As a South Dakota resident, nothing makes me happier than seeing all the people who head to our great state to hunt pheasants. It helps the entire state and our local economies. It’s really a win-win for everyone involved! Out-of-state hunters get to experience our amazing hunting, see our wide-open spaces, and best of all, meet and interact with our locals. They are truly some of the nicest people, and they welcome hunters with open arms. I still remember moving into our small community and checking out the city website. It said they are known for the school mascot and its rich and deeply rooted hunting traditions, and aspiring to be called the perfect place to live. I instantly knew this is a place where I would fit in and could call home. We even have a huge pheasant statue right in town, and local businesses put up welcome signs for the hunters—everywhere from the grocery store to the hair salon to the bowling alley. As a hunter traveling across the country I can promise not every community and place is this welcoming, but it's nice to know where I call home is.
The great thing about pheasant hunting is that it is one of the most social hunts in which to participate. Things don’t get started until mid-morning, and oftentimes hunters come in for lunch and head back out in the afternoon. You’re able to enjoy fellow hunters’ company while telling stories on your way in and out of the field. It’s also not a super physical hunt, so it’s suited for all ages. And since hunters don’t have to be up an hour before sunrise, they can sit around in the evening enjoying their time around a campfire, telling stories, or just relaxing and reminiscing about the day’s events. It’s a hunt that kids, parents and grandparents can enjoy, not to mention that pheasant is one of the most delicious wild game birds to eat.
Now that it’s easy to see why I love pheasant hunting so much, I want to let everyone know about a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to hunt South Dakota pheasant with me next fall thanks to South Dakota Tourism and DSG Apparel! The winner will receive a one-day/two-night guided hunt for four at Halverson’s Hunts, a South Dakota hunting preserve, plus up to $1,000 in vouchers to cover travel expenses. 
Hunting lodge experience to include: guiding service with dog(s), safety training, food and beverage. DSG will provide DSG branded clothing for four hunters, and I’ll provide Winchester guns and Winchester ammo for use during the hunt. The approximate retail value is $15,000. The best part is we will be hunting side by side and the entire trip will be filmed for an upcoming episode of Winchester Deadly Passion. It’s easy to register: Visit huntthegreatest.com/DSG to see the complete official rules. Contest ends January 31, 2023.
If you have never tried pheasant hunting, or maybe it’s been a while since you've been afield, this is a perfect opportunity to get back at it! We would love to see you in South Dakota and you’ll soon realize why so many people and families come back year after year!
