2022 Pheasant Season End Conclusions - Final Report

December 14, 2022 by UGUIDE South Dakota Pheasant Hunting

The year began with a severe drought through the end of April when we received a 4" rain.  Through May, June and July we received 17" of rain which is almost our annual rainfall.  It was warmer as well and so combined I feel this was good for the hatch overall.  We have now been in a drought since Aug 1. but are now in a blizzard as I write this and this will help recharge ground moisture which results in vegetation growth and bug population increases.

The 2021 hatch was hampered by a severe drought during May-July.

In 2022 the average Harvested Birds Per Person was 2.0 and average Harvested Birds Per Group/Week was 63.

In 2021 the average Harvested Birds Per Person was 1.7 and average Harvested Birds Per Group/Week was 48.

In 2020 the average Harvested Birds Per Person was 2.1 and average Harvested Birds Per Group/Week was 66.

If we can put back to back good hatches together we will see should see numbers continue to increase next year.