Fall 2014 Dakota Hunting & Fishing Guide

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FALL 2014

Page 2 • Dakota Hunting guiDe - Fall 2014 Huntdhg.com

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Huntdhg.com Dakota Hunting guiDe - Fall 2014 • Page 3

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2 Day/3 Night Trip$995 per person (1-2 group size)$895 per person (3+ group size)

3 Day/4 Night Trip$1,495 per person (1-2 group size)$1,395 per person (3+ group size)

Lake Francis Case is home to many fi shing species including walleye, northern pike, perch and bass. Angler’s professional and amateur alike; choose Francis Case for South Dakota’s trophy fi shing experience. Guide, boat and all tackle included.

MISSOURI RIVER GUIDED WALLEYE FISHING

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2014 Season Prices2 day 3 night hunts - $1,695.003 day 4 night hunts - $2,395.00Non-shooting guest, pilots (per day) - $150.00

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SOUTH DAKOTA PHEASANT HUNTS

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Hunting Hunting & Life Lessons3 Things Hunting Has Taught Me The Basics of Long Gun SafetyBefore You Hunt

Inside Duck Commander Leading the Way

The Ring-Necked Pheasant State Bird of SD with Good Reason

So You Want to Go Pheasant Hunting?

Top 25 Pheasant Destinations

Pheasant Hunting Done RightHunt in Mitchell, SD Pheasant Huntingfor the Average Guy

Late SeasonGoose HuntingTop 5 Tag Punching Tips

WhitetailsAcross the Season

Scentand Common Sense

ShhhhHow Noise Can Ruin Your Hunt

What Was That?How Movement Can Ruin Your Hunt

Hold on...Before You Pull That TriggerPreparing for the HuntYour Hunting RigPheasant Brood Survey IndicatesHigher Pheasant Numbers

Lead Exposureand Wild Game Birds

Role of Technologyin Hunter Education

Regional Hunting Events

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The opinions expressed within are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect Dakota Hunting Guide. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher.

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DistributionCovering the Midwest RegionDakota Hunting & Fishing Guide free circulation will average 87,900 direct to home distribution, 10,000 available on racks in Game, Fish & Parks, Visitor Bureaus, and high traffic areas in all four states. Based on a rate of 2.8 persons per household, annual readership totals more than 1,000,000 readers in the four state region of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota.Total Circulation per issue: 97,900+

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All copy, pictures and graphics are reserved and may not be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed and information given are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect Dakota Hunting Guide. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher.

FishingBasic Fishing RulesRespect others & share your knowledge

Bow FishingExciting, fun, and misunderstood

Wind Is Your FriendWalleyes respond to changes in wind

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ContributorsPeter Curtis Bob DarrahGeoffrey EnglishDr. Jason HeezenRandy LaukshteinPaul Marsh

Jim RogersScott RichardsonTed Takasaki Jason WallRobert Joe WallaceAnderson Wasd

SDGFP:Travis RuniaAlex SolemHunt Addictions:Sean EvensonDaniel Driessen Nick SurmaShawn Weissenfluh

The Importance of aGood Gun DogGun DogsChoosing Wisely

Hunter Safetyis for Dogs tooDr. Jason Heezen, Safe Have Animal Hospital

Gun Dogs22

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Making New MemoriesDakota Winds Motel

Cool Hunting HangoutThe Back 40

Articles14

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Check out the article on page 12 for the new Duck Commander branded outdoor product line!Cover Photo: Duck CommandersCover Photo Credit: Lee Kjos


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There has been a lot of studies and information created to show that people that set goals are more successful than those that do not. It is the same in hunting, you would not go out to your favorite duck hunting spot and shoot your shotgun up in the air a dozen times hoping a duck would just happen to fly through and get hit. Most hunters would take aim at the ducks to increase their chances and therefore become more successful.

Much the same in life, if you work hard but do not have a plan for saving money, life often times can pass you by. But, on the other hand, if you work hard and develop a budget to save your money, it is amazing how much can be amassed over a period of time.

“Good things come to those that wait.” I think somebody important said that. Anyway, when out deer hunting you find out quickly that patience is a virtue it pays to have. I have seen hunters take many a shot too soon and consequently miss their deer because a twig redirected their arrow. Or perhaps hit their target and fatally wound an animal, but ended up having to track it for a couple of miles because they did not wait for it to give them a broadside shot.

In life, how many of us have pulled the trigger on a deal that just seems too good to be true, only to have it turn out to be a lemon. All the while, our neighbor did not take the same deal but instead researched a bit more and ended up with a peach. This by the way can cause a case of the sour grapes!

By respect I mean this on multiple levels—personal, professional, and ethical. I learned general respect for my fellow man, animals, and environment in general. For example, taking care of our hunting grounds is our responsibility if we want to continue to use them and to pass them on to the next generation.

I learned be an ethical hunter that is not just out to attain their own goals and destroy things. An ethical hunter is out to set a good example for other hunters to follow, no matter the situation, both for the current generation and for the future of the sport.

Respecting the lives and opinions of others is a responsibility we all share as well. Perhaps we do not agree with everything that is going on in our neighborhood or at work, but through respecting others we can work to become a better society. And in turn, we will be able to pass this on to the next generation as well.

Growing up in the Midwestern region of the United States I was lucky enough to be taught lessons that I have been able to use throughout my entire life. Many of them were learned in school or in the house, but quite a few of them were instilled in me as a young boy out in the hunting fields. I really doubt that I am the only one that learned these lessons and many people use these lessons in their everyday life to not only keep their sanity but to also keep them on the road to being successful. Of all the lessons I have been taught over the years I want totake a look at three of them and how they are used daily.


Few accidents with firearms could occur were this rule always adhered to. There are a few ways to get hurt with rifles or shotguns without the muzzle pointed in an unsafe direction, but the adherence to this rule would eliminate 99% of all firearm related injuries and fatalities.

Carelessness is usually the culprit in why this rule is broken. No matter how tired you are, you must control the direction of the muzzle of your firearm. At times, during a long day of hunting, it is quite easy to become careless. All hunters must avoid carelessness as if it is sure to cost them their life! If you are hunting with someone and they are being careless, you must be willing to speak up. If the person you are hunting with is not trustworthy, they are not a hunting partner with which you can continue to hunt.

A form of carelessness is becoming distracted. A hunter hears a sound, or sees something, and turns with their rifle or shotgun without regard to the direction of the muzzle. Hunters need to train

their mind to think first, “Where will my firearm point when I turn?”

Always treat all firearms like they are loaded at all times. When you pick up, or are handed a firearm, your first responsibility is to keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Keeping that in mind, the first thing you should do is “clear” the weapon. Always check to see if the firearm is loaded. You might think that you don’t need to do so because you are sure it is not loaded. You’re wrong. Many serious firearm accidents occurred with “unloaded” firearms. Be obsessive in this area. You cannot check too often.

Your finger should not come into contact with the trigger until you are preparing to fire. When hunting, there should be no inclination to walk with your finger in the guard so that you might be a little faster should a rabbit, deer, or other game animal jump up. That is simply not an acceptable practice!


Never operate a firearm that is unsound mechanically or structurally. A cracked stock, faulty safety, or any other problem could and probably will become a safety hazard. If you are not 100% able to address the problem, take it to a gunsmith and have it looked at or worked on.

The safety on your long gun should be utilized properly, but never relied upon. When hunting, the safety position should be checked often. It is very easy to bump your firearm off of safety, or for brush you are walking through to do so. Though the safety is on, always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

No matter what firearm you are shooting, the projectile (or projectiles in the case of a shotgun) will travel a great distance. In the case of rifles, this distance is measured in miles. Once you pull the trigger, you are responsible for the projectile that leaves that firearm. Never shoot over the top of a hill or at water. These are tremendously irresponsible actions.

Even if you plan to just jump in your truck and go a very short distance, take the time to unload your firearm. In many states, it is against the law to have a loaded weapon in a vehicle. Even if this is not the case where you are hunting, it is still far safer to take the extra seconds to load and reload your weapon.


Be certain you are using ammunition designed to be used in the firearm you are using. If in doubt, ask someone such as a gunsmith to be certain. Make it a habit to store ammunition for different firearms separately so there is no possibility of putting the wrong cartridge into your firearm.

Some would modify this to advise not handling firearms while intoxicated. However, the tremendous responsibility assumed when carrying a firearm is too great to allow anything to dull your senses. Alcohol has been shown to relax inhibitions. A person who has consumed any amount of alcohol and is still under its influence to some degree, should not be handling a firearm.

These basic steps can save your life, the life of your hunting partner, or an innocent bystander. As an ethical and responsible hunter, you should always view safety as your first responsibility.

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In partnership with B ‘n’ M Poles, Duck Commander is set to bring avid fishermen a new line of fishing rods with the Duck Commander Rod Series, which includes a double-touch crappie rod, an ultra-light combo for kids, a telescopic panfish pole, a crappie trolling rod and an ultra-light crappie rod. B ‘n’ M Poles has been selling fishing poles for more than 70 years and sells bamboo poles, jig poles, catfish rods, crappie rigs, float and fly rods and other specialized fishing poles.

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Willie Robertson, CEO of Duck CommanderPhoto by Russell Graves

Duck Commander Group Photo (L-R): John Godwin, Jep Robertson, Willie Robertson, Phil Robertson, Si Robertson, Jase Robertson, Alan Robertson and Justin Martin.Photo by Russell Graves

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There was a lot to do before Grandma would let us escape. I fed the horses and cleaned the stalls while Grandpa checked the cattle. We raced to the house when Grandma called us in for a lunch of fried chicken and roasted potatoes. With full bellies, comfortable boots, and the morning chores completed, Grandpa and I were finally free to start our adventure. Field by field, I kept pace with Grandpa, my shotgun snug at my side. Grandpa whistled, Old Duke sprinted ahead, and suddenly, like a burst of sunlight, the sky before us filled with orange wings. Grandpa looked over at me and said, “Remember, calm and steady.” I nodded, taking aim, and fired into the pheasant-filled horizon.

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Some of my best childhood memories were made with Grandpa in those fields. Even though Grandpa isn’t around today, I can still pass on my love for hunting to my sons with the help of Dakota Winds Motel in Kimball, South Dakota. When we stay at Dakota Winds Motel, we are right in the heart of hunting paradise with the largest pheasant population anywhere in the United States. This locally owned motel, just 40 miles from Cabella’s, has a large parking lot and newly remodeled rooms with refrigerators, WiFi, and Cable TV, making for a comfortable and convenient experience. Our new puppy, Cooper, thinks so too.

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The pheasant, like many Americans, is an immigrant to North America. The first successful introduction of

pheasants to this country occurred in 1881 when Judge Owen Nickerson Denny (US consul to China) shipped 30 Chinese Ring-Necks (26 survived the journey) to his home in the Willamette Valley of

Oregon. Eleven years later Oregon opened a 75-day season and hunters bagged 50,000 pheasants. They were subsequently released in 40 of the 50 states.


The pheasant was successfully introduced into South Dakota in 1908, when a group of farmers purchased a pair of birds from an Oregon farm and released them into a field near Redfield. The hearty pheasant not only survived, but thrived on the prairie, prompting the state to purchase and release 48 additional pairs of birds. In 1919, the pheasant population was high enough for the state to hold a one-day pheasant hunting season.

Over a century later, the combination of habitat, wildlife management and fortunate weather patterns have made South Dakota a pheasant haven and a world-class hunting destination. South Dakota consistently reports the greatest population of this native Asian bird. While it is thought of as distinctly American, the bird didn’t even make it into John James Audubon’s book, “Audubon’s Birds of America” because it was only introduced to the state in 1908, after many previously unsuccessful attempts. Because of the exponential growth of the pheasant population in the last century, South Dakota is considered the king of pheasant hunting destinations.

