SIOUX FALLS,SD (KELO-AM) - Hunters hit the public lands in the state this weekend for the special three day resident only pheasant season. Perfect weather made for an enjoyable hunt, according to Scheels Sporting Goods Hunting Manager Travis Vacek. He said he heard "mixed results" from the hunt on Saturday, but added he hadn't heard of any hunters being "skunked"....not bagging any roosters.
Vacek said alot of hunters with dogs had great weather to get out and look for birds. He says temperatures during the season some years can be just too hot for the dogs, but this weekend was great.
Pheasant hunting accounts for millions of dollars pumped into the state's economy, an estimated 170 million in 2015. Second to Mount Rushmore, it can be said that the bird brings alot of notoriety to the state.
Predictions from wildlife management officials earlier this year indicated a 20 percent reduction in the amount of Pheasants in the state, Some area farmers disagree, stating they see plentiful broods.
The resident season runs through Monday, October 10th. Regular season for all hunters kicks off Saturday, October 15th and runs until January 1, 2017.
Here's a link to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Pheasant hunting webpage:
