RAPID CITY, S.D. – South Dakota’s traditional pheasant hunting season opens Saturday, and state wildlife officials are expecting another strong year in the field.
Hunters from across the country are expected to flock to South Dakota, where pheasant hunting remains one of the state’s biggest economic drivers. Hotels, restaurants, and businesses in many rural communities are preparing for the annual influx of visitors.
Game, Fish and Parks officials say pheasant numbers appear strong following several years of favorable nesting conditions. Last year, hunters harvested more than 1.35 million pheasants, the highest total in recent years.
Hunters are reminded that shooting hours begin at 10 a.m. and run through sunset. The daily limit is three rooster pheasants, with a possession limit of 15 birds. Hunting hens remains illegal.
Officials also encourage hunters to obtain permission before entering private property, wear blaze orange for safety, and make sure both hunters and dogs stay hydrated during what is expected to be a mild opening weekend.
The season runs through January 31.
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