South Dakota offers the perfect habitat for the pheasant to thrive; with woodlands and bushy thickets for cover, wetlands, grasslands, and crops for feed, the pheasant has made itself right at home in this state. The Black Hills is the only area of South Dakota where the pheasant isn’t found. Some of the best regions are the south-central and eastern parts of the state where Pierre, Huron, Mitchell, Chamberlain form the legendary “Pheasant Square.”

Woodlands and thickets offer the bird the necessary cover in the winter months, while the grasslands are necessary for hens to build and maintain their nests. Areas where much of the land is farmed attracts a great number of pheasants for feeding purposes, and nearby gravel roads are an excellent source for the grit the birds require to digest their food. Regions with these characteristics make for great pheasant hunting.

Protecting pheasant habitat is vital to maintaining a healthy population. In recent years the pheasant has seen a decrease in numbers due to agricultural practices. Intensive farming methods, as in many of the other pheasant hunting states, have depleted the amount of food available to the birds, with chemicals also playing a major role in the decline. Pesticides kill the insects which the young birds feed on, and the killing of the weeds and bushy cover has eliminated the necessary cover. Also, the use of nitrate fertilizers poisons the birds. As with any major hunting state, when the pheasant population in South Dakota dips, so do local economies.

South Dakota sees a major economic boost from the influx of pheasant hunters every year. Wildlife conservation efforts are imperative to keep South Dakota’s economy in balance. With the help of groups like Pheasants Forever spreading awareness and protecting habitat, the pheasant population will hopefully be around for years to come for many hunters to enjoy.

By Jim Rogers


There is little argument that the Dakota Territories are in a league of their own in the pheasant hunting arena. There are many different ways to experience a Dakota pheasant hunt than you would imagine. How you choose to experience the hunt this year is ultimately in your hands. If you’re not going to take the opportunity of a guided hunt this year, which by the way we highly recommend, then you’ll find that just about anywhere in North & South Dakota offers some great pheasant hunting opportunities.

If you plan to hunt public land, road ditches, sloughs, swamps, etc. You’re going to bump into private land. Since 60-70 percent of the Dakota Territories is privately owned you may not have hunting access. You may know or find these prime areas, but you will have to try to gain access to these privately owned hunting grounds. Yes, some landowners will deny your request, but with some determination and a good attitude, you’ll ultimately find that many landowners are willing to let you hunt. You may even make a few new friends in the process! Keep in mind that you may have to pay the landowner for hunting access. Whether it be money, respect, kindness or all of the above.

Don’t go out there unarmed; a little research goes a long way here. There is a ton of help out there if you’re willing to look for it. Pheasants Forever, North & South Game Fish & Parks, local Chambers of Commerce offices, Visitors Bureaus, and UGuidePheasants.com all come to mind. The internet holds some awesome websites and forum communities teeming with information. There also are some great apps in Google Play and the Apple Store to help as well.

There is little argument that the Dakota Territories are in a league of their own in the pheasant hunting arena.

By Jim Rogers


There is little argument that the Dakota Territories are in a league of their own in the pheasant hunting arena.

By Jim Rogers Here are some need-to-know pointers that may help you on your next unguided day afield.

KNOW YOUR SIGNAGEWaterfowl Production Areas (WPAs)• Federally owned and open to public hunting unless marked

to the contrary. Steel shot only. Lands were purchased by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service through Federal Duck Stamp funds, conservation groups, Build a Wildlife Area campaign, etc.

State-owned Public Hunting Areas• Different names for these in different states: Wildlife

Management Areas (WMAs), Game Production Areas (GPAs), etc. Check your state’s regulations to find out if there are state-owned public hunting areas. Lands purchased by state natural resource agencies, groups like Pheasants Forever, Build a Wildlife Area campaigns, etc.

Walk-in Areas• These are privately owned acres that state natural

resource agencies have paid the landowner to open up to public hunting. Walk-in programs do not exist in every state and are called different names in each state. Check your state’s regulations to find out if there are public hunting opportunities on private lands in your state.

Pheasants Forever Habitat Signs• These signs are located on public & private lands. • If on a WPA, WMA, GPA, etc., it’s open to public hunting. • If you don’t see a WMA or WPA sign, you MUST ask

permission. This is private land. • Private land is where over 90% of our pheasant habitat

is located thus our focus on private land is important to the health and sustainability of our pheasant populations.

No Trespassing means… NO TRESPASSING!• Check the Hunting Rules & Regulations book for the

state’s trespassing laws. • REMEMBER: the damage done by one who trespasses

lasts for many years in the minds of a land owner. Asking Permission: Don’t be afraid, but definitely

be polite and courteous• Never walk into standing crops• Come bearing a gift• Offer to share your take • Say THANK YOU before AND after

Source: Pheasants Forever; South Dakota Game Fish & Parks;North Dakota Game Fish & Parks

Ok before we get everyone too worked up, this list is our opinion, not gospel. Our staff picked these towns for the quality of the pheasants & hunting in the area, guides & outfitters, lodging, entertainment, community friendliness & involvement, and just plain enjoyability of the hunting.

• Chamberlain, SD • Pierre, SD • Mitchell, SD • Mott, ND • Lemmon SD • Mobridge, SD • Winner, SD • Miller, SD • Redfield, SD • Aberdeen, SD • Bismarck-Mandan, ND • Huron, SD • Kimball, SD • Regent, ND • Emery, SD • Madison, SD • Gettysburg, SD • Fargo-Moorhead, ND • Wessington Springs, SD • Milbank, SD • Burke, SD • Devils Lake, ND • Plankinton, SD • Dallas, SD • Tripp-Armour, SD

Think we’re crazy? Want to voice your opinion? Drop by Facebook. We’re doing a Top 25 Pheasant Hunting Destination as picked and voted on by YOU! Our readers! This 2014 Reader Top 25 will be published next issue of Dakota Hunting & Fishing Guide.


By Jim Rogers


The diverse landscape of South Dakota is characterized by an assortment of habitats and an abundant array of natural resources. For many outdoor enthusiasts, no other wildlife species in the state is as recognized or valued as the ring-necked pheasant. Though pheasants are not a native species to North America, they have become naturalized to this mosaic of grassland and agricultural land habitat found in much of South Dakota.

From the first successful releases of pheasants in 1908 to the current estimated population of around 10 million birds, South Dakotans and our visitors have built a rich and deeply rooted tradition around pheasants and pheasant hunting. The opening weekend in October is an event anticipated not only by pheasant hunters, but also family and friends who are reunited during this social gathering.

South Dakota is one of the top two pheasant harvest states and claims the top number of birds per hunter per season. Located in the top ringneck range, Mitchell South Dakota is regarded as one of the best pheasant hunting spots in the nation, a position it has maintained for decades. The highest concentration of hunting guides in South Dakota can be found in the Mitchell area, offering an excellent selection when planning your hunt.

The season generally begins the third week of October, although residents and youth have chances to hunt public land prior to that. Additionally, several area hunting preserves enjoy expanded seasons. High pheasant numbers usually means more competition from other hunters, so we recommend waiting to come until after cold weather sets in. The first significant snowfall of the season often arrives in early November. If a day of hunting in snow sounds like fun, November can be the highlight of the season. Many times, you will have better luck finding availability in the late season, and the fields are plowed so there are fewer opportunities for our wily ringnecks to hide.

Any place can say they have something for everyone. In Mitchell, it’s actually true. With over 50 restaurants, nearly 1,100 hotel rooms, seven campgrounds, the most hunting guides and hunting lodges in eastern South Dakota, boarding kennels, and excellent outfitters. In addition, the city also offers a wide variety of entertainment, sports bars, coffee houses, and retail shops.

We found that not only are the hunting and fishing great here, but the people are friendly, and the accommodations, entertainment, food, and shopping are all extraordinary. Go to www.HuntMitchell.com to begin planning your next adventure and discover why hunting in Mitchell is the home of pheasant hunting.

With decades of tradition, Mitchell, South Dakota is truly home to pheasant hunting done right.

If you enjoy fishing, Lake Mitchell offers exceptional pan fishing like crappie and bluegill. It also offers bass fishing opportunities with small mouth bass coming on strong. Walleye fishing can be challenging but rewarding. Bigger fish can be taken in the spring and fall of the year. In the winter try ice fishing for walleye or pan fish. Mitchell is pretty close to the Missouri River system that presents some of the finest walleye production areas in the world. Early spring and late in the fall are the best times of the year to fish on the Missouri. Plentiful supplies of catfish can also be found on the James River, which borders Mitchell to the east.

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And the quality of the pheasant hunting dog will make your pheasant hunting trip one of joy or misery, depending on the dog. But usually the pheasant hunting dog is invaluable for those who enjoy hunting pheasants and upland game birds, as compared to big game —wild boar, bear, or deer.

There are many types of bird hunting dogs, such as Labradors, German Short-Hairs, Retrievers, Spaniels, and many others. With a soft mouth and a strong desire to please, these dogs are capable of forming bonds that go beyond the dog-master relationship of most domesticated dogs. The pheasant hunting dog can be any of these breeds of hunting dogs, depending on what type of dog the hunter desires.

Any pheasant hunting dog is also capable of hunting ducks, turkeys or doves. Choosing a trained hunting and gun dog is not a quickly-made decision, or rather, it should not be, unless it is something that a person grows up with and has some training in the field. Otherwise, it may be best to borrow the hunting dogs when hunting at a pheasant hunting lodge, which are already trained and will make your trip a success. Regardless of if the dogs are yours or are borrowed, once the pheasants are close by the tension of the hunting dogs will begin to increase. The scent begins to be picked up by one dog and once the bird is located—the dog will lock firmly in place. If the mate is close by, she also will lock in position simply to honor her mate’s point, even if she has not been able to pick up on the scent herself. After that, the hunt is up to you.

The breed of a pheasant hunting dog is a personal preference, depending on what characteristics are important to you—but the basic commands should be taught to all dogs, especially all hunting dogs. Once that pheasant breaks away and takes off—a dog that takes off and does not understand what it means to stop or come back, may provide an interesting day of hunting, indeed. Teach your hunting dog obedience. Once that is done, teach it again and again. Make it second nature to you and the dog until they almost can read your mind and respond just as quick.

A good hunting dog is more than man’s best friend, especially if that good hunting dog hunts pheasants.

Once the obedience has become second nature, take the dog to a pheasant reserve as compared to wild birds out in a field of waist high grass. There are several thoughts on this—with the main one being once that dog hunts in the same area, again and again, it will not be as apt to go off and explore new grounds and territory, instead of exploring for pheasants.

By Peter Curtis



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By Geoffrey English

To clarify, gun dogs are a type of hunting dog that is used to assist the hunter when he is hunting for small game, usually fowl. Most gun dogs are used to assist the hunter when it comes to finding, flushing out game and even retrieving it for the hunter. If you are hunting with a shotgun, you will want to use gun dogs. Gun dogs consist of dogs that will locate game either before your shot or right after. Some gun dogs will retrieve the game for you while others will point. Not all gun dogs flush the game out.

Spaniels and retrievers are usually interchangeable as they will both locate and retrieve game. Retrievers are thought to have the edge when it comes to retrieving in or around the water, while spaniels have the advantage when it comes to foraging for prey in thicket. Most hunters hunting water fowl will use retrievers while those who hunt wild game fowl will choose spaniels. Pointers and setters are better gun dogs for hunters who prefer to have a dog to flush out the prey and find the prey themselves.

