RVers and Pheasant hunting

One of the reasons why I used to hunt was to be away from people. I would find a large group of hunters descending on one spot to be problematic. One of the reasons why I quit hunting was it got too crowded in MA to safely do so.

There is a pretty basic campground and pheasant hunting at the SP in Portales, New Mexico. I have no idea how the hunting is.

I think this topic is in the wrong forum. I hope I can find it again!

I take an RV to go pheasant hunting almost every year. SD is my favorite destination. The biggest problem is finding an RV park that is open. Many of them close in October, and those that do stay open may have to close when the weather gets too cold. Last year we had to leave November 1st because the temperature was forecasted to be in the teens for the next week, and they shut off the water.

Most of the time I hunt "small" areas by myself. Sometimes I meet up with friends to hunt larger fields. I hunt the Indian reservations, as well as State land. This year I'm going to camp in Mobridge. I'll be there from Opening Day until I get frozen out. I'd welcome a few fellow hunters and RVers to get out with.

I grew up hunting in SW Iowa where there were usually just 2 of us, and never more than 4 in the group. We moved to South Dakota where the terrain and size of the fields requires larger groups and different methods. Never quite got accustomed to it. Commercial hunting was becoming prominent when we moved back to Iowa 30 years ago, and I understand it's even more so now. Very difficult to find private land that hasn't been leased.

down home wrote:
I think it would be a great idea for a Rally, if some RV group there or somewhere else would put together a Rally or just a gathering.

A rally? In 2020? Really?

Horsedoc wrote:
I didn't care for the pheasant - too much dark meat but the bison was very tasty.

Pheasant breast can be delicious, and prepared in many ways! My personal favorite is breast meat removed from bone, cut in strips, breaded, and deep fat fried in Crisco.

Jerry

When were were in the Hills, the guy in charge of visitor relations was an avid hunter. Each spring he would have a get-together for all the workers and volunteers in the park. South Dakota pheasant was one of the dishes we would have, along with bison stew and other foods raised in SD. Of course he furnished much of the food with the park picking up the rest. I didn't care for the pheasant - too much dark meat but the bison was very tasty.

Pheasant hunting in SD has become more commercialized over the years. While road hunting is still allowed (driven hunting), it is not very productive. Staying at a hunting lodge, with prime hunting land, and some pen raised birds, is one option. This will get a guided hunt, lots of birds, and for a person not able to walk much, a driver will place you at the end of field, to shoot as others walk, flushing birds toward you. While there is public land, as well as a lot of leased land to hunt on your own, it is a lot of walking, and again, not very productive. A well trained dog would be a big plus. A person willing to walk, can get some good hunting, using 2-4 people, or even by yourself, hunting section lines, with good cover, and fence rows next to corn fields. You can legally drive section dirt roads, and while 1-2 people walk, the other person can drive ahead a half mile, park, get out block the fence row, wait for others to chase birds to you. You just repeat, can switch walker/driver. This can be a great experience, and actually get some birds in your bag. Just about any dog is helpful if it will stay close to you.

Jerry