South Dakota - Preserves vs. Native Wild Pheasant Hunts
By: Chris Hitzeman
UGUIDE Pheasant Hunting in South Dakota
An Analysis of the Differences between Preserve and Non-Preserve Pheasant Hunting Outfitters in South Dakota
Over the years, it has come to my attention that few hunters are aware of the differences between preserve and non-preserve pheasant hunting in South Dakota. Few people I know will drive 2,000 miles to hunt a released or pen raised pheasant. Hunters that don't have that requirement may find preserves attractive.
Aspect 1 - Hunting Seasons
Preserve
The season length on shooting preserves may be all or any part of the seven-month period beginning September first and ending March thirty-first of the following year.
Native Wild
Season runs from 3rd weekend in October to 1st weekend in January
Aspect 2 - Hunting Licenses
Preserve
Non-resident: You may purchase a 1-day license for $35, a 5-day for $65, or a season long license for $85
Native Wild
License fee for non-resident is $110 and includes two 5-day hunting periods per season. Generally, if you buy your license after Dec. 15th you can use your 2nd 5-day period in the following year saving you license costs.
Aspect 3 - Hunting Limits
Preserve
The maximum daily bag limit for pheasants on shooting preserves is 15 cocks. The maximum daily bag limit for wild turkeys is 2 birds. The shooting hours are restricted to sunrise to sunset each day.
Native Wild
3 birds per day and 15 in possession. Shooting hours are generally noon to sunset first week and then 10 am to sunset thereafter.
Aspect 4 - Hunting Acreage Size
Preserve
Must be at least 160 and not to exceed 2,560 acres
Native Wild
No restriction in acreage size
Aspect 5 - Where do birds come from?
Preserve
On a licensed preserve, a minimum of 300 birds must be released the first year and 600 each year thereafter. All birds released must be roosters and must be marked by toe-clipping or enlarged nares (nostrils). Preserves can release hens but they do not count toward the mandated number of birds. If 800 birds are harvested (680 pen raised and 120 wild) then 800 roosters must be released in their place. Replacement birds must be released before hunting can start the next day. Shooting preserve tags must be placed on the leg or neck of all birds harvested on the preserve.
Native Wild
All birds are raised by native wild hens and roosters in the wild. Habitat is key to the sustainability of this type of operation.
