PIERRE — The 2024 upland bird hunting seasons are just around the corner and it’s shaping up to be one of the best in recent years. Habitat across the primary pheasant range is looking excellent given favorable conditions throughout the spring and summer.

Hunting conditions

A mild winter and adequate moisture created perfect conditions for nesting success in much of the pheasant range. While hunters may have experienced drought conditions in previous seasons in the areas they were hunting, excellent cover can now be found on both public and private land across the primary pheasant range. Although flooding occurred in portions of southeast South Dakota, particularly between Sioux Falls and Sioux City, much of the primary pheasant range was not impacted by flooding conditions.

Reports from the field

Pheasant numbers start and end with good quality habitat. Adequate rainfall set up habitat conditions well for a successful nesting season and reports of large-sized broods throughout the pheasant range are rolling in from staff,landowners and the public.

Season reminders

Hunters should be mindful of the areas affected by flooding events and consult local Game, Fish and Parks staff or landowners when planning their hunts. The season for pheasant, quail, prairie grouse, and partridge now continues until Jan. 31, giving hunters additional time to pursue South Dakota’s upland game birds.

Seasons

Pheasant

• Youth only Sept. 28-Oct. 6
• Resident only Oct. 12-14
• Traditional Oct. 19-Jan. 12

Quail

• Oct. 19-Jan. 31

Prairie grouse

• Sept. 21-Jan. 31

Partridge

• Sept. 21-Jan. 31