You will know which hunting dog is right for you by the type of game that you are hunting. Here is an outline of different types of hunting as well as the type of gun dog that is best suited for your sport:

Retrievers love water and everything that goes along with it. A retriever is a good swimmer and will actually enjoy getting wet. They will be only too glad to jump into the water and retrieve a duck that you have shot down. If you are hunting in or around the water, a retriever makes the best gun dog.

Retrievers have a soft mouth that will enable them to pick up the prey and bring it back to you without damaging the bird. Retrievers are the gun dog of choice for those who like to hunt ducks.

When hunting for wild game such as pheasant, you can use a pointer. Pointers will not retrieve game, but will find it and tell the hunter where the game is located. Pointers have a larger range than a spaniel so they are good to use when you are hunting for wild game or upland birds.

Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of www.GundogsOnline.com, the internet’s premiere online magazine dedicated to hunting dogs.

Decide what type of game you would like to hunt and then choose your hunting dog accordingly. But remember, while breeds give you a general direction, it’s the individual dog itself that makes the hunt. My Grandpa had two of the best gun dogs I’ve ever seen then or now, and both were mutts.

Quail are a bit more difficult to find and can be on dry land or near the water. Spaniels make excellent gun dogs for quail hunting as they are excellent at finding game in thick cover and flushing them out. Hunters who enjoy hunting for this type of wild game often like using Spaniels such as English Springer Spaniels or Cocker Spaniels. Both breeds will hunt near water, flush out the prey and retrieve it.


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I own and operate Safe Haven Small Animal Hospital in Mitchell South Dakota. We examine and treat dozens of injured hunting dogs every year. Most of these injuries occur in and around fall bird hunting season. Over the years we have treated almost every type of hunting accident, I consider myself and my staff to be experts in the area of treating injured hunting dogs. Therefore I was pleased to be asked to be a contributing writer for this publication.

By Dr. Jason Heezen

I’ve been involved with injured hunting dogs for most of my life, as my father was a mixed animal Veterinarian in Plankinton, South Dakota. I watched him suture skin, set bones, and remove pellets, ever since I was big enough to look over the surgery table and ask, “why” or “what’s that”. Now that treating these injured hunting dogs is my job, I realize that although the medications, techniques, and procedures have changed the principals that determine a positive outcome are the same.

“Opening Day”, a religion in South Dakota, is a time of great anticipation and a time to reacquaint with old friends and family, and enjoy each other’s company. My Opening Day usually starts out with a couple drives and hunting with the family. I’ve shot a box of shells, with not much to show. Then, invariably, my cell phone rings and there is a four legged hunting companion in trouble. So off I go to suture, set bones, and remove pellets. My children have all stood beside the surgery table and asked “why” or “what’s that.” I’ve come to anticipate this dance, and even embrace the journey, as it usually gets me out of cleaning the pheasants! More importantly I get to meet some of the world’s best hunters…and their humans!

To be sure Rover gets the best care possible, if needed, call ahead to a vet clinic or two in the area, ask if the Doctor is going to be available for emergencies. Get the clinics emergency number, and put it into your cell phone contact list. Enter the name as vet, then location otherwise you will forget the guys name in an emergency. This will help ensure contact with the Veterinarian. Don’t wait until Rover is critically injured to find a Vet. This could be fatal.

Many hunters like the idea of having a doggie first aid kit available. I am in favor of keeping the kit close by anytime you’re with your dog. In fact we sell a kit at our clinic put together with Gun Dogs in mind. Please be sure to get your hunting companion to a Veterinarian for any laceration the goes all the way thru the skin. The skin is the barrier to all sorts of nasty bacteria that can infect a laceration. If you decide to use a skin stapler or glue, make sure wound is clean! I’ve seen several life threatening, human inflicted infections because staples were used to close a contaminated wound. Closing a wound in the field should be viewed as a means to prevent further contamination until a Veterinarian can properly address the injury.

I look forward to sharing some of my knowledge with you in the upcoming issues. Please contact me if there is a topic you’d like me to cover.

Dr. Jason HeezenSafe Have Animal Hospital201 E Norway Ave., Mitchell, SD 57301(605) 996-4798

There are a few basics of first aid, stop the bleeding, keep the wound clean, prevent further damage, if needed call the Vet. I would like to restate some of the basic safety items that may keep you hunting instead of visiting me.

• Never let Rover ride in the back of a pickup unless he is in a kennel. The most common life threatening injury I see is a dog jumping out of a pickup. I often get to place bone plates on femurs as a result of this, as much as I enjoy the repair; I wish this service wasn’t needed. Many times one dog has jumped at another dog, passing by, in a pickup. The outcome is never good.

• The most common fatal injury to dogs in my experience is heat exhaustion. Often times where we are, six feet in the air, the breeze is blowing cooling us off on a hot day. Down where Rover is, a foot or two off the ground, there is no breeze, and is often much warmer. Also Rover has 4 legs, but he covers 10 times as much ground as we 2 leggers do. Take plenty of water breaks, and remember to take along water for Rover. He probably needs it more that we do. NEVER put a heat exhausted dog in a pond of water. This is almost always fatal. Place a cool wet rag between his rear legs, and the ear flap to cool him off. If the dog collapses get him to the vet ASAP, start to cool him down en route.

• Fence danger. Dogs seem to have more fence problems on warm dry windy days. I think they aren’t as able to see the fence as well, or they are concentrating more on the bird due to difficult tracking conditions. Whatever the reason, train your dog to recognize, and respect fences. This is not only a safety issue, but may be a trespass issue. Don’t let Rover run on someone else’s hunting ground. The fastest way to lose hunting privilege is to disregard property rights. If Rover does get a fence cut, try to keep it clean, put pressure on wound to stop bleeding and call Doc right away.

• Get the pooch in shape prior to opening day! A marathon runner doesn’t spend 360 days on the couch, start running on Wednesday, and compete in a marathon on Saturday! Don’t expect your super pooch to be on the top of his game if he is so tired he can’t think straight. Sore muscles may be the least of your concerns if he is pushed to hard opening weekend. Many cruciate ligament ruptures happen as a result of an out of shape dog doing things he shouldn’t be doing! As a matter of fact the same things apply to humans!

• Don’t shoot too soon, I’ve treated many gunshot victims because the gunner thought the bird was high enough, it wasn’t. I find lots of pellets in dogs that present for other problems, I take an x-ray, see the pellets. Some of you have been to my clinic when I ask “When did you shoot your dog?” Be careful, I’ve been involved with several cases where I was unable to save a dog that was a victim of a gunshot wound.


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This is going to be the perfect opportunity to find young birds who tend to hold a bit tighter and aren’t even sure what a dog looks like. They don’t run as much and don’t fly out as early. The only drawback is don’t plan on winning any long tail feather contests because many of the birds you harvest will be from the spring hatch. A fully plumed out bird is rare but it can be done.

As planted corn acres increase, the ability to find birds outside those rows gets more difficult. You probably found your young birds at the beginning of the season but the older birds know where safety is and that is hiding in corn and sunflower rows. Once the row crops are harvested, birds are pushed back into the cattails or long grass areas. Some of these birds haven’t been shot at or even flushed by a dog yet so that gives you the advantage. If I know the row crops are coming off, I am trying to find time in my schedule to make a trip and if you can catch it as the last truck leaves the field, you will find birds in habitat close to those fields.

While everyone loves that rooster that holds until you almost step on him, pheasants are notorious for their ability

to run. On more than one occasion, I have found myself following the tail of a dog for upwards of 3/4 mile before the

bird broke at the end of her nose. When the first significant snow hits your hunting grounds, birds will begin to hold tighter. Why? 4-6” of

snow that hasn’t been hardened by the wind makes it extremely difficult for pheasants to run in. Until a rooster can get up and run on top of the snow, he is

more likely to take his other survival tactic…hold tight and hope you walk by him. Slow your pace down and let the dog work the cover thoroughly.


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As I reflect back on the past 30 years of chasing the ring-necked pheasant around North Dakota, one thing stands out from everything I have learned about this non-native game bird...timing. For the diehard pheasant hunter who gets plenty of weekends in, they will find their birds; but what about the guy who only gets a chance to hit the field 3-4 times a year?

The reality is that while some of us can get 30 plus days of hunting in every fall, there are many that only get out a few times to follow his/her dog around. Between family and work, those fall days can get eaten up pretty fast. The purpose of this article is to help hunters who only get out a few times a year.

I am sure by now some of you seasoned hunters are thinking, “Hey, what about habitat? What about location? What about populations of birds?” You are right, those are important things just as a good dog is to covering ground and finding birds for you. But if I only had three weekends every fall to chase this elusive game bird, I would key in on the timing over everything else.

Whether you are planning to hit private property owned by family or find a WPA/PLOTS to walk, it is my opinion that you will increase your chances of a successful hunt by timing your trips. Even as a seasoned hunter myself who bags plenty of birds, I use these key times as good opportunities to put some birds on the table.


By the end of November, geese have seen and heard it all; blinds, decoy spreads, and every call imaginable. These birds can be very tough to hunt and especially hard to decoy close enough to kill.


When temps start to drop and the weather gets cold, birds will usually only feed once a day. Geese will start flying late morning to early afternoon. There is no need to rush to set a spread. Setting up in daylight is one advantage to hunting these birds later in the year.

Concealment is one of the most important factors when hunting wary late season birds. Snow covers can be especially effective, making blinds ultimately invisible. You may also want to change where you sit in the spread. For most of the year, blinds will be positioned at the front of the spread to have the best shot possible on decoying birds. When hunting late

season birds, it is not uncommon to position yourself towards the back or even 5-10 yards behind your decoys. This will take the birds attention off of the blinds and have them focus more on the decoys.

The number of decoys used will also vary. There are two approaches to late season decoys. Either go very big or very small. A lot of hunters like to use anywhere from 10-20 dozen decoys this time of year, however, a small spread usually consisting of 12-20 decoys can also be effective. It is up to the hunter to read the geese and what type of spread they like.

All of this aside, I believe calling is where most people screw up when it comes to late season goose hunting. Overcalling is the biggest factor that can mess up a hunt. Listen to birds in the field and in flight this time of year; they make hardly any noise at all. Hunters should also keep their calling to a minimum. On a late season hunt last year, I could not get birds to decoy no matter what I tried. I was finally so fed up that I quit calling and flagging completely, and guess what, the geese finished perfectly. Soft clucks and murmurs can give confidence to geese but minimal calling is usually a deadly strategy on late season hunts.

I believe calling is where most people screw up when it comes to late season goose hunting. Overcalling is the biggest factor that can mess up a hunt.


As each deer season comes to an end, I am often overcome by feelings of both sadness and relief. Sadness in that I now have to wait another nine months or so until the next deer season begins, but yet relief in that all of my effort has finally resulted in what lies at the end of a blood trail. Whether a trophy buck or a late season doe, the work that was put in at the forefront made it possible. For me, spring marks the beginning and for those of you in search of the trophy of a lifetime, here are five tips to help you make it happen.

by Sean Evenson

Although the rut is behind us, the best time to scout is at the forefront. While shed hunting or chasing gobblers, keep an eye out for the signs that tell the story of last season’s rut. Whether travel routes, staging, or bedding areas, act now to identify the location for next fall’s ambush.

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Create your own staging areas or food plots by clearing out small openings inside the cover between bedding and the main food source. With little time and investment, you can produce a hot new hangout to help punch a tag on a nocturnal buck.

