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Joined: 04 Aug 2007 Posts: 54 Location: Minnesota

http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/hunting/Pheasant/Outlook.htm

"Pheasant survey routes indicate that hunters who take the fields in 2007 will be greeted by one of the largest pheasant populations in South Dakota history. Brood count surveys by the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department project pheasant numbers the likes of which has not been seen since the Soil Bank years of the 1950s and ’60s. The pheasant population index was at a 40-year high in 2005 and the 2007 index tops that historic mark."

So just currious how many people make the pilgrimage to South Dakota?

The luckiest in our group has not missed a SD season in over 60 years, I hope to be able to say that someday.

It sounds like, if you have been waiting for a good time to go, this is the year (if you believe the state generated propaganda), as the CRP (crop reduction program) comes to an end this year and habitat will be on the decline (so say the pessimists).

http://home.earthlink.net/~n_mattson/05SD/slides/DSCN6465.html
just me and my old man on our last trip together in SD. My bags are already packed for this years opener, not sure who is more anxious me or my dog.

Member Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 258 Location: Nordern MN

I'll be out there over Halloween week looking for all kinds of feathered game.
Can't wait!!
NR

Joined: 01 Aug 2007 Posts: 17 Location: So Cal

Pops and I have been going for three years. This will be my first trip with the 16ga and my own dog. Should be awesome.

JL

Our group will be making its annaul trip for the 16th straight. We come from all over, west coast, east, Great Lakes, Texas. 2005 was amazing so if this is better, it will be something! The farmer/owner we hunt with has already confirmed what the State is saying and has told us he cannot remember having as many birds.

I will be using my new SXS that just arrived last week, so this should be special. My two dogs are already getting pumped up as I keep bringing the guns and gear out.

2007 will be my 3rd yr. Eight of us from around the greater St. Louis and St. Charles Co. area. Always a 16 ga. for me. Citori White Lightning for walking, model 12-16ga. with plug out for blocking. (7 shots).

Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Posts: 787 Location: Indiana

This will be my fifth year; the first by myself as my son cannot go this fall. I'll be going on a combo hunt: Waterfowl on the Missouri River in the early mornings and WILD roosters in the afternoon on the high plains north and west of Onida, SD. I try to hit every high profile gunshop on the way from Indiana---Scheel's in Iowa City, Des Moines and Sioux Falls; Cabela's in Mitchell, SD, Dakotamart in Pierre, SD and Gander Mountain in Lacrosse, Wisconsin on the way home...not to mention the Terry Redlin museum in Watertown, SD. It's a wonder my wife hasn't divorced me a long time ago....but I HAVE shot a lot of birds and enjoyed the hell out of the trips along the way....

Mattson,

There' a fellow where I shoot skeet in Greenville,PA, who looks to be an identical twin to your father. As you are from Minnesota I assume your dad lives there as well. Or am I shooting skeet with your dad on some Saturdays at Greenville,PA?

Thanks for sharing your photos.