From The Farmer - 2024 Fall South Dakota Pheasant Hunting Outlook Forecast Report

July 23, 2024 by Jerry - Owner, Faulkton Pheasant Camp

Dear Guests,

Over the years, I have resisted making predictions about pheasants numbers.   Yet, this year I am just seeing too many pheasant chicks not to comment.  I am also seeing the same from neighbors and as I drive the highways of SD.

The outstanding nesting success will result in one of best years for pheasants hunting at Pheasant Hunt Get-Away (UGUIDE-Faulkton Pheasant Camp).

We started Pheasant Hunt Get-Away in 2004.  Since then we created some of the best pheasant habitat that exists.

We renovated five shelter-belts, planted 20,000 trees, restored the lake, planted about 700 acres of CRP,  deepened 6 dugouts and built a seventh.  Rebuilt the lake and planted 33 food plots that total 120 acres.  We made many other improvements to the lodge, dog kennels, cooking cabin, and cleaning station.

We have seen up and downs.  Last year was a terrible year for pheasant reproduction.  Until this year, I could not understand why we did not have birds when we have such fantastic habitat.

The answer - it was the winter.  The 2022/2023 winter was a killer.  Pheasants died.  We had 100 dead deer just around the lodge.  The pheasants and other wildlife that survived were so stressed they could not reproduce.

2023/2024 was a mild winter.  The pheasant, deer, ducks, gophers, eagles and all wildlife are in noticeably better condition.

Guess what - we have one of best nesting springs ever.  Starting in mid May, we have fertilized food plots and sprayed for weeds five times.  The last was on Sunday, July 21.  I have witnessed four distinct hatches.  10 to 12 chicks per brood are common.  Hens are still nesting.

We also have many deer with twins.  The duck nesting success is very impressive.

What is different between last year and this year?  The condition of wildlife.  

Near dead and stressed wildlife do not breed back.  When wildlife is in good condition, reproduction is unmatched.

Good nesting combined with favorable spring weather - is going to result in best one year turn around I have witnessed.

Pheasants hunters need to be ready for the good old days.  This will be one of best pheasant years we have witnessed.

In short, habitat helps but Mother Nature is the boss.

Sincerely,

Jerry (Owner-Faulkton Pheasant Camp)

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