Everyone has been through that depressing time of year when does seem to dominate the trails running past your favorite stands. Although this can be frustrating, finding pockets of does will often times be a glimpse of things to come. When the leaves change and begin to fall, your top hit-lister may just be on the heels of a doe you found in September.


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The moment of truth is upon you, and now it is time to put your spring scouting to the test. As the pre-rut kicks in, seek out the prime areas that you identified during your spring scouting missions. Slip in early and sit until dark because that may just be the recipe for a dream season buck.

Halloween is when the saying, “Hunt smarter, not harder” comes to fruition. If you have taken a relaxed approach up to this point that is just fine, but the next 21 days is what smart hunters have been waiting for all season. With lunches packed and all day sits in mind, it’s only a matter of time until that ghost buck walks by.

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Early season deer hunting, which for some states begins as early as August, can offer some of the best hunting of the year. Whitetails during this time are usually the most easily patterned. By the time archery season opens, many hunters have had deer-cams out for months and have a few specific bucks on the hit list. These deer have been using the same trails and hitting the same food sources for most of the summer. Set your stands or ground blinds up near that food source and get your popcorn ready. Play the wind right and odds are you will get an opportunity at that bruiser you have been getting on camera all summer. The one downside of early season deer is that they have a tendency of being fairly nocturnal. Overcast days or cooler weather definitely will get these whitetails moving a little earlier.

Every deer hunter has a certain time of year they would rather chase whitetails. For some, early season is the most exciting. For others, the rut is the most anticipated. Each phase of the whitetail season has advantages and disadvantages.

Pre-rut deer begin to get a little more active. This is the time of year when scrapes begin appearing and rubs become more common. A lot of hunters will have the most success rattling during the tail end of this time. Start to move away from the food sources and closer to the rub-lines and scrapes.

For most hunters, the rut is the time of year that offers the best hunting of the year. Throw everything you were doing during early season out the window. Rather then hunting morning and nights, sit in your stand all day. If you scroll through the record books, you will see that a significant number of monsters were killed during the middle of the day. Bucks have one thing on their mind: does. Set yourself up in natural corridors and funnels. Grunting and rattling can also be effective during this time but don’t over do it. If you’re in a good stand location, chances are you’re

going to see many different bucks cruising for does throughout the day so patience is vital. If you see a

mature doe by herself (without her fawns), odds are she’s in heat and a buck isn’t too far behind her. The rut is definitely the time of year when those old, educated bucks get love-struck and forget why they are as mature as they are.

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Late season whitetails can be a little tougher to hunt than the previous phased deer. As soon as the rut ends, these deer have one thing on their mind: food. Similar to early-season, these deer hit the food sources hard, especially bucks, to recover the body mass lost during the rut. One disadvantage of late-season deer is they become very nocturnal, especially in areas that have a lot of hunting pressure. Give these deer a little break after the rifle season before you pick your bow back up and they should be a little more active.

As the whitetail season progresses, the way you hunt them changes. Keep a few of these tips in mind and you might find yourself in front of that bruiser you’ve been dreaming of. Happy hunting and good luck chasing them whitetails!

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It is, by far, one of the quickest vanishing acts in nature and anyone who has spent much time hunting whitetail deer has seen it more than once. One moment you’re holding your breath, pulse pounding, as your quarry slowly makes its way into range. Then, in the space of a few loud heartbeats, the animal’s muscles tense, its ears cock, and with a few graceful bounds your deer waves a tail in farewell and is quickly out of sight. Sounds familiar, huh? What caused this wake-up call in the middle of your dream hunt? The most likely answer is your scent.

Whitetail deer are remarkably equipped for sensing danger in their environment. Their senses of sight and hearing are amazing survival tools. If you’re moving around a little too much, or making unnatural noises in or near your stand, your chances of a successful hunt are reduced considerably. But walk into the woods without keeping the human scent factor in mind and you might as well go in turning cartwheels and banging a drum. A snoot full of human scent will cause any deer, from the smallest fawn to the most majestic buck, to make tracks for the next county.

Scent reduction is desirable while deer hunting with any type of weapon, but is of paramount importance when armed with a bow or handgun. When hunting with these weapons, a big factor in your success will be remaining undetected long enough to get an opportunity for a close shot. So, how can you reduce the chance of human odor standing in the way of your deer hunting success? Even with the many scent “elimination” products available today, which I’ll write more about, it’s impossible to completely eliminate unwanted human scent. But they can be a great tool to help reduce the chance you’ll be winded by game. The use of these products along with some common sense may just reduce your scent to a manageable level and give you the edge you need to bag that whitetail deer.

The single most important factor in not being defeated by scent on your next hunt is to pay the utmost attention to wind direction. The wind can be your staunchest ally or your ultimate enemy. It is imperative that the area where you expect to see deer is upwind from your stand. If not, no matter how slight the breeze, you are most probably in for a long and uneventful hunt. Your best chance to harvest a whitetail is to keep the animal upwind from you, or at least in a crosswind, at all times. If possible, have several stand locations so that no matter the wind direction, you’ll be in a downwind position to hunt a likely area. A common mistake made by deer hunters is that of contaminating an excellent stand site by hunting it in the wrong wind. Be patient and wait for a favorable wind before hunting your favorite stand. Once deer have been spooked from an area by human scent, it could take them quite a while to feel comfortable visiting that location again.

Develop a scent elimination ritual each time you deer hunt. Wash your body thoroughly prior to every hunting trip with scent eliminator soap. There are some excellent and fairly

inexpensive body wash products available that will greatly reduce human odor. The brand I use is called “Scent Killer.” It’s available in both bar and liquid form, and also as a shampoo. Once you have showered with a scent elimination product, don’t undo all your efforts by drying off with a fabric softener-scented towel, causing you to now walk the woods smelling like flowery fresh laundry. Instead, wash the towel, and your hunting clothes in one of the laundry detergents designed to reduce human scent. Wash every stitch of fabric you plan to wear or carry into the woods. When leaving for your deer hunt, bring along a good quality scent neutralization spray to apply just before you begin your trek into the woods. All of these scent elimination products are readily available at sporting goods stores which carry hunting products, or by mail order over the internet.

Another tactic available to the serious hunter is the endless line of scent reduction apparel available today. If you’re willing to spend the money, modern hunting clothes have been produced using activated carbon impregnated in their fabrics. The clothes are designed to trap and absorb human odors before they escape into the environment and, ultimately, into the nose of your prey. Virtually any hunting apparel item you can think of is available using this technology. It may be a good idea to do some research before you invest in any of this clothing as the jury is still out on whether it’s effective enough to be worth its considerable expense. A full set of these clothes for hunting in cooler weather (shirt, pants, socks, jacket, boots, hat, and gloves) can easily set you back 300 to 500 dollars.

After doing everything you can to minimize your scent prior to your hunt, use some common sense on your trip to your chosen hunting area. Do not smoke or ride in a smoke-filled vehicle on your way to your hunt. Avoid stopping at a restaurant or other public indoor venue on your ride. You will absorb odors in any indoor public place you visit. After your car trip and before entering the woods spray your body thoroughly with a scent eliminator spray, paying particular attention to your hands and feet. Wear scent reduction boots and gloves if you have them. When walking to your stand, always approach slowly, quietly, and, if possible, with the wind in your face. You never know if a deer has arrived at your stand site before you. Try to limit the touching of plants and limbs as much as possible on your way in. No matter how complete your efforts at scent reduction, you will leave some scent trail as you make your way to your stand.

Remember that nothing you can do will totally eliminate your natural human scent. The most important thing to remember is to play the wind. It should be pointed out that hunters have been taking whitetail deer throughout history without any of the new-fangled high-tech aids I’ve mentioned. The best any of these products and tips can do is to reduce your chances of being busted by the wily nose of a whitetail and having to sit through that vanishing act one more time.


The first step to getting really clean and scent-free is taking care of the external portion of your body. Scent elimination starts with the body - internally. Before your hunting trip you will need to shower with scent free soap and shampoo. Do not use any soap or shampoo that is not scent free. Then, you need to use some scent free deodorant or just do not use any deodorant at all before your hunt.

Finally, there is now an easy and extremely effective way to eliminate odor from your breath. Gumoflage is a scent elimination gum that will eliminate your bad breath, smoker’s breath, and just plain scent emitted from your breath into the air. Use it or something like it. Yeah you.

Washing your clothes in a non-scented laundry detergent helps to eliminate all odors in your clothes. This concentrated, unscented detergent should be phosphate-free and contain no UV brighteners. There are a few soaps specifically aimed at the hunter, but you can find other name brand and even some generic “scent free” soaps will work just as well. Just check the label for the above requirements.

After your clothes are washed you need to dry them. There are some dryer sheets on the market that will give you a scent that is normally found in the woods. Sounds like a good idea, not sure if the deer would agree though. After your clothes are dry you need to store them in a container of some kind to keep human scent locked out. Washing your clothing and storing them in scent free containers is one of the easiest and most important steps you can take in the process of scent elimination.

You should use a scent free soap on your boots to wash them. You can store your boots with your hunting clothing in a scent free container. I always use a cover scent spray on the entire boot including the soles once I am ready to start my trek through the woods. Your tree stand and any other equipment you carry into the woods also need to be scent free.

It’s not easy task to cover up all the human scent you carry with you, but the less noticeable your scent is, the more likely you will see good, quality deer.

Scent control is absolutely crucial when hunting, so we wanted to turn you onto the most advanced and effective scent elimination system available today.

A 24”x12”x 12” gear bag that has a ozonator built in to one end pocket. When turned on, this ozonator pumps activated oxygen through a ceramic diffuser into the main compartment of the bag. The activated oxygen is unstable so it bonds to and kills all of the bacteria on your gear, including the ones that cause odor. Basically the bag completely treats the contents, rendering them scent neutral. This entire process takes less than 15 minutes.

Of all the one’s tested we found that the Akando Bag was the most effective, most portable easiest to use, and quickest way to be scent free. The “Stealth in Pursuit” bag form Akando comes with a DC power inverter, allowing you to eliminate your scents in your car, truck, boat, or wherever your hunting adventures take you! At around $120, it is a quarter of the price of other ozone systems we’ve seen.

We highly recommend the Akando Bag with SIP technology. Why? Because we simply believe is the most advanced and effective way to completely eliminate scents from clothing and gear.

Learn more at www.akandogear.com.

Photo: Akando Gear


Akando Ozone Scent Eliminating Bag:Our patented scent elimination duffel bag is the most

advanced scent elimination product available today, it combines the science of ozone with our high quality gear bag to make the fastest and easiest scent eliminating tool there is! And its available at less than half the price of other ozone products!

SIP Ozone Unit: Have a closet or box that you store all of your hunting gear

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By Jason Wall


How many times have you spooked a deer or elk because a bush brushed up against your denim jeans, jacket or backpack? Or because your backpack or rifle sling make some weird squeaking noise? Or that twig that snapped under your boot? I raised my hand because its happened to me plenty of times. Sometimes it’s hard to remember to silence your gear before you start hunting. But by doing it each and every time it will become a habit and it will increase your odds of killing that big buck or bull.

When I first started hunting elk when I was a teenager, I was walking through an open patch on a hillside and was making my way into a thick patch of pines. I was doing my best to be as quiet as possible because as luck would have it there was no wind and it was dead quiet in the forest. As I was about to step into the patch of pines in front of me my right foot got hung up on a piece of log that was sticking out and made a loud cracking sound. My heart immediately sank into my boots and I was cussing myself under my breath for not noticing that log.

