How to Choose a South Dakota Pheasant Hunting Guide
by: Eric Ellefson


Guided pheasant hunts are perfect for those pheasant hunters who are looking to go on a safe and successful pheasant hunt with an experienced hunter. Guided hunts are a great option for both beginning and experienced hunters, as most hunters will attest that there is always something new to learn about the sport.

Guided pheasant hunts can be a lot of fun because it really does help to have an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Going on a guided hunt often increases the chance of a successful hunt, especially if the guide has a proven track record of success in the area.

Several private hunting lodges offer pheasant hunting packages that include guides. A pheasant hunting package might include lodging, food, hunting dogs, hunting guide assistance, and a planned pheasant hunt. Planned pheasant hunts may be in small groups of 2-3 or in larger groups of 5 to 20 or more people. Large guided groups of pheasant hunters can be exciting because of the social element, whereas smaller groups may be preferred for more individual interaction with the guide.

What a Guided Pheasant Hunt Offers:
Experience - The seasoned hunting operations across South Dakota have veteran hunters experienced with the terrain, game, weather and patterns of the birds in their area. These hunting guides will help navigate the fields, ensure your gun is ready, offer advise when needed and provide a certain level of security in knowing your hunt will go off as expected. 

The biggest benefit of working wtih a South Dakota hunting guide is the safety these men and wormen bring you or your hunting group. Most conduct pre-hunt briefings where the entire hunt is outlined to ensure that all parties hunting have a clear picture of the activity, saftey and expectations from both hunter and guide. This will allow your hunting experience to be less stressful helps you to focus on a safe hunt. 

If you or members of your hunting group are exactly Tim Bradley with your upland shooting skills, many guides offer the option to "assist" if needed to make your group limit.  This is simply an option, but most guides will not shoot unless asked out of respect for your hunt and the experience a miss or two offers. 

Another great asset to any guided hunt is that of the 4-legged companions most guides bring to the fields with them.  These trained hunting dogs take the guess work out of finding South Dakota's ringneck pheasant and become invaluable for late season hunting if you do not own a well-trained hunting dog.

What You Should Look for in a Hunting Guide:
Experience - Experience - Experience. While most quality South Dakota hunting lodges have have well trained staff, I would highly recommend checking references of past hunters prior to booking that Pheasant Hunt of a lifetime.  Taking this simple step will provide piece of mind that you have selected a hunting guide with a proven track record of success and the area you are hunting will live up to your expectations.

Again, your hunting guide should be focused on safety. Organized guides should plan out hunts well in advance and help you prepare everything necessary in terms of equipment and other needs. Surprizes in the field are not a good thing, preparation and a good hunting guide eliminate many of the surprize factors and keeps your site on the bird hunting.

Have more questions?  Let us know and we will do our best to get you answers.