The Pheasant Crest Ranch has been in our family for over 80 years and is a working ranch focused primarily on grain and cattle.  Comprised of over 12,000 acres, the ranch provides an incredible variety of terrain and breathtaking scenery. From wooded shelter-belts to rolling grassland and seemingly infinite crop fields, the hunting is never boring or predictable (well, some things are predictable...like we know your going to see a lot of birds and have a really great time!)  At Pheasant Crest we provide a well maintained fleet of field vehicles to provide comfortable transportation to and from the hunting areas (which are never more than 10 miles from the lodge).  Because of the vastness of the ranch we always review the days hunt ahead of time on maps so everyone knows where they are on any given day.  What a thrill it is to hear the guide say..."Get ready, we're pushing about a hundred birds your way!" What is truly amazing about this area is how it has evolved in to one of the premiere Pheasant hunting habitats in the world.  What most people don't realize is that you need a combination of environmental factors to ensure a hearty Pheasant Population.  Many years ago, hunters, ranchers and environmentalists realized the need to balance the land habitat by reducing farmed areas, and increasing nesting grounds.  With corn, Milo, sunflowers, grain and many other crops as far as the eye can see, there is obviously no food shortage for the birds, but nesting grounds were getting scarce.

The solution was the CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) program.  This government sponsored program provides incentives for farmers and ranchers to set aside tracts of land that provide natural nesting grounds for game birds and other animals.  The results are impressive.  Since the CRP program was started, the Pheasant population has had a dramatic increase in the last 5 years.  The hearty vegetation of the CRP areas not only provides nesting areas, but cover from winter storms as well. 

As mentioned above, changes in land management have resulted in explosive growth in Pheasant populations.  Hunters who thought they had hunted the best areas in the US in other states such as Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa come to Pheasant Crest / South Dakota and are totally impressed!  Most hunters claim to have seen 5 to 10 times more birds in South Dakota than in other surrounding states.  

A Typical Day At Pheasant Crest....(Back to top of page)

The Weather...(Back to top of page)

The weather during the hunting season in South Dakota is generally very favorable, however it can make fairly wide swings in temperature from morning through mid-day.   We suggest that hunters dress in layers to accommodate these changes.  At the beginning of the season temperatures range from 30 degrees to 70 degrees with generally dry conditions.  The ground can be a bit muddy at times depending upon rainfall, so water proof boots are suggested.  Toward the end of the season, winter hunting attire is recommended, again in layers with attention to insulated boots.

 

Weather Forecasts | Weather Maps | Weather Radar

The Dogs...(Back to top of page)