As I made my way into the pines I saw a big bodied two point elk turn around and start running full bore down the hill. I had just enough time to raise my rifle and watch a brown patch of hair flash through my Leupold scope. He was gone in an instant and it was too thick to follow him. I know if I hadn’t of hit that log with my foot I might have had a chance at him. It was the middle of the day and it was hot so he was bedded down. I actually found his bed as I continued walking into the pines.

I learned a great lesson that day. Be very careful of every sound that you make and be especially careful of your footing. More noise is made by us hunters breaking twigs and branches under our boots than anything else. After that day I watch every step I make and I move a lot slower through the hills than I used to.

Other things to remember are:Slamming your truck door: Always be careful how hard you

shut your door, always try to ease it shut. You never know if there’s a buck or bull just around the corner from you that you can’t see yet. How many of us have had that happen?

Check your gear before you start hiking or at home: Jump up and down with all of your gear on and check the noise level. By jumping up and down this will give you an idea of the loose items and noise makers with your gear. Make sure your sling is oiled and your backpack doesn’t squeak as you hike.

Don’t wear jeans, plastics or loud fabrics: I can still remember laughing when I used to see those plastic orange vests for sale at K-Mart when I was younger. Even being young and naive I knew better than to wear a plastic orange vest that the deer and elk could hear from two miles away. Also I stopped wear denim a long time ago. Denim next to plastic is the worst thing to wear when hunting. Do you know how denim sounds when you’re walking through a patch of bushes or pine trees? It’s loud and unnatural. Don’t wear denim; instead wear cottons or fabrics that don’t make a whooshing sound when scraped against bushes or trees.

Watch your footing: This one is most important. Every time a deer or elk hears a twig snap they instantly go into alert mode and wait for the next sound to come and are ready to bust out into a run if they have to. This one is also sometimes very difficult to prevent especially if it’s late October and there are crunchy leaves everywhere that sound like fortune cookies breaking. I recommend buying some “bear paws” which are hair like covers for the bottom of your boots. Or you can put some type of thick cloth under your boots when you’re going to be sneaking through a thick patch of trees or pines. This will greatly reduce the noise level.

I hope these tips and ideas will greatly help your hunt this year.

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How Movement Can Ruin Your Hunt

By Jason Wall

How many of us have been busted by big game that we never even knew they were there? Yeah I know, probably too many times to count, at least from my experience anyway. Having been busted all those times has taught me one thing. The slower I move the more game I see and the more chances I have of seeing them first rather than the other way around.

I can remember one specific mule deer hunt. I must’ve been 18 or 19 years old at the time. I had been coming to the same spot every morning and had been seeing a lot of does and only a few small bucks, but I knew that there were some bigger bucks in the area. And it was only a matter of time before I was going to have one in my sights. I can still remember walking up to a small open meadow where they were usually feeding in the morning. And before I even knew what was going on, a nice 4 point buck (8 point buck in eastern terms) was blowing snot in anger and running off through the thick oak brush. I immediately started cussing myself because I knew if I had been slower and more quiet I would’ve had a shot at him. Well to make the long story short he headed up a fairly open hill in front of me and was about 400 yards away and I shot at him a few times but missed.

I learned a very valuable lesson that crisp, cold morning. No matter where you’re at, move slowly. You’re never going to know for certain where a buck may or may not be. Times when I’ve been in a hurry and wasn’t paying attention are the times when I run into a buck or bull and miss my opportunity because I wasn’t prepared mentally or physically. I was merely tromping loudly through the forest not thinking that there may be a buck around the next tree or bush.

Most big game animals have eyes that put our optics to shame. They can spot unnatural movement in an instant and they’re constantly on alert which already gives them a huge advantage over us.

Try not to skyline yourself; this can be a huge mistake as animals that are down from us are constantly checking the ridge line for danger.



Choose the route you take through the forest carefully. Try to find routes that give you concealment while at the same time being as quiet as possible. That is why scouting out your area first is so important. Knowing which routes to take and which routes not to take can be the difference between a successful hunt and tag soup.

Every 15 or 20 steps stop, look and listen to your surroundings. I’m sure all of us have been within yards of a nice buck or bull and not known it until he busted off through the bushes. Moving more slowly and being more aware of our surroundings will make all of us better hunters.

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Last year, most of us broke out our best gun cleaning supplies-a rag and spray bottle of gun oil-and treat our trusty rifle or shotgun to a good rub down before retiring them to the cabinet. What we don’t usually think about is that by the end of season, most firearms have endured considerable abuse and are due for a serious checkup.

A first step when pulling any firearm out of short or long term storage is disassembly, inspection and a thorough cleaning. While your firearm is disassembled, check for excessively worn or damaged parts, and have them replaced by a gunsmith. (Some shotguns with complex mechanisms-the A5 and BPS immediately come to mind-should be fully disassembled and cleaned only by a gunsmith.) If your autoloader’s stock spent a considerable amount of time in water last season, ask a gunsmith to check the action spring for rust. A rusty, gummed-up action spring will cause some autoloaders to cycle slowly or malfunction in cold weather.

• Clean the bore. If and when the bore is clean, run a clean patch through to wipe out any old residual oil. • Work the action repeatedly and, if possible, cycle a few dummy rounds through the gun. The shop is the place to discover any problems,

not in the field.• Look the gun over thoroughly. Any shiny surfaces on moving parts can note wear. A touch of grease on the shiny parts keeps things running

smooth. Rule of thumb: If you can see the grease after it’s been applied, you’ve used too much.• Most grease gum up in extreme cold and can cause malfunctions. In addition to keeping grease to a minimum, use one that keeps its integrity

in extreme weather. • To prepare yourself, dryfire your rifle or shotgun to reacquaint yourself with just where the trigger breaks. In old guns, use snap caps to

protect the firing pin.• Check and tighten, if necessary, screws in guards, scope mounts and other sights. Use a screwdriver ground to fit the screws. Few things

mar the appearance of a good gun more than screws chewed up by poorly fitting screwdrivers.

By Jim Rogers

Lastly, before opening day, double-check to be certain your shotgun’s factory magazine plug is installed. Finally, take your gun to the range and test fire your firearm to verify that it is cycling properly.

When in doubt about anything, and we mean anything, check with your local gunsmith. Hell, even if you are sure your firearm checked out. Take it to them to look it over anyway. Better safe than sorry.

There are few colder places frequented by humans than a wind-swept late-season Dakota Territories waterfowl blind or a bone-chilling deer stand. Intense cold is not only tough on hunters, but also on their firearms. Lubricants that provide such necessary function under normal conditions can freeze solid or turn to a heavy gel in extreme cold — a fact often unnoticed until that first flock sets its wings or that big buck bolts from cover.

Most of the time, the average hunter can’t pick what days we go to the field. We have to take whatever conditions occur on the days we have free,” says Steve Naatjes at Gary’s Gun Shop in Sioux Falls South Dakota. “Our firearms have to be ready under any conditions. You can’t afford to use just any cheap lubricant.”

If there is a cold weather hunt in your future, Gary’s Gun Shop suggests taking your gun to a gunsmith to have it degreased – or do it yourself with a good quality degreaser. Then use a lubricant, whether it’s grease or oil, which will retain its qualities in extreme temperatures. Find good quality lubricant will function in temperatures from -60 to +360F degrees.

If you have any questions or concerns on pulling your firearms out of storage or getting them ready for the cold, call Gary’s Gun Shop or your local gunsmith. They can answer your questions and recommend what techniques & products to use.

Ok you should be all set, just remember prior to heading out hunting or a day at the range it’s only common sense to check over and inspect your firearm before going afield. It can mean the difference between disappointment, disaster, and a pleasurable experience.

Cold Weather is a #%@$!


I’ve been all over the Dakota’s hunting & fishing. I have to say one of my favorite spots is Kimball, South Dakota. The hunting is always good, the people are fantastic, and then there is the Back 40. The reason I keep coming back. Simply put, it’s a fun and different atmosphere. For example, the counter tops are made out of old doors, the bar is made from old doors and pallets. You can find random, found objects embedded in all of the tables, counters and hanging on the walls. The place is singing with old agricultural artifacts, signage, and other cool stuff. The doors for all of the tables came from the old Kimball school.

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The Back 40 is a throwback to good times for me. Not only is it cool and quirky with a wacky Midwest farmland graveyard feel, the food is phenomenal. The café is open all year round with breakfast and lunch in the winter and breakfast, lunch and supper in the summer. They have gourmet wraps, yummy “sammiches,” and salads that are made with all fresh ingredients. The portions are huge so bring your “big boy pants.” Heck, even the coffee is better than anything I’ve had at Starbucks. Try the house coffee brand “Pheasant Poop.” Nuff said there.

The Saloon and live entertainment are great. The bar has a good selection of beer and select wines. It’s only open Wednesday thru Saturday evenings with live music every Friday and Saturday. So plan accordingly if you want to get your party on.

The Cowboy Bunkhouse was homey and very comfortable for both me and my dog. The Bunkhouse is available during hunting season, with 6 full and 4 twin beds. Throughout your stay at the Back 40 they will also provide homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition, a large fire pit is available for a private party along with beer and wine selections upon request.

Keke, the owner of the Back 40, is as quirky and unique as her lodge. She makes sure everyone who steps through the door has fun and she makes you feel at home right away. Whether you’re planning a hunting trip out to Kimball or are just passing by on

I-90, it’s definitely worth a stop just to get a first-hand look at the Back 40’s one-of-a-kind design. For me, it’s a MUST do on my list every season.


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With hunting season on the way, most of us have already started planning for our next great hunting trip. While hunting is excellent for showing off skill and raw instinct in the heat of the moment, a lot of preparation is required before any of us step foot on the hunting grounds. One essential part of preparation is ensuring your hunting rig is ready for the task ahead. Good maintenance and planning can ensure that you are prepared for all that comes at you in the field. Here’s a look at some of the ways I prepare for hunting season.

By Jim Rogers

First I make sure my rig is in great shape before I leave:• Inspect the entire rig, top to bottom for wear & damage• Get an oil change & transmission service if needed• Check/top off fluids (antifreeze, brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc.)• Make sure all interior and exterior lights are working• Make sure the rigs battery is strong and has a full charge• Fill the gas tank up and bring a full gas can or two• Make sure I have a working tire jack, tire iron, and spare• Bring a few cans of Fix-A-Flat and/or a good tire repair kit• Pack a well-rounded & stocked tool kit • Bring an extra battery, extra belts, extra engine fluids• Fully Inspect hitch & trailer if you’re pulling (lights, tires, etc.)

Things I Pack in the Rig:• Quality First Aid • Game-cleaning kit• Weapon Cleaning Kit • A Large Cooler• A Large Tarp • Duct Tape & Zip Ties• Large Heavy Duty Garbage bags• Emergency Food (MREs)• A Few Bottles of Water• Extra batteries for Electronics (GPS, flashlights, radios, etc.)

I also pack enough food and fresh water in iced coolers for as long as I plan to camp and hunt. I make sure I have a two-way radio to call for help in the event of an emergency. A new addition to my packing list is a handy dandy emergency cell phone charging device. As for tents, sleeping bags, blankets, flashlights, batteries, clothes, extra weapons, ammo and other items, I recommend packing according to your skill level as a hunter, the terrain you’re going into, and the kind of hunt you’re about to take.

Yeah, I know it sounds like I haul a bunch of extra crap in my rig, you may want to travel a little lighter. I tell you what though, being prepared has saved some of my hunting friends and I a trip to town or a call for help. In some cases, being prepared got us into in the field on a hunt, instead of sitting beside the road.


