Early vs. late

Ask any veteran pheasant hunter, and they’ll tell you without hesitation that the best hunting of the year happens after the cold and snow arrive.

Snow can be a pheasant hunter’s best friend.

The third Saturday in October is the traditional opener for South Dakota’s pheasant season, and, historically, the first few weeks are when most hunters — both resident and nonresident — flock to the fields. Warmer or “nicer” weather is likely the primary reason many people choose to hunt early, along with the perceived notion that young, uneducated roosters make easier targets. But don’t let warmer temps fool you into thinking it’s always better hunting.

The season is over three months long, and in all honesty, December and January are my favorite times of the year to hunt, largely because there isn’t as much pressure and more land, especially public land, is available.

By that time of year, the amount of cover pheasants have at their disposal is substantially reduced. The crops are long gone, and there is usually a blanket of snow that has drifted in or packed down marginal grass stands to the point they’re no longer suitable to hold birds.

To me, that’s a win-win situation. Less pressure and less cover actually means more opportunity. It might be a bit chilly at times, but late-season hunts when the birds are congregated near remaining food sources are often the best hunts of the year.

So, if hunting during the early season isn’t an option and you feel like you’re missing out, don’t worry. Give the late season a go. You’ll be glad you did.