South Dakota’s pheasant hunting season officially opened Saturday, welcoming thousands of hunters from across the country. Known as the pheasant capital of the world, the state attracts over 80,000 nonresident hunters annually, generating millions in local spending on lodging, food, and gear.
Recent conservation efforts and favorable weather have helped pheasant populations rebound, with over 1.3 million birds harvested in 2024—the highest in 13 years. That abundance, paired with South Dakota’s welcoming communities and rich habitat, keeps hunters coming back.
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