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I follow this rule of thumb: It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Maybe it’s because I’m an old Army Medic, but I like to be prepared. Now with that said, there is a point where you’re dragging too much stuff to the field. You can’t plan for everything. Just know at some point you’re probably going to have to improvise and adapt to overcome some situations you’ll face in the field. Never ever over estimate your ability to survive in nature in an emergency. Be safe and be prepared.

You’ll probably want to get your rig ready for season in other ways as well. There’s a ton of accessories to help get your rig more functional in the field or just looking like a badass. Depending on what & where you hunt & fish you may need or want. Here in the Sioux Falls area I recommend talking to the Dakota Auto Parts, Truck Toyz Accessories, and LineX of Sioux Falls. They’ve all helped keep my rig on the road and looking good. Things I recommend for any good rig is:

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The number one rule on the boat is that the Captain makes the rules on their boat, not you. If you want to make the rules, go buy your own boat. Don’t tell the Captain where to fish, or it may be a long swim back to shore!

What this all really comes down to is that you shouldn’t do something that you know you would not like done to you. We are all out there to have fun and enjoy the great sport of fishing. So respect the other fishermen around you. Share your knowledge with others so that people learn how to be better fishing advocates, and more respectful people. Fishing is a great sport and needs to be treated that way.

It’s up to all of us to teach others the proper fishing etiquette

Going out on a boat with a friend Thank them for taking you out. Boats are very expensive

to run, so be willing to chip in on gas, food, drinks, boat ramp fees and anything else needed for the trip. Honestly, the more you chip in on the trip, the more likely that they will ask you to go out again.

The number one rule on the boat is that the Captain makes the rules on their boat, not you. If you want to make the rules, go buy your own boat.

Ask where the owner/Captain of the boat wants you to fish. For instance, in the case of flats boats and bass boats, the Captain has the right to the front.

Don’t tell the Captain where to fish, or it may be a long swim back to shore! If they ask you for your advice, and you actually have some knowledge of the fishing area, then go ahead and give it; but do it in a nice way, and educate them on what you know. On the other hand, if you don’t know the area, then keep your mouth shut. Let them be the Captain - For the good of all the fishermen on board!

Never take control of the boat unless you are asked to. Remember the store adage that if you break it, you buy it!

Charter Boats The Captain makes the rules, but you don’t buy the gas

and pay the ramp fees. It is still a good idea to bring some drinks and food, unless the boat supplies these things included with the fee you pay.

Always tip at the end of the trip. These guys work their butts off to try and get their customers on some fish every day, and have spent countless hours getting their boats ready for your fishing trip.

Going out on your own boat Wait your turn when putting your boat into the water at

a boat ramp, and don’t crowd the people in front of you. When you do get into the water, get your boat out of the

way, so that others can also get their boats in. If someone is in your fishing spot, look at how they are

fishing - Are they anchored, or are they working along a sand bar or structure like mangroves or rocks? If they are anchored, just give them space to fish. If they are moving, do not put yourself in front of them. Go behind them and work the same area. There can still be fish there; you never know.

By Randy Laukshtein



If you’re fishing in an area and someone is fishing behind you, do not crank up your engine and go out of there like you’re the lord of the water. You just blew out that fishing area for that guy. You know you would not like it to be done to you.

If you see someone fishing, do not come up on him or her wide open, and then at the last minute, kill your engine. Come in slowly. Look at what they are doing. If you see them catching fish, idle in, but do not cross their fishing area.

If you see people kayak fishing along the mangroves, do not drive your boat in between them and the mangroves.

Onshore Fishing The number one rule is do not ever walk up to someone and

just start fishing right next to them - ever. If there is a limited fishing area, then ask nicely if it would be ok to fish nearby.

Observe how the people around you are fishing. If they are using lures, they are going to be fishing over a larger area than someone with bait, so give them their space. Even if it means that you have to find another place to fish - they were there first. If they are fishing with live bait, they do not need as much room - still ask permission to fish nearby.

On fishing piers or rock jetties, it is kind of rude to fish with lures unless the fish are right in front of you and you are not casting in a clockwise manner. Fishing piers and rock jetty’s are very limited on room, so you don’t have much choice on where you can fish. However, that does not mean that you shouldn’t still ask before you start to fish if you have to fish next to someone. It is just courteous to do so. If you’re already there, and someone wants to fish next to you, try to be nice. If there is room, then great; if not, explain why, but be nice about it. This also goes for fishing off bridges.

Nets Do not ever, I mean ever, throw a cast net where someone is

fishing. The only time that this is ok is if you asked permission and received it. When you do this, you kill that fishing spot, because any fish that were anywhere near that spot are now spooked away from it.

If you’re after bait, try to find a spot away from other people, and also away from where you’re going to be fishing. In the case of a bridge or fishing pier, you have limited space. However, most of the time, people are fishing away from the pier or bridge and casting a net straight down is no big deal. If possible though, find an area where no one is fishing.

Look where you are throwing your cast net! Don’t throw it onto an oyster bed or rocks where the net is going to get all tangled up and destroyed. I can’t tell you how many times that I have seen dead animals tangled in cast nets that were left in the water because the fisherman didn’t look before they threw. If you do end up doing this, take the time to remove it for the safety of the fish and other wildlife.

What this all really comes down to is that you shouldn’t do something that you know you would not like done to you. We are all out there to have fun and enjoy the great sport of fishing. So respect the other fishermen around you. Share your knowledge with others so that people learn how to be better fishing advocates, and more respectful people. Fishing is a great sport and needs to be treated that way. It’s up to all of us to teach others the proper fishing etiquette.

Randy Laukshtein is an avid snook fisherman and co-creator of the Florida backwater and flats fishing website Reel Madness Fishing at www.ReelMadnessFishing.com. Check out his new Saltwater Fishing Blog!

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While it is called bow fishing, it in reality is bow hunting. It is called fishing because, in most cases, a reeling device is used and a line is tied to the arrow to retrieve the fish. Some bow fishers actually attach a reel to their bow and then reel in the catch they just shot.

By Robert Joe Wallace

Bow fishing is a sport that is fun for the beginner or will enhance your already honed archery skills.



Bow fishing is a sport that is fun for the beginner or will enhance your already honed archery skills. While it is called bow fishing, it in reality is bow hunting. It is called fishing because, in most cases, a reeling device is used and a line is tied to the arrow to retrieve the fish. Some bow fishers actually attach a reel to their bow and then reel in the catch they just shot.

No Catch & Release for Bow HuntingAs I said above, it is called fishing, but it’s really hunting. I say

this because the target is shot and leaving it seriously wounded or killed. Unlike fishing, catch and release is generally futile. If a bow hunter goes hunting for game, he would not consider pulling the arrow out and let the game go free just to suffer and die. When an archer goes hunting for fish, he should keep this in mind. There is no sportsmanship in killing for the sake of target practice.

Consider the Purpose of HuntingA good sportsman would consider the game targeted, and what

they intend to do with the killed animal. In most cases, hunting is for meat. So should bow hunting for fish. When an archer targets a fish, the archer should consider what is planned for the targeted fish. If an archer would go online prior to going hunting for fish, the archer would find many recipes for all the fish being targeted. The most prevalent fish that bow fishers target are generally called rough fish. Rough fish are fish that most anglers don’t fish. In several states, rough fish are generally not regulated, so shooting them isn’t illegal.

Laws Regarding the Use of a BowIf you decide to go bow fishing, you should first contact your

fish and game representatives. It is regulated in most states and violating sporting laws are expensive. So check out the rules first. If you plan to bow fish public waterways and public parks, carrying a bow might be illegal. While a bow is not considered a firearm, it is considered a lethal weapon and thus you must comply with local, state and federal laws. The old saying of an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, really fits when caring a bow. Fines and possibly jail time will ruin your trip. So make sure you understand the regulations.

As a note, you will find that rough fish are excellent to eat, when properly prepared. Enjoy your bow hunting for fish trip and try some new recipes for the fish you shoot. Enjoying your fish will be just as enjoyable as any other game you shoot.

Challenge Your Archery SkillsIf you’re already into archery, you need to try bow fishing. The

challenge of bow fishing will make you think before you shoot or you will hit the water and let the fish laugh at you as it swims away. Who needs that? When you go bow fishing you will have to take in consideration, how fast the target is moving, the direction of the sun, the distance to the target, water refraction, size of the target, and the wind. Additionally, you must identify the exact species for which you are fishing. Shooting a fish that is not legal will result in a fine. If you think you can handle the challenge, these tips will get you started.

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• As with any hunting or fishing trip, you will have to check with the local fish and game authorities so you can legally fish. Fines for bow fishing are expensive so check on the rules first.

• If you have an expensive target rig, I would suggest getting a less expensive bow, treading through river bottoms, bushes, or simply dropping the bow in the water is not desirable for fine-tuned target rigs.

• Once you have chosen the bow to fit the occasion. You will need fishing arrows, there are many different kinds, weights and lengths, so check out the web, your local sporting goods store, or archery shop to fit your needs.

• Now is the time to pick a reel. There are two basic types loop reels, and fishing reels. I prefer loop reels myself but fishing reels designed for archery work well and don’t give you as much of a challenge starting out. There are several other types but these two are the basics.

• Now that you have the equipment, know where to go, what to fish for, you should familiarize yourself with water refractions and light. This can be done by going to a pond or lake and placing a straight stick in the water. Like your shadow, the length and angle will change with light direction. You know where the stick actually is so you can judge the refraction. It will take a little practice but you will get the hang of it.

• Lastly, the problem of depth is the same problem you have scuba diving, objects in the water appear to be 25% closer than they are, and that includes depth if the sun is overhead. Depth will remain the same 25% deeper than it looks so take this into consideration when shooting.

Now that you have the basics, go out and have fun. Missing sometimes will be as much fun as hitting if you keep the correct frame of mind and a positive attitude. As a parting thought, make sure you know the rules, where exactly you are, and what is legal to shoot. One time I traveled downstream too far and changed counties without realizing, fortunately, I didn’t break any laws, but it might have been disastrous if I ended up poaching.

Good luck and happy Bowfishing!Robert is a business man, manager, supervisor, and

entrepreneur. He is an avid outdoors man with over 40 years of fishing, hunting and camping experience. Additionally, he holds a rescue diver certification and loves the outdoors and nature.

If you’re already into archery, you need to try bow fishing.

The challenge of bow fishing will make you think before you shoot or you will

hit the water and let the fish laugh at you as it swims away. Who needs that?

When you go bow fishing you will have to take in consideration,

how fast the target is moving, the direction of the sun, the distance to the target,

water refraction, size of the target, and the wind.


A walleye never feels the breeze on its face. But rest assured, he loves the wind.

That’s a fact too few anglers take into account – walleyes respond positively to changes in wind direction.

By Ted Takasaki and Scott Richardson

How many of you pull behind the nearest island or the downwind side of a point when the wind blows? Trying to present bait precisely while buffeted by strong winds can be a monumental task. Serious problems with effective boat control can result.

But, haven’t you wondered why the bite died on a spot when the only apparent change from the last time you were there is the way the wind blows?

Walleyes follow food and the location of the most active feeding can change overnight with a change in the direction of the wind. That’s because plankton, the tiny microscopic animals at the bottom of the food chain, are blown mercilessly by the wind. Baitfish follow the wind to eat the plankton. Walleyes and other gamefish are close behind.

A steady wind in one direction over the course of a day or two is

bound to ignite the fish on structure located on the windward side of a lake. Even a sudden strong wind can turn on action on reefs, points and islands because wind is an ally to walleyes in two other ways. Waves break up light penetration and stirs up the bottom to create a mud line. That gives walleyes an advantage when invading the shallows in search of an easy, quick meal using their keen eyesight and developed lateral lines.

