-October through December, Pierre is a must-see spot for pheasant hunting in South Dakota. Add this vibrant town to the list if you’re looking to enjoy a guided experience (although, there’s plenty of opportunity for self-guided excursions, too.) Time to enjoy what the locals refer to as “pheasant fever.”
Watertown, SD
Located in the northeast corner of the state, Watertown boasts thousands of acres of public land for self-guided South Dakota pheasant hunting. Take advantage of goose and duck hunting, and explore the charming downtown that offers excellent dining, museums, and art galleries. This is a great place to bring the whole family!
Huron, SD
Huron “The Heart of Ringeck Nation” South Dakota is a small town situated between Milbank and Sioux Falls. Pheasant hunting is a huge draw for the town (they even have a massive pheasant statue) and it’s a celebrated sport. With their Ringbeck Festival and Bird Dog Challenge coming up in November and a massive pheasant population, this is one of the best places for pheasant hunting with like-minded folks.
Best Airports to Fly Into for South Dakota Pheasant Hunting
Flying into South Dakota for hunting? You’re going to want to fly into either the Sioux Falls Regional Airport or the Rapid City Regional Airport. That’ll give you convenient access to the most exciting pheasant hunting spots this state has to offer.
Don’t Forget the Paperwork
In order to hunt in South Dakota, you’ll need your South Dakota hunting license. You can get yours here on the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website!
Hotels in South Dakota
Whether you’re driving east from Wyoming, west from Minnesota, or South from North Dakota, you’re going to need a good night’s rest before a big day of hunting. Our hospitable team at GrandStay Hotels has beds waiting for you (and any dogs you plan to bring along!)
Check out our amenities – including a hearty, complimentary GRAND START® Breakfast – and go ahead and book your stay. With locations in Milbank, Rapid City, and Tea-Sioux Falls, we’ve got this year’s South Dakota pheasant hunting trip covered. We can’t wait to see you.