Upland Bird Hunting in Central SoDak
The rolling hills and valleys of South Dakota’s main river is home to the best hunting in the nation - see why!
The 2024 hunting season boasts abundant opportunities to Hunt the Greatest. South Dakota’s pheasant hunting is notably one of the finest upland birding locations of the midwest - and the rest of the country for that matter. The wide rolling hills and vast prairies in central South Dakota has become an iconic landscape setting to marksmen all over the world. With the Missouri River valley and tributaries stretching throughout central SD, there are plenty of fishing prospects once you reach your wing limits for the day. These legendary hunting adventures are enriched from the long-standing hunting traditions held by the friends and people of South Dakota. As each season brings new hunting opportunities along the Missouri River, we invite sportsmen to explore and hunt South Dakota’s unmatched territory.
Upland Bird Hunting
One of the biggest seasons for central South Dakota is in the fall when Pheasant Season brings bursts of bright orange to everyday attire. This is the time of year when hunters flock to the area for some of the finest bird hunting in the country. South Dakota is one of the few places in the world where you can bag the upland bird trifecta - sharp tailed grouse, greater prairie chicken, and pheasant - all in one hunt!
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks released pheasant numbers from October 15, 2022, to January 31, 2023. To which the hunting season harvested an estimated 1,158,000 birds. The abuntant harvesting numbers is what backs South Dakota's claim to fame for birding. SDGFP also noted that while surrounding states see harvest rates of 3 to 6 birds per hunter, South Dakota routinely sees harvest rates around 9 pheasants per hunter, such as in 2022.
BIRD SPECIES
Small Game: Pheasant, Prairie Chicken, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Partridge, Quail, Cottontail Rabbit, Tree Squirrel
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Duck, Geese, Coot, Dove, Snipe, Tundra Swan, Sandhill Crane
Ringnecked Pheasant
Though not a native bird to our land, South Dakota is prime habitat for pheasant due to wide expanses of prairies and grasslands. Because of the pheasant population the state has now become one of the top destinations for pheasant hunting in the country. Male roosters are known for their long tail feathers and stunning bright colors on their necks and heads. Even if you aren’t here for hunting you will likely spot a pheasant flying out of a field or sitting on the edge of a field.
Grouse & Praire Chicken
Central South Dakota continues to provide world class greater prairie chicken and sharp tailed grouse hunting opportunities. An abundance of public land, including the Fort Pierre National Grasslands and numerous Walk-In Hunting Areas, in the heart of South Dakota grouse range, creates a world class grouse hunting destination.
Local Guides & Outfitters
We ask our out-of-state hunters what makes them come back to South Dakota year after year. Their answer: fun and hospitality! When it comes to an awesome hunting trip, the right hunting guide or outfitter can be a critical component to making or breaking your hunting excursion. In Central SoDak there are many experienced guides and outfitters equipped with the know-how and personality to make an impressive and memorable trip! Guides and Outfitters can be found in town or at private lodges on hunting lands teeming with wildlife. These guides have access to thousands upon thousands of acres of both hunting preserves and private grounds.
Hunting Resources
SD Game, Fish, and Parks Publications
Hunting publications are updated annually in August. Fishing publications are updated at the start of the year. Publications: SD Public Hunting Atlas, SD Hunting & Trapping Handbook, and the SD Fishing Handbook.
Map, License, & Regulation Resources
General Information: (605) 223-7660
Website: gfp.sd.gov
Email: Wildinfo@state.sd.us
Hunting Tribal Lands
There are nine Native American tribes in South Dakota, five of which reside within the central region. The Missouri River which runs down the center of the state reaches each reservation and provides wonderful tributaries for fishing and water sources for all sorts of wildlife. Hunters can find small game as well as large game opportunities like buffalo, elk, antelope, mule and white-tail deer. Guided hunts are available through tribal offices. Most tribes require special licensing for both small and large game hunting. Individuals looking to hunt Native American grounds will need to contact the appropriate tribal office. Each tribe has their own management for wildlife and recreation uses and SD state hunting licenses are not valid unless authorized by the tribal council.
- Lower Brule Sioux Tribe: (605) 473-5561
- Crow Creek Sioux Tribe: (605) 245-2221
- Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe: (605) 964-4155
- Standing Rock Sioux Tribe: (605) 701-845-8500
- Yankton Sioux Tribe: (605) 384-3641
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