I still find many hunters each year who are not aware that the Chinese Ringneck Pheasant is not native to North America. As the name would imply, they were brought here from China. A most welcome export and by far the most popular and unmistakably attractive “invasive species” to grace our prairies.

I have had the good fortune of being raised in Spink County, S.D. where what I term the Rooster Revolution began with the first successful introduction of pheasants. They took to the land and thrived, being the direct ancestors to what are now large populations, gracing most of the state. This took place just north of the Pheasant Capitol of the World—Redfield.

After the 1908 and subsequent releases, the first one-day season was held in Spink County in 1919. We shot a show as part of Focus Outdoors TV in 2019 commemorating the event in what we called Redfield’s Pheasantennial Celebration.

Staying true to traditions

What has been passed down to us over several generations is precious to many of us. Yes, our roosters are the main attraction, but we as humans play a large role in making for an unforgettable hunting trip. Much of it is done long before the first hunters start arriving for another traditional October opener. It all comes down to conservation. Farming is what helped create the large numbers of birds that we have. It can also reduce, and in more extreme cases, eliminate entire populations. Through discussions with more seasoned (older) hunters, I have learned of dozens of areas that I would have never guessed had huntable populations of pheasants, with urban sprawl and over-intensive farming practices being the culprit.

You can equate the amount of excitement and anticipation of opening of pheasant season to the walleye opener in Minnesota. Many of our repeat hunters are now a staple of the annual gun raffle in my small hometown of Mellette.

After generous sleep due to a 10 a.m. start time, hunters hop in their chosen Suburban chariots and off we go to bag a few roosters. At times, a quick walk or two yields a limit, if the boys can shoot. Or it could take till mid-afternoon if too much aiming fluid was ingested at the Gun Raffle.

Birds are cleaned in the field over a cold beer and then taken to one of the lodges for final rinsing and freezing. Showers are taken and cleaner vehicles employed for a trip to the tiny town of Chelsea for a well-deserved kick-ass prime rib—great fuel for the second day’s hunt. It seems to counteract some of the aiming fluid and the boys become better shots.

A little more emphasis is put on harvesting a quicker limit on Sundays. We need to have the birds, and the boys cleaned up and headed to Ashton, widely known as Ashton America. The community puts on a steak feed that is extremely well attended. Men man the grills in the back of the community building and the ladies inside feed most of the community and dozens of hunters. It’s best to be there early to get in on the plethora of farm wife salads and sweet treats. Several versions of deviled eggs are my main target—definitely an annual treat.

Hospitality has no boundaries

We have recently had a slightly eastward expansion of our self-guided hunting lands into the Crocker Hills, with lodging and excellent food available in the very small town of Crocker itself. An added benefit is some interesting conversations while dining and visiting with the locals.

That is just a small glimpse into our community at large. Most are quite similar. Just the names and places change. We continue to add groups each season that are looking for a “home” to hunt, and that is exactly what is provided. Lifelong bonds with our staff and locals are quickly formed, and it is truly an annual holiday no different from Thanksgiving. And we are thankful for just how blessed we are with all that a colorful, three-pound bird provides us and our visiting friends.

After all, the camaraderie that ends up making the whole show all worthwhile. Our lands and habitat are the stage. The brilliantly hued roosters erupting in stark contrast with the muddled hens provide the action. Dogs are always awarded best actor status. The guides all win best supporting actors as they coordinate the whole show, steering dogs and hunters alike. Our stellar sunsets provide a breathtaking backdrop to polish off a perfect day shared with people worthy of such an experience in the great outdoors. A production that rates repeating each day of the season.

For more information…

Check out the Redfield Pheasantennial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nADq5WSGF4A&t=253s

Interested in hunting a different location and/or species this season? You’ll find plenty of suggestions in every issue of MidWest Outdoors. Subscribe on our website.