Pheasantnomics: It's What Sustains South Dakota

When big game hunters dream, it’s often about things like bull elk hunting in the West, or destinations like Montana, Alaska and elsewhere.

Of course we’ll never know for sure, but when bird dogs dream, we suspect it’s about places and hunting experiences much like what can be found in South Dakota.

With dozens upon dozens of hunting lodges and outfitters specializing in Ring-necked pheasants and other upland game birds, it’s no wonder South Dakota continues to be a popular destination for hunters and their canines year-after-year.

And don’t think it goes unnoticed by the state and those involved in its economy. Last month, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) released statistics revealing that 150,037 pheasant hunters spent more than $170.1 million in the state in 2015. A further breakdown reveals that 84,903 non-resident hunters spent $140.3 million, while 65,134 resident hunters spent approximately $29.8 million in 2015.

South Dakota’s pheasant population also increased in 2015 from the previous year with an estimated 1,255,880 ringnecks harvested – an increase largely attributed due to mild weather conditions throughout the previous winter and spring seasons.

“South Dakota is a hunting destination for people across the country and the world,” said GFP Secretary, Kelly Hepler. “Pheasant hunting plays a big part in our quality of life, and it continues to be an economic driver for businesses across the state.”

The South Dakota counties with the highest hunter spending for 2015 included Tripp, Brule, Brown, Lyman, Spink and Beadle.

“It is no accident that the places where the most money is spent by pheasant hunters are the places where large tracts of quality habitat exist,” Hepler said. “Ag producers know that quality habitat means high pheasant numbers; which results in thousands of visitors wearing blaze orange.”

And last week, recognizing the importance of wildlife habitat conservation that supports South Dakota’s economy and status as “The Pheasant Capital of the World,” the South Dakota Tourism Department renewed its national sponsorship with Pheasants Forever, the nation’s primary pheasant and upland bird conservation organization.

“Pheasants Forever’s annual harvest goal of 1.5 million roosters in South Dakota can only be achieved through great partnerships. To that end, we are thrilled to have South Dakota Tourism as a renewing sponsor and supporter of our mission delivery in the state,” said Brad Heidel, PF director of corporate relations.

It’s not only an abundance of ringnecks and excellent habitat that attracts hunters to The Mount Rushmore State Oct. 15 through January 1. It’s also the pure and natural hospitality afforded to sportsmen and women (and their dogs) throughout the state.

“The South Dakota Department of Tourism is pleased to renew its national sponsorship with Pheasants Forever,” said Wanda Goodman, deputy secretary of media and industry relations for South Dakota Department of Tourism. “With the country’s largest population of ringnecks, and our hunter-friendly attitude, we’re thrilled to partner with the world’s foremost upland habitat organization.”

South Dakota remains a staple for the upland bird hunting industry