South Dakota pheasant opener, a tradition like no other…

Greetings,

As many of you know, this past weekend was opening weekend in South Dakota for pheasants. It is an event that I get just as excited about now as I did when I was 12 years old. With some of my friends from childhood, high school, and even college, this right of passage has become our way of staying in touch with each other. We all have families, careers, and obligations that keep us from getting together as much as we should, but none of us would want to be anywhere else come the 3rd weekend of October every year. Memories were made, birds were shot (and missed), and plenty of beer was consumed after the hunt.

All and all, It was a great 3 day weekend. Hardly any crops are out, so hunting should improve in the next few weeks. To those headed to SD this season, good luck and hunt safe!

Here are some pics:
Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Andy

Geez…leave some for the rest of us! Congrats on what looks like a great time. Can’t wait till December to make my annual trip(s) to the Tolstoy area…RR

It was pretty cool traveling through the state on Sunday AM watching the orange army chomping at the bit to hit the fields.

Looks like you boys had a great weekend.

Nice hunt were leaving on Sunday for a week of hunting.

Nice shoot. Looks like a blast.

Nice post! Good weather, good friends, great hunt, what else can a guy ask for!

I couldn’t believe the bird count this year. Roosters all over the place. I camped at a buddy’s ranch south of Ft Pierre and at one time counted 25 roosters in the winter wheat field not 50 yds from my camper. Not being able to stand it any longer, I dusted one that got too brave, sent the pup out to get it and we had pheasant, wild rice, corn and of course an adult beverage (or two) for dinner. Coyotes serenaded us to sleep and acted as an alarm clock in the morning. Really hated it shut down and come home- – -jerr