Friday, July 25, 2014

The Joys Of South Dakota Pheasant Hunting

By Sharron Cantu


A micropolitan statistical area is defined as an urban center with a population of between 10,000 and 50,000 people. An example of such an area is Estelline, a fine spot for South Dakota pheasant hunting. As of the 2010 census, Estelline had a population of approximately 770 people in an area amounting to slightly less than one square mile. It doesn't take a genius to work out the population density of the town. New York City, on the other hand, is the most populous city in the United States, with an average population density of around 28,000 per square mile.

Two other fruitful areas for pheasant-hunting are Aberdeen, about a five-hour drive southwest of Estelline, and Chamberlain, between two and a half and three hours to the northwest. Chamberlain has half the population of Estelline distributed over nearly three times the area, for a population density of 360/square mile. Aberdeen, another micropolitan statistical area, has a population density of 1,700/square mile.

Situated on the Missouri River, Chamberlain forms part of what is known as the Golden Triangle among pheasant-hunters. The average brood counts in the area can reach 16/square mile, twice the statewide mean. Around Aberdeen, the hunter has access to approximately 200,000 acres within which to pursue his or her sport. Here, the average yield per hunter can reach nine per season.

The family name for pheasants is Phasianidae. The differences between male and female specimens are very striking. Males, in particular, are very colorful and possess pronounced wattles and long tails. These birds are highly adaptable. They adapt easily to new climates and are capable of breeding in captivity.

While a lot of fun, gathering Phasianidae for the dinner table is fabulous exercise. Experts recommend familiarizing yourself with your shotgun before you venture into the wilderness. Practicing with clay pigeons should give you plenty of confidence. While going to the local dump and shooting pigeons is not without its emotional gratification, this is often frowned upon by local authorities.

You will also need to make sure you are fit before you venture into the wilderness. This is a sport that involves a lot of walking up and down hills and through marsh areas. When you are out shooting with your buddies, you must walk side by side to avoid shooting each other.

Bringing along man's best friend can enhance the entire experience. There are different breeds of dog depending on what you want them to do. If you want a dog that will point to the birds while you flush them out, then get a GSP/GWP or a Brittany. If you want the dog to flush the bird for you, get a retriever or a spaniel.

An extra perk to wearing yourself out and getting sopping wet is the possibility that you will bring home a little something for the dinner table. Slowly roast it, perhaps with juniper berries, and serve alongside a jug of old-fashioned bread sauce.




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