Text WTA to 855-977-0239 to Get Trip Specials & Cancellations via Text.
Book Your Adventure 1-800-346-8747

South Dakota: Hunter’s Paradise for Pheasants and Waterfowl

by Matthew Gindorff
|  
Location: South Dakota

There’s no doubt that South Dakota is a bird hunter’s paradise. Every fall the vast fields turn tan and October brings the orange glow of upland hunters who’ve made the pilgrimage to chase roosters. Years ago, South Dakota made a commitment to become the pheasant capital of the world and the state uses this natural resource to drive tourism. Did you know the average annual pheasant harvest during the past 10 years is 1.2 million roosters?

What many hunters don’t realize is that the prairie pothole country in this state offers some of the best waterfowl hunting in North America. I believe this option is overlooked because, unlike other states, waterfowlers must draw this license through a process similar to drawing western big game tags. This is a limited issue license awarded by lottery draw. Applications become available in June and the draw happens in July. Hunters can apply as both individuals and as a group. Due to the limited entry process, a restricted number of nonresidents are awarded this opportunity, and only a few outfitters and lodges offer this special waterfowl/pheasant combo.

One of WTA’s premier pheasant destinations just happens to be in the heart of both pheasant and waterfowl country in the north-central part of the state. With as many waterfowl guides and dogs on staff as pheasants guides, this destination specializes in this unique combo opportunity.

Pheasant hunting tends to take a “gentleman’s approach,” meaning that pheasant hunts don’t begin much before 10:00 a.m. Those fortunate enough to draw a waterfowl license can rise with the sun to chase waterfowl, return to the lodge to swap waders for upland boots, and then hit the pheasant fields. This combo-style hunt is available to all proactive travelers who reserve a pheasant slot prior to July. Hunters with a pheasant booking receive a welcome packet, including instructions to apply for a South Dakota waterfowl license. Once a successful draw result is revealed in July, you have the option to add morning waterfowl hunts for an additional $200 per day. 

Call WTA at 800-346-8747 now to get your pheasant hunt booked. And what the heck, let’s get you in the waterfowl draw and turn your great pheasant hunt into a truly world-class wing shooting combo adventure in South Dakota this season!

Recent Articles

Popular Hunts

Waterfowl - USA, Goose   ·
South Dakota
Outfitter #512
From 
$1,795
Waterfowl - USA, Goose   ·
Nebraska
Outfitter #992
From 
$1,500

Top South Dakota Hunting Trips

Waterfowl - USA, Goose   ·
South Dakota
Outfitter #512
From 
$1,795
WTA Exclusive
Pheasant   ·
South Dakota
Outfitter #512
From 
$2,995

Related Articles

Cancellations: Your Best Chance to Save Big on Hunting Trips

Cancellations: Your Best Chance to Save Big on Hunting Trips

The 2023 fall hunting season is just around the corner. The weather is cooling off and all of the hunting…
Spring Snowstorm—of Geese!

Spring Snowstorm—of Geese!

In 1999, the Light Goose Conservation Order was issued to reduce the population of light geese because of concerns about…
Waterfowl Slam - Hunting Canvasbacks - Georgia. The Journey Within, A Bird Hunters Diary

Waterfowl Slam - Hunting Canvasbacks - Georgia. The Journey Within, A Bird Hunters Diary

For most hunters, the King Eider is the last (or close to it) species sought in a lifetime quest for…
wta-logo-horz-white
Find the outdoor adventure of a lifetime.

Our Location

Office Hours

Phone
Fax

PO Box 335
Sidney, NE 69162

Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm MST

Worldwide Trophy Adventures © 2024
   |   Terms & Conditions   |   Privacy