Wind activates predator fish like walleyes, so learning to safely and efficiently control your boat on wind-driven spots can help you catch many more fish. Here, Ted Takasaki is using a drift sock (white thing at lower left) and bow-mounted electric motor to position his boat over a likely walleye hideout. There are other tools you should know how to use, and Ted covers them all in this article! (Photo courtesy of Ted Takasaki)


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For those reasons, anglers must learn to put up with a little discomfort and factor in the wind as a way to locate actively feeding walleyes.

Good equipment is a must. The first and most important tool is a boat that can handle big waves and wind, like the boats from Lund. These boats have been designed to allow the boat to drift perpendicular to the wind, thus allowing you to spread your lines across the gunnels of the boat and fish different depths.

If you plan to fish big water, consider having two bilge pumps installed. Be sure to have all the required safety equipment onboard. Means of boat control are critical. Make certain your trolling motor and gasoline kicker motor are powerful enough to handle the task.

Add two good anchors and plenty of rope. Or, add a MinnKota Talon shallow water anchor to your boat. With a press of a button, this device sends a pole down to the bottom and anchors your boat in one place. Combine this with a regular anchor and your boat won’t move. Two drift socks are also a plus.

Start by using what you know about walleye location during the time of the year you are fishing. Are they near spawning flats in spring? Are they holding deeper on breaklines? Where have trollers been taking them near structure?

Next, look at the lake and find the nearest points, islands and reefs that are taking a pounding by the wind.

Try anchoring to avoid spooking fish and maintain control if wind speed is extreme, wave action is heavy or when targeting the shallows. Fan cast crankbaits in order to probe the structure quickly. Choose baits that will dive to the bottom as you retrieve them. Rattling baits and bright colored ones, like firetiger, can be good in dingy water. Once you’ve caught some active fish, try using a slip float to extract a few more out of the spot.

Depending on how the wind is pushing water over the structure, trolling lures may allow you maintain better boat control, cover more water and present baits to larger numbers of active fish.

If forward trolling, use Off Shore planer boards to run lures shallow and away from the boat. Put the wind at your back. Depending upon wind speed, you might be able to shut down the kicker and use your bow mounted trolling motor in order to control your speed.

Back-trolling with the kicker motor lets you follow the contours of the structure precisely. It’s a tactic that shines in windy conditions.

Use bottom bouncer rigs or jigs to check out shallow breaklines. Make sure your weight is heavy enough to stay in contact with the bottom and to keep control of the bait. Allow no more than a 45-degree angle between the line and the water’s surface.

Drift socks allow you to slow the boat while drifting over structure with the wind. Use your electric trolling motor either on the rear or the bow to move from deep water to shallow to deep again until fish are found.

Wind can be your ally when you learn how to use it to your advantage.Don’t blow it!


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From late July through mid-August, GFP surveyed 109, 30 mile-routes across the state to estimate pheasant production and calculate the pheasants-per-mile index. The survey is not a population estimate, but rather compares the number of pheasants observed on the routes and establishes trend information. Survey routes are grouped into 13 areas, based on a local city, and the index value of each local city area is then compared to index values of the previous year and the 10-year average.

“With favorable weather conditions this past winter and spring, along with the availability of quality nesting habitat across the state, we are going to see an increase in this year’s pheasant population,” stated Jeff Vonk, GFP Secretary. “Survey results show pheasant numbers rebounded the strongest in central South Dakota; especially in the Pierre, Chamberlain, Mobridge and Winner areas. Results also indicate that pheasant numbers are substantially higher than 2013 throughout much of eastern South Dakota.”

The 2014 statewide pheasants-per-mile index of 2.68 is up from 1.52 in 2013. The statewide pheasant-per-mile index is similar to 2002 when hunters harvested 1.26 million roosters.

“Habitat is at the forefront of the conversation right now and is a crucial factor in pheasant numbers,” stated Vonk. “Bird numbers are higher this year due to excellent reproduction in parts of the state where quality habitat conditions still exist, primarily on grasslands including those enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program as well as fields of cereal crops such as winter wheat. We continue to work in cooperation with the Governor’s Pheasant Habitat Workgroup, partner organizations and

State Parks Offer Late Fall and Winter Camping and Activities The kids are back to school, the weather is cooling down and we know what is just right around the corner here in South Dakota.

So it might be easy to consider it the end of the camping season. However, South Dakota’s state parks and recreation areas are open year-round. If RV or tent camping doesn’t work for you, try a weekend getaway to one of the many cabins in the state parks system. Camping cabins have heating and air conditioning and sleep up to four people each. For larger groups, lodges are available at Lake Thompson Recreation Area, Mina Lake Recreation Area, Newton Hills State Park, Palisades State Park, Shadehill Recreation Area and Sheps Canyon Recreation Area. Guests using the lodges have many amenities at their fingertips and only need to bring personal items, linens and food.


The South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks has completed the annual pheasant brood survey and the results show a

agencies, and landowners to provide an improved future for habitat in our state.”

Public hunting opportunities are abundant in South Dakota. Over 1 million acres of publicly owned and private land leased through GFP’s Walk-In Area Program and the James River Watershed Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program is available in the primary pheasant range of South Dakota. The 2014 public hunting atlas and a web-based interactive map of public lands and private lands leased for public hunting can be found online at http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/areas.

“The results of this survey are highly anticipated by many who have a strong interest in South Dakota’s hunting heritage. The availability of pheasants and pheasant hunting opportunities in our state this fall should serve to enhance that heritage,” concluded Vonk.

South Dakota’s traditional statewide pheasant hunting season opens on Saturday, Oct. 18, and runs through Jan. 4, 2015.

More details and information on the 2014 Pheasant Brood Route Survey:

• 2014 Pheasant Outlook: http://www.gfp.sd.gov/hunting/small-game/pheasants.aspx

• 2014 Brood Survey Report: http://www.gfp.sd.gov/hunting/small-game/pheasants.aspx

• 10 Year Brood Count Trends: http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/small-game/pheasant-brood-trends.aspx

• 2013 Pheasant Economics: http://www.gfp.sd.gov/hunting/small-game/pheasant-economics.aspx

in the statewide pheasants-per-mile index from 2013.

Reservations can be made year-round within 90 days of arrival. Lodge reservations are available one year in advance. To make reservations, visit CampSD.com or call 1-800-710-CAMP (2267).

Educational programming and activities also continue in the state parks with weekend hikes and Halloween activities topping the list. Most events are free, although a park entrance license is required year-round. All events can be found online at gfp.sd.gov or by calling (605) 773-3391.


hunter-shot animals or portions of animals such as gut piles laced with lead. This secondary exposure has caused mortalities in at least 30 bird species. Ingestion of spent ammunition has been recorded in over 100 species of birds. Whether or not lead poisoning poses a serious threat to a species’ population depends on the combination of the exposure rate and susceptibility to lead poisoning.

Lead poisoning has long been known to be a serious problem for waterfowl, but what about upland game birds such as pheasants, grouse and doves? Are these commonly hunted birds at risk of lead poisoning from ingestion of spent lead pellets too? Unfortunately, much less is known about the encounter rates and susceptibility of most upland game birds to lead poisoning. There have been limited reports of pheasant deaths caused by lead poisoning from ingestion of spent lead pellets. Mourning doves respond similarly to waterfowl after ingesting lead pellets and most die within weeks of ingesting as few as one pellet. A few studies have found 1-6 percent of hunter-harvested doves, pheasant and quail had ingested lead pellet(s) in their gizzard at the time of harvest. It is unknown how many birds ingested pellets and died, thus making them unavailable for harvest. While this gives insight into whether or not upland game birds encounter and ingest lead pellets, it is unknown if the ingestion of a lead pellet causes reduced survival or reproductive potential.

Lead is a naturally occurring element used for hundreds of commercial and industrial purposes. The soft and dense nature of lead has made the element the most popular metal for ammunition production. Unfortunately, lead is toxic to all vertebrates and can cause health problems, including death when ingested. Ingestion of spent lead ammunition is the primary source of lead exposure to wild birds.

Prior to the 1991 federal ban on lead ammunition for waterfowl hunting, an estimated 1.6 – 2.4 million waterfowl died annually from lead poisoning after ingestion of spent lead pellets. Most waterfowl gunning occurs in concentrated areas which results in a high chance that waterfowl will encounter spent pellets. Waterfowl are very susceptible to the acute effects of lead poisoning and most die within weeks of ingesting only 1-2 pellets. Considering the high likelihood of encountering pellets and the severe susceptibility of lead poisoning, the use of lead pellets for waterfowl hunting posed a serious threat to waterfowl populations. The ban on lead ammunition for waterfowl hunting has alleviated, but has not eliminated this threat. Lead poisoning still occurs in waterfowl and other birds; which has prompted varying types of state-level bans on the use of lead ammunition throughout the nation.

Waterfowl are not the only group of birds known to ingest lead from spent ammunition. Eagles, hawks, and other scavengers such as condors and vultures encounter lead while eating


Given the overall lack of data related to lead poisoning and upland game birds, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) launched a three year research project in 2011 which focused on pheasants, the state’s most abundant and high profile upland game bird. The study was multi-faceted in that it investigated lead shot availability in the soil, the prevalence of ingested lead pellets in the gizzards of hunter-harvested roosters and included an experimental pen trial to evaluate the individual effects of ingesting lead pellet(s).

To investigate lead shot availability and ingestion by pheasants, separate 160 – 800 acre study sites were selected during 2011, 2012 and 2013 in Lyman County. The sites in 2012 and 2013 were licensed shooting preserves with high shooting intensities. The 2011 site had high shooting intensity, but was not a licensed shooting preserve. Random soil samples (1 foot X 2 foot X 1/3 inch deep) were collected from all land cover types within the study sites. Each sample was washed with water through a test sieve to isolate any spent lead pellets in the sample. The gizzards were removed from wild roosters harvested within the study sites. Gizzards were X-rayed to determine if pellets were present and a necropsy was conducted to

determine if pellets were ingested or simply lodged when the bird was shot. In addition to the gizzards collected from wild roosters from the study sites, 1,301 gizzards were collected from throughout the state to better understand the overall statewide prevalence rate of ingested lead pellets in hunter-harvested wild roosters. A capstone portion of the study involved force-feeding pen-raised hen pheasants with 1 or 3 lead pellets, then survival and weight gain/loss was monitored through a 3-week period in captivity.

What did the studies find and what do the results mean for pheasants? Similar to past research on other birds, ingested lead pellets were found in the gizzards of some hunter-harvested roosters. The prevalence rate ranged from 0.77 – 6.5 percent. Most birds ingested 1 or 2 pellets, but up to 13 ingested lead pellets were found in a single gizzard. There was strong evidence that pheasants were more likely to ingest lead pellets on shooting preserves where (it is assumed) more lead pellets were available than non-preserve areas.

By Travis Runia, SD GFP Senior Upland Game Biologist andAlex Solem, SD GFP Senior Upland Game Resource Biologist

What did the studies find and what do the results mean for pheasants? Ingested lead pellets were found in the gizzards of some hunter-harvested roosters. The

prevalence rate ranged from 0.77 – 6.5 percent. Most birds ingested 1 or 2 pellets, but up to 13 ingested lead pellets were found in a single gizzard. There was strong evidence that pheasants

were more likely to ingest lead pellets on shooting preserves where (it is assumed) more lead pellets were available than non-preserve areas.


The density of spent lead pellets was highly variable across the landscape, and not surprisingly, tended to be highest where shooting was concentrated on each property. The study sites were often hunted in similar and systematic fashion to maximize hunter success which concentrated shooting intensity. For example, the 2012 study site was usually hunted by walking the property to the middle, where blockers were located. The highest concentrations of lead pellets were found near the location of the blockers.

Now we know pheasants do ingest spent lead pellets, and doing so is known to cause health problems and death in other birds. Does this mean that at any given time, somewhere between 0.77 – 6.5 percent of pheasants have an ingested lead pellet and they would be expected to die? The results of the experimental pen study do shed some light on this subject. After force feeding captive hen pheasants with 1 or 3 lead pellets, there was no record of any mortality during the 3-week experiment. Additionally, the experimental groups did not show any significant changes in body mass when compared to a control group which was not administered any pellets. Similar studies in doves and waterfowl found substantial mortality during the 3-week post-treatment period and deteriorated body condition.

It is good news that pheasants do not appear to be ultra-sensitive to the acute effects of lead poisoning when exposed to relatively low doses in a captive environment. However, it is still unknown whether survival or reproduction is influenced by the ingestion of lead pellets in free ranging pheasants. A similar pen study conducted in Europe found reduced reproductive effort in pheasants laced with 2 - 6 lead pellets for 10 weeks. Given the known toxic effects of lead on vertebrates, it is unlikely that pheasants are completely unaffected by the ingestion of a small number of lead pellets. Among other effects, lead poisoning disrupts the nervous system, which could make pheasants more vulnerable to predation, thus decreasing survival of wild birds.

Does this mean there would be more pheasants if spent lead shot was not available in the environment? This is difficult to determine considering how pheasant populations sharply fluctuate in response to habitat quantity/quality and weather conditions. The ingestion of spent lead pellets is probably not a primary driver of South Dakota’s pheasant population, but the issue should not be ignored. Our most popular game bird has been found to ingest spent lead pellets, a known poison, which originates from a completely preventable source. Spent lead shot from upland game hunting may also be encountered by waterfowl which are very susceptible to lead poisoning. Science may never unveil the true impact of this issue, which makes the choice to shoot non-toxic shot an emotional and ethical decision. Many issues influencing pheasant populations such as habitat loss and weather are not within sportsmen’s control. The use of non-toxic shot is an example of an action that is completely within an individual hunter’s control.

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technology is a hot topic among hunter education program administrators and volunteer instructors across the nation. What prompted the latest discussion was the decision by now seven states (including Minnesota and Iowa) within the last few years to provide an option for their customers to complete their hunter education certification entirely online – no field day required. Most states have certain requirements on who can take this delivery option and they all still offer the traditional, in-person hunter education classes. However, a person could obtain their hunter education certification 100 percent online without attending a class in-person if they choose to do so in one of those seven states.

Technological changes have been taking place over the past few years in South Dakota as well. Starting in the fall of 2012, we began to actively promote a hybrid delivery or Independent Study option for HuntSAFE certification. The Independent Study option allows a person to take their coursework online, but still participate in a hands-on field day to complete their hunter education certification. We started with two and now will offer about 20 field days across the state and continually look to increase that number in the coming years.

In August of 2013, an online only bowhunter education course was offered - no field day required. This was offered as a second option for customers due to the number of adults who needed bowhunter education certification and their inability to make a class work locally for whatever reason. We still offer the in-person, classroom bowhunter education course for those who want a more hands-on experience.

In January of 2014, an online registration system for all of the bowhunter and HuntSAFE classes was unveiled. This registration system has saved time, made it easier for students to register for classes and has significantly simplified the paperwork for the instructors and staff who teach these classes.

Enhancing the user experience, recruiting new hunters, meeting demand and ensuring students who graduate from the HuntSAFE program are safe, legal and responsible are top priorities in South Dakota when it comes to hunter education.

To learn more about the South Dakota hunter education programs, visit: http://gfp.sd.gov/outdoor-learning/hunter-education/


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For those born before 1970, the “#” symbol is called the pound sign. To the Facebookers, Instagrammers and tweeps, the “#” is called a hashtag. A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by “#” and used within a message to identify a keyword or topic of interest; which facilitates a search for it across multiple social networking platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. It is a way to use social media to gather responses for a certain message and to create a community of like-minded messages or individuals.

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks has a new digital campaign underway right now using #SDintheField to encourage hunters, anglers, trappers and other outdoor enthusiasts active on social media platforms to share their South Dakota field experiences. Those experiences can be shared through photos or videos on Facebook and Twitter.

#SDintheField is more than a bragging board. #SDintheField is a way to continue the openness and

conversation with our digital citizens and to encourage them to share their memories with us and other like-minded folks.

So what does #SDintheField mean to you? • Is it a family pic before the traditional pheasant hunt

on opening day?• Is it a smile from a young hunter who just passed

their HuntSAFE course?• Is it a dog’s intent gaze into the sky?• Is it sitting in an ice-shack on your favorite slough,

ice fishing with your dad?• Or is it a selfie with a monster muley or a limit of

greenheads? Because those images are great to share as well.

These are all reasons why we spend time in the field. Be thinking about what photos or videos you will share with us the next time you are in the field. Post them to Facebook or Twitter and be sure to use #SDintheField because we will also share them and you and your friends will also see them here: https://tagboard.com/sdinthefield or on our website at http://gfp.sd.gov/agency/sdinthefield.aspx.

Let’s share in the tradition together and let us be a part of the memories you make in the field this season.


South Dakota GFP Events• October 1st, 2014 - 2015 Park Entrance

License will become available. Purchase at www.campsd.com or 1800-710-CAMP (2267).

• October 18 - the first ever Haunted For Tour will take place at Sisseton Historic State Park from 5:30-8:30pm CT.

• November 15 - Custer State Park will host their live buffalo auction. They will sell between 250 to 400 buffalo. The auction will be at Custer State Park from 9am-3pm MT. For more information call 605-255-4515.

• December 15 - Statewide snowmobile trails open and remain open until March 31, 2015.

Season Start & Close DatesFire Arms Antelope: October 4 – October 19Special Buck East River: November 22 – December 7Special Buck West River: November 15 – November 30 Youth Deer: September 13 – January 15 Archery Deer: September 27 – December 31East River Deer (resident): November 22 – December 7Muzzle loader Deer: December 1 – December 31 Tundra Swan: October 4 – December 21Pheasant Season: October 18 – January 4 Special Canadian Goose: October 18 – December 21All Fall Prairie Turkey: November 1 - January 31Mountain Lion: December 26 – March 31 For a complete list of events, seasons and dates please go to www.gfp.sd.gov or call 605-223-7660.

North Dakota GFP Events• October 8-11 - Cabela’s Master Walleye Circuit

World Walleye Championship at Grahams Island State Park, 152 S. Duncan Rd. Devils Lake, ND 58301. For more info, call 701-766-4015.

• October 18-25 - Kenmare Goose Fest, an 8 day hunting festival, located at 5 NE Third St. Kenmare

ND 58746. Call 701-848-6004 with any questions. • November 8 - Svold’s Annual Hunters Breakfast will

take place at 9622 133rd Ave NE Cavalier, ND 58220. Enjoy a great breakfast, raffles, door prizes and bake sale items. Call 701-257-6555.

• December 5 - Moonlight Madness/ Fish Fry on Main St. in Cavalier, ND, call 701-265-8188 for more info.

Season Start & Close Dates (all Noon CST)Archery Deer: August 29 – January 4Riffle Deer: November 7 – November 23Muzzleloader Deer: November 28 – December 14 Moose Regular Season Units M8, M9, M10: Oct. 10 – Nov. 2 Moose Regular Season Units M5, M6: Nov. 21 – Dec. 14Elk Regular Season 1 Unit E1: October 3 – October 31Elk Regular Season Unit E2: October 3 – December 31Elk Regular Season Units E3, E4, E5: Sept. 5 – Dec. 31Elk Regular Season 2 Unit E1: November 28 – December 14 Turkey for all Units: October 11 – January 4Canada Geese (Resident): September 27 – December 25Canada Geese (Nonresident): October 4 – December 25For a complete list of events, seasons and dates, bag limits and more

information please go to www.gf.nd.gov or call 701-328-6300.

Minnesota DNR Events• October 16-17: Northland Arboretum Haunted

Trail, enjoy a frightfully good time during the annual Northland Arboretum Haunted Trail! Then stay to enjoy a bonfire & cider. Proceeds benefit Northland Arboretum! 14250 Conservation Drive Baxter, MN 56425. Call 218-829-8770.

• October 18-19: Fergus Falls Nation Guard Armory Gun Show. Saturday 9am-5pm & Sunday 9am-3pm. 13+ $4; under 12 free. Call 218-332-5425.

• November 22: Frost Fest with Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau in Baudette, MN. Huge craft & vendor fair, community dinner, tree lighting, light parade with fish house, floats, music & fireworks! Call 218-634-1174.

• November 28: 24th annual World Famous Fish House Parade! Downtown Aitkin, MN call 218-927-2316 or 800-526-8342.

Season Start & Close DatesArchery Deer: September 13 - December 31Fall Turkey Season: October 4 - November 2Pheasant Season: October 11 - January 4Special Youth Deer Season: October 16 - October 19 Deer Firearm Season 1A: November 8 - November 23 Deer Firearm Season 2A & 3A: November 8 - 16Deer Firearm Season 3B: November 22 - 30Deer Muzzleloader Season: November 29 - December 14 Bobcat Hunting & Trapping Season: November 29 - January 4Wolf Early Season Hunting: November 8 - 16Wolf Late Season Hunting: November 29 - January 31For more information and a full list of events and rules and regulations

please visit www.dnr.state.mn.us or call (651) 296-6157.

Iowa DNR Events• October 7 - Shimek Forestry Field Day.

Become more knowledgeable on how to manage tree resources for their many benefits. 7:30-11:00am. Info: [email protected].

• October 18 - Youth Mentor Hunt, open to kids 12-15 who have passed their hunter education course, will be held at Rock Valley Gun Club. Call Sunday Ford at 712-552-3057 to register. Hunt size limited so call ASAP!

• November 13 - Archery Basics class at Jester Park Equestrian Center from 6:30-8:00pm for ages 12 & up for $5. The class will cover eye dominance, safety, range rules, equipment & proper shooting techniques. Pre-registration required by November 10. Call 515-323-5339 to register.

• December 5 - Wildlife for Sale & Poaching seminar will teach you illegal poaching and black market trade of wildlife worldwide, including Iowa. Will take place at Conservation Office at Briggs Wood Park from 7:00-9:00pm. Call John Laird 515-832-9570 with any questions.

Season Start & Close DatesArchery Deer: October 1 - December 5 & December 22 - January 10Muzzleloader: Early October 11 - 19; Late December 22 - January 10 Deer shotgun: December 6 - 10 / December 13 - 21Turkey Hunting Gun/Bow: October 13 - December 5Turkey Archery Only: Oct. 1 - December 5/December 22 - Jan.10 Ducks Coots Mergansers: North Zone: Oct. 4 - 19 & Oct. 25 -

Dec. 7; South Zone: Oct. 4 - 8 & Oct. 18 - Dec. 11; Missouri River Zone: Oct. 4 - 8 & Oct. 25 - Dec. 18

Rooster Pheasants: Oct. 25 - Jan. 10. Shooting hours 8am-4:30pm For more information and a full list of events and rules and regulations

please visit www.iowadnr.gov or call 515-281-5918.


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Fall 2014 Dakota Hunting & Fishing Guide

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