W
hen talk turns to a century of pheasant
hunting in South Dakota, it is
impossible to separate the connection
between quality pheasant hunting and
quality pheasant habitat. The two are
inextricably intertwined, and the cyclical rise and fall of both
over the past century tells a hope-filled tale for the continued
possibility of outstanding hunting. However, it also sheds light
on a cautionary tale of the implications to South Dakota’s
$209 million annual pheasant hunting industry if habitat
conservation declines.
South Dakota is well-known for its challenging weather,
and in recent years the state has experienced blizzards,
droughts and flooding. With plenty of winter cover and food
sources as well as quality nesting habitat, pheasant populations
can survive and recover from bad weather years. However,
without quality pheasant habitat, populations drop dramatically
and take longer to rebound. The weather cannot be controlled,
but expanding and improving habitats that pheasants need
throughout their annual cycle are critical to sustaining both the
pheasant population and the opportunity for hunting them.
South Dakota Pheasant Hunting at 100:
The Conservation Connection
A Second Century of High-Quality Pheasant Hunting Hinges on Habitat Conservation
by Jodi Stemler“With a high rate of annual mortality,
pheasants are a short-lived bird with the capability
of high reproductive rates. The quantity,
quality and distribution of season-specific habitats
and weather conditions are the primary factors that
influence pheasant populations.
As a result, wildlife managers focus on the
development and management of suitable habitat
to meet the needs of pheasants throughout their
annual life cycle.”
— South Dakota 2016-2020 Pheasant Management PlanSince its first pheasant hunt in 1919, South Dakota has become a destination for upland bird hunters; however, historically high bird populations
are tied to equally historic periods of plenty of high-quality habitat. (Photo/South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks)