Thursday, March 04, 2010
More On Road Hunting In South Dakota
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Road Hunting in South Dakota
Road hunting has been popular in South Dakota for many years as an alternative form of public hunting. South Dakota law allows road hunting for small game and pheasants. Public roads are considered rights-of-way that are open for hunting. Road hunting is legal in South Dakota, but there are several laws that strictly regulate this type of hunting.
Road hunters tend to report high yields from their efforts. Part of the reason why road hunters get such a high yield is because pheasants often gather along roads to collect pebbles for digestion. Also road ditches with brush are common hiding and gathering grounds for pheasants. Road hunting can require a lot of traveling and many road hunters hop from motel to motel in search of pheasants along the public roads of South Dakota.
Rules and Regulations for Road Hunting in South Dakota
Road hunting is controversial because many private land owners contest that the grounds around public roads are their property and should not be used by road hunters without their consent. However, any game that is shot from a public road that falls on private property may be retrieved by unarmed hunters by law. But, it is still recommended that road hunters seek the permission of private land owners before going onto their property to retrieve game. This helps to avoid unnecessary conflicts and problems.
The law requires hunters to be at least 660 feet away from occupied buildings, homes, livestock, churches, and schools. These laws are strictly enforced in South Dakota. The restrictions on hunting around these areas are for safety reasons and to prevent conflicts between residents and hunters. Also the roads used for road hunting must be well travelled by a clearly worn vehicle trail, otherwise the road may be considered private and unauthorized for hunting.
Self-Guided Private Hunting as an Alternative
Since most of South Dakota is privately owned, public hunters will often find themselves restricted in the areas that they can hunt in. Private hunting is a way for public hunters to get access to some of the better hunting areas in South Dakota.
For the traditional public road hunter, the option of private hunting may not be very appealing. Having to pay more money and dealing with group number restrictions might not be preferable. However, recently there has been an increased interest in self-guided private hunting.
Although the price of private hunting is higher than public hunting or road hunting, there is the added benefit of hunting on exclusive grounds that are often teeming with pheasants. Self-guided private hunting fees are also normally a lot less than guided hunts.
Self-Guided Hunting Works for Public Hunters and Land Owners
Farmers and other land owners in South Dakota might not have an interest in setting up guided hunts, but want to make additional income throughout the year. So offering self-guided hunting works perfectly for those land owners who want to license out their land for a fee but don’t want to have to deal with organizing private guided hunts.
Self-guiding hunting is also perfect for those public hunters would prefer to go it alone rather than hunt with the assistance of a guide. However, less experienced public hunters would likely do better on a guided hunt. Self-guided hunting helps road hunters and public hunters avoid conflicts with residents and private land owners, and it also helps private land owners make additional income that they would otherwise not have made. It is a win-win situation for both public hunters and land owners, and it is becoming a viable solution to road hunting conflicts.
Road hunters tend to report high yields from their efforts. Part of the reason why road hunters get such a high yield is because pheasants often gather along roads to collect pebbles for digestion. Also road ditches with brush are common hiding and gathering grounds for pheasants. Road hunting can require a lot of traveling and many road hunters hop from motel to motel in search of pheasants along the public roads of South Dakota.
Rules and Regulations for Road Hunting in South Dakota
Road hunting is controversial because many private land owners contest that the grounds around public roads are their property and should not be used by road hunters without their consent. However, any game that is shot from a public road that falls on private property may be retrieved by unarmed hunters by law. But, it is still recommended that road hunters seek the permission of private land owners before going onto their property to retrieve game. This helps to avoid unnecessary conflicts and problems.
The law requires hunters to be at least 660 feet away from occupied buildings, homes, livestock, churches, and schools. These laws are strictly enforced in South Dakota. The restrictions on hunting around these areas are for safety reasons and to prevent conflicts between residents and hunters. Also the roads used for road hunting must be well travelled by a clearly worn vehicle trail, otherwise the road may be considered private and unauthorized for hunting.
