If you have read any of my pheasant hunting stories that have been printed in the True Dakotan over the past fifty years, chances are you noticed they often mention traditions that are observed by friends and families.
Many area farmers are working the same soil their great grandparents labored to provide a living for their families. Today, they host traditional opening day pheasant hunts with lots of food, stories and the exchange of memories. My family stretches over six generations of Jerauld County hunters. The grandparents were gone by the time I was born, but my father was a wonderful mentor. All of the things he taught have trickled through the family today. We observe strict safety guides, respect the game and the land, appreciate the farmers who allow us on their land and hunt only game that we will consume.
Last autumn I watched my grandson carry on the family tradition. A recent graduate from vocational college, Layne and I had a chance to hunt together on a crystal clear October Saturday. Layne had been a member of family hunts for years, but we never had been on a hunt alone.
During the three or four hours of hunting together we did more than shoot. We talked about hunting, families, jobs, dogs, relationships, and life.
The 2025 pheasant season was a good one and we returned to Wessington Springs with six ringnecks. After a few minutes in the bird cleaning shack, we sat down with a beer and agreed this day should become the beginning of a new tradition.
This year’s pheasant season should be a good one, even better than a year ago when hunters bagged 1.3 million birds. Early season hunters will have to work hard for their pheasants following 20 rainy days in September that slowed the farm crop harvest and enhanced the growth of cover.
Good luck, be safe, take pictures and make memories.