Circle H Ranch Gregory Pheasant hunting at its finest is what you find at Circle H Ranch located in the heart of “pheasant country” near Gregory, SD. Thousands of acres of premier pheasant terrain are reserved for the exclusive use and enjoyment of our guests.

Land of infinite hunting variety

By Seth Tupper

Related Links Deer Hunting Pheasant Hunting Small Game Hunting

From tracking the flight of a pheasant over an East River cornfield to stalking big game across the rugged West River plains and Black Hills, South Dakota truly offers hunters a land of infinite variety.

South Dakota hunting adventures can be as tame as taking aim at a prairie dog or as wild as tracking down a mountain lion. The state’s array of game animals also includes small game such as grouse, ducks, geese, fox, coyotes, and pheasants, and big game such as turkey, deer, antelope, elk, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. 

In excess of 275,000 people – an amount that’s more than a third of the state’s population – obtain hunting licenses annually in South Dakota. It seems that whatever the time of year, there’s an animal to be hunted and an opportunity to hunt it.

Travel To/From South Dakota

Located in the center of the Midwest, South Dakota is easily accessible by both car and air.  Traveling by car affords the opportunity to enjoy the expansive landscapes of the Mt. Rushmore state, while traveling by air will get your hunting trip started even more quickly.  Both car and air options provide easy access to South Dakota's ample hunting grounds.

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Hunting Licenses and Publications

Of all the considerations and preparations when planning a hunting trip, licensing is sure to be one of the first concerns.  South Dakota has an online purchasing option for general licenses, and some types of licenses can be purchased over the counter when you arrive in the state.  In addition to information about licenses, the state of South Dakota has some outstanding hunting and fishing guides, offering explanations of rules and regulations, seasons, licensing, and other information.

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Lodging, Gear, and Guides

In addition to its abundant land and wildlife, South Dakota is home to a robust hunting industry featuring scores of guides, lodges, game processors, meat lockers and taxidermists. Outfitting is also a South Dakota specialty, thanks in large part to the presence of megastores such as Cabela’s in Mitchell and Rapid City, and Scheels in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. It’s estimated that the money spent annually on hunting in South Dakota produces an economic impact in excess of $360 million. 

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Types of Game and Hunting Seasons

Generally speaking, the highly popular seasons for pheasants, waterfowl, other small game and deer open in the fall and continue into the winter. Seasons for turkey hunting open in the fall and spring. Varmints and predators can be hunted year-round on private land with landowner permission, and much of the year on public lands. 

Some big-game seasons, such as those for elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and mountain lions, are available to South Dakota residents only. Other animals, such as buffalo, are not subject to an open season but can be hunted through special arrangements with certain guides and landowners. 

• Deer Hunting South Dakota
• Pheasant Hunting South Dakota
• Small Game Hunting South Dakota

Click here to learn more about types of game and hunting seasons.