Self-Guided Private Hunting as an Alternative
Since most of South Dakota is privately owned, public hunters will often find themselves restricted in the areas that they can hunt in. Private hunting is a way for public hunters to get access to some of the better hunting areas in South Dakota.
For the traditional public road hunter, the option of private hunting may not be very appealing. Having to pay more money and dealing with group number restrictions might not be preferable. However, recently there has been an increased interest in self-guided private hunting.
Although the price of private hunting is higher than public hunting or road hunting, there is the added benefit of hunting on exclusive grounds that are often teeming with pheasants. Self-guided private hunting fees are also normally a lot less than guided hunts.
Self-Guided Hunting Works for Public Hunters and Land Owners
Farmers and other land owners in South Dakota might not have an interest in setting up guided hunts, but want to make additional income throughout the year. So offering self-guided hunting works perfectly for those land owners who want to license out their land for a fee but don’t want to have to deal with organizing private guided hunts.
Self-guiding hunting is also perfect for those public hunters would prefer to go it alone rather than hunt with the assistance of a guide. However, less experienced public hunters would likely do better on a guided hunt. Self-guided hunting helps road hunters and public hunters avoid conflicts with residents and private land owners, and it also helps private land owners make additional income that they would otherwise not have made. It is a win-win situation for both public hunters and land owners, and it is becoming a viable solution to road hunting conflicts.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Options for Buying a South Dakota Pheasant Hunting License
There are two basic two options for purchasing a non-resident SD Pheasant Hunting License. Licenses can be purchased online or from a registered sales agent within South Dakota.
For the web-savvy, the online option is quick and convenient. Go to South Dakota’s Game, Fish, and Parks website at http://www.sdgfp.info/licenses.htm. Click on “Purchase a General/Hunting/Fishing License”. In order to purchase a license online, you will need a driver’s license or other state issued ID and a major credit card. One part that may cause confusion is selecting their two 5-day hunting periods. Non-residents seeking pheasant hunting licensure can select two 5-day hunting periods. The dates you select for the first period will be your first planned hunt. It is recommended that you schedule your second 5-day period as far out as possible in the system. This second period can be moved forward, but can never be pushed back, so this allows you the most flexibility. If you can only schedule one trip per year, purchase your license on or after December 15th. By doing this, you can schedule your first hunting period in the current season and the second period in the next year’s season.
To purchase your license from one of the many registered license agents in South Dakota, visit this link http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Agents/Index.htm. Here you will find listings organized by county and city; using this data, you can find a listing for a conveniently located agent within moments. If you are without a computer, call Game & Fish directly (605-773-3485) and they can direct you to a registered agent.
For the web-savvy, the online option is quick and convenient. Go to South Dakota’s Game, Fish, and Parks website at http://www.sdgfp.info/licenses.htm. Click on “Purchase a General/Hunting/Fishing License”. In order to purchase a license online, you will need a driver’s license or other state issued ID and a major credit card. One part that may cause confusion is selecting their two 5-day hunting periods. Non-residents seeking pheasant hunting licensure can select two 5-day hunting periods. The dates you select for the first period will be your first planned hunt. It is recommended that you schedule your second 5-day period as far out as possible in the system. This second period can be moved forward, but can never be pushed back, so this allows you the most flexibility. If you can only schedule one trip per year, purchase your license on or after December 15th. By doing this, you can schedule your first hunting period in the current season and the second period in the next year’s season.
To purchase your license from one of the many registered license agents in South Dakota, visit this link http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Agents/Index.htm. Here you will find listings organized by county and city; using this data, you can find a listing for a conveniently located agent within moments. If you are without a computer, call Game & Fish directly (605-773-3485) and they can direct you to a registered agent.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Road Hunting In South Dakota
An article discussing Road Hunting for pheasants in the state of South Dakota. I'ts legal and pretty popular, but it's also the source of many sportsmen land owner clashes. Should it be legal? Visit the site, read the article and leave some comments.
Read: Road Hunting In South Dakota
Read: Road Hunting In South Dakota
Grouse Botany- Find The Cover Find The Birds
Grouse Botany- Find The Cover Find The Birds
Great article for the grouse hunter on how to find cover that grouse like and in turn find grouse.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Burr- Keeping Your Dog In Shape During Cold Weather
Hunting season is over for most of us and the weather has been just to cold to get out and work the dog so how do you keep your best hunting buddy in top shape when the you are stuck indoors? Pro Dog Breeder Kelly Olson has some advice for you... From working out in the garage to swimming- It's important that your 4 legged hunting partner get out and get some exercise 3-4 times per week. Read Keeping Your Hunting Dog In Shape During Cold Times to learn more about this topic.
Shock Collars For Hunting Dogs
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Introducing Your Puppy To Hunting
Avoid Making Your Dog Gun Shy
An important aspect to dog hunting training that many hunters get wrong is how they introduce their dog to gunfire. Although gunfire introduction for a dog requires detailed explanation, there are some steps you can take for your dog to avoid developing gun shyness.
You should:
- Never shoot over a young dog’s head without a gradual introduction to loud noises.
- Over time, gradually introduce loud sounds to your dog when it is a puppy.
- Use gunfire training audios that play the sound of gunfire gradually to your dog.
- Introduce a gun first by sight and scent, and eventually sound.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wisconsin DNR Deer Hearing -A Lot More Talk and No More Action
Wisconsin deer harvests dropped 30% in the 2009 season to its lowest level in 27 years. Over the last few years Wisconsin hunters have been forced to deal with an aggressive deer management policy from the state DNR that has included a “Herd Reduction Zone” that covers a large part of the state. Control tactics have included early and late special season doe only hunts, earn a buck requirements (Where the hunter is required to shoot a doe before they can shoot a buck) and unlimited doe tags. Couple a few years of back to back hard winters and it’s not surprising that the deer population is way down.
Hunters are angry about the low deer numbers and many are reporting seeing very few deer and deer sign in the woods. Due to public hunter outrage lawmakers finally held a hearing in Madison this past Thursday and Lawmakers took turns telling DNR Secretary Matt Frank how they have been over whelmed with calls and letters from angry Hunters (Voters, I might mention after all, it’s an election year) expressing their distaste for the way the Wisconsin deer herd is being managed.
Frank acknowledged that the deer herd has indeed been reduced in some areas due to DNR herd reduction programs and harsh winters but added that the Midwest population is down this year adding that Minnesota saw a 12 percent drop and Michigan a 10 to 20 percent drop. Frank took strong exception to claims by hunters that the DNR is not listening to hunters sighting the tabled discussion on extending the traditional 10 day hunt to 17 days and the abandonment of the earn a buck program. “I think we are listening,” he said. “Look at our actions.”
Many hunters are saying those actions are to little and to late. Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, asked why DNR's deer herd managers hadn’t taken action to stop some of the deer reduction programs earlier in spite of the fact that hunters were telling DNR managers that they weren't seeing deer in the woods. Some hunters are suggesting that the DNR stop all herd reduction activities and go back to the doe lottery system of earlier years to restore deer populations. The general consensus of most of the deer hunters we spoke to felt that the DNR deer counts have been way off for years and that the deer herd hasn’t been strong enough to support herd reduction strategies for many years.
Wisconsin deer hunting activities are believe to be a $1 billion a year industry and many hunters in the state believe that the industry is in trouble.
Author’s Note- It is my personal opinion that it is time for lawmakers to do more the just hold hearings on this issue. If the DNR won’t listen to hunters it’s time to replace those managers with folks who will listen. If the lawmakers won’t make that happen it’s time to replace those lawmakers with folks that will act to protect this Wisconsