South Dakota Pheasant

South Dakota's pheasant population is renowned, attracting hunters from all over. Many hunters flock to and make reservations at commercial operations, but what if you want to come out and hunt on your own?

Outdoor writer Tony Dean says non-residents can come into this state and find good shooting if they'll follow this advice.

pheasant "The real key is to do homework before you start and stay away from the areas of high bird density, that's where you going to find much of the commercialization," he suggests. "Go to areas that have lower bird densities, such as the north-central part of the state, northwestern part of South Dakota, central South Dakota, from about Interstate 90 north.

If you stick to that area, and are willing to knock on doors and put your best foot forward, you are going to be able to find places," he says. "In addition, to the state has over one million acres of walk-in land."