Planning a South Dakota Hunting Trip
by: Eric Ellefson

One of the first things hunters do at the end of a successful hunt is ask “so where are we going next?” At Hunting Connections, we hope that you consider South Dakota and experience first-hand the explosive pheasant hunting so many hunters seek year after year. 

If you are still reading this article, we will assume that the “Where” at least includes our recommendation to visit South Dakota. The next step takes the where a bit further because unless you are fortunate to know a land owner or have family connections you will need to examine your options

If you choose to do-it yourself on a self-guided hunt, the most informative piece of literature is the state published SD Hunting Atlas, which outlines the location of the over 5 million acres of public hunting land throughout the state. This handbook will give you most of the information you need to find and hunt the vast land options available across the state.

If a guided hunt is more your style, South Dakota has over 300+ registered outfitters. The Internet now offers hunters a plethora of information and with just a few clicks of the mouse, thousands of outfitter choices are presented as is the case with our hand-sorted Outfitter Directory. Most of these operations websites will provide information on such things as: area to be hunted, what the lodging is like if available, pricing, photos and success rates, and other game besides pheasant offered.

In order to have a more enjoyable hunting trip with your guide or outfitter, it is important to have a firm understanding the services and accommodations being provided.  Be sure to ask the following questions:

Standard Information:

• What is the experience of the guides?
• How many hunters per guide?
• Will my group be split up? 
• Will I be added to another group?
• What is the entire cost?
  • Does the price include license fees, lodging, meals and transportation fees?
• Is there a deposit required? What about a cancellation policy?
• What references are available?

Transportation:

• Do you furnish transportation from the airport? 
• What type of transportation is provided after the hunt? 
• How far is the nearest airport and which airlines service that airport?
• How much travel is involved from the lodge to the hunting

Lodging and Meals:

• Where will I be staying?  Lodge, hotel, tent, etc...
• Do I get my own room or if not, how many hunters per room?
• What is supplied?  Food, sleeping bag, linens, running water, electricity, cooking utensils etc...
• What meals, if any, are provided and what is an example of the type of meal served? 
• Is alcohol allowed or provided?  

What about the hunting:

• How has the hunting been lately?
• What recommendations do you have on weapons? Most pheasant hunters prefer 12 gauge due to the SD wind, but a 20 gauge will work as well. 
• How large of an area will I be hunting and what does the land consist of?  
• Is this a wild bird hunt or a hunting preserve?
• Will we be pushing fields to blockers or simply working food plots?
• What are your success statistics not only for the year, but prior years?
• Who cares for the game?  Who will be responsible for cleaning the birds?  Is there a local taxidermist I can call or do I need to make arrangements to bring the game home?
• What are the daily bag limits?
• Who obtains the license?  Can it be purchased locally?  How much?
• What physical condition must I be in?
• Is this a fully guided hunt?
• What kind of weather must I prepare for? 

 The most important questions:

• Ask to speak to references who have hunted in the past year or two.
• Contact the state/province Game & Fish Department to verify the outfitter is in good standing with their state/province.  

Planning a hunting trip can be a daunting task no matter how experienced you are.  In our opinion, the adage “you get what you pay for” applies to South Dakota as well. Spending a few extra bucks often times increases your opportunity for a successful hunt. If after reading this article and researching our site,  you find yourself with more questions, let us know and we will do our best to help you with answers.