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How can I purchase my South Dakota pheasant hunting license?

You can purchase your non-resident small game hunting license on-line using this link: 
SD Game, Fish & Parks, otherwise, you can purchase any non-resident small game license at Cabelas retail store in Mitchell, SD or most convenience stores. Licenses are readily available.

Concerning availability, how soon should my group reserve a hunt with Sportsmans Acres Pheasant Hunts?

The best answer we can give to you is NOW!!!

We strongly recommend early reservations. Due to our 90% re-booking rate among return guests, our prime-season dates can fill early. However, we do have a substantial number of acres, therefore it is always best to contact one of our staff to check date availability. 

Are guests of Sportsmans Acres Pheasant Hunts allowed to bring their own hunting dogs?

YES! We not only allow it, we encourage it! All we ask is that each dog not range farther than 30 yards in front of the shooters during your South Dakota pheasant hunts. 

We also ask that each dog be fully-controllable using voice commands and/or electronic collars. 

Any dog not able to get along with other dogs in the field and conduct himself or herself appropriately will be asked to be put in a kennel when you are in the field with other guests. If this occurrs we make every effort to make this situation work out for all concerned but we cannot ask other hunters, even if they are from the same group to put up with unruely gundogs.

Are all hunts guided at Sportsman's Acres Pheasant Hunts?

Yes. All hunts are fully guided by a member of our Pro-Staff Guide Team. This is a direct benefit to our guests because our staff provides all the necessary gear and experience that is expected by our guests. Safety is strictly enforced. 

We have older hunters in our group that are unable to walk long distances, how do they hunt?

Of course as with any type of hunting, our pheasant hunting operation does require some mobility on a daily basis, however we do utilize blocking positions in our fields, that would not require much, if any, walking as well as utilizing four wheelers. 

Does Sportsmans Acres Pheasant Hunts have airport shuttle services or van rentals for my group?

Yes. We will make sure you are picked up and dropped off at the airport on time.

During my hunt, what can we expect as far as bird numbers?

Over that last 8 years, only a handful of our guests have returned home "with-out" limiting out every day. Of course, your shooting experience may play a substantial role in your hunt. 

Pre-planning, such as practicing at your local sporting clays range is a great idea. However, you will be amazed at the number of roosters/hens you will see in one day. 

Most guests tell us they have seen more birds "In One Day" than they have seen in all the years they have been hunting! 

Is the hunting challenging for an experience wingshooter?

Many guests shoot more than a box of shellsfor every 3 birds they bag! This in itself makes a strong statement about our birds, yes they flat out move! 

These birds are built for speed, and with the constant South Dakota winds, they are more than a challenge to hunt. The old verbiage about bringing 3 shells for 3 birds does not work here, period! 

You will also run into what we call "Bonus Birds" like Sharp-Tailed Grouse which can make a pheasant look like it is standing still. We also run into Hungarian Partridge also known as Gray Partridge. You can bag an additional 3 Sharp-Tails and/or Prairie Chickens and 5 Hungarian Partridge per day as well free of charge on the same license you bought for your pheasant hunting trip.

What size shotgun and shells/choke is recommended?

The best gun for use would be the 12 gauge for most hunters however, there are a lot of hunters out there who prefer 16, 20 and even 28 gauge shotguns. This is fine. 

Use what you are most comfortable with. A well fitting shotgun is more important any day then the size shot or the gauge of your shotgun. 

With smaller gauges you may have to let some birds go that are at that "border line distance" to avoid a large number of crippled birds.

Semi-automatic, pump, side by side or over-under, whichever your most comfortable using. 

12 gauge shotguns coupled with a modified to full choke (late season), is premium. The recommended shot size is: #6--#5--#4. 

20 gauge also works well, using 2 thru 4 shot-lead. This seems to work very well. Please remember these birds are very resilient and extremely capable of withstanding a shot to the side, so we ask that your guests are prepared to hunt the most challenging game birds in South Dakota!

If you have additional questions please don't hesitate to give us a call or drop us a line. We would be happy to assist you in any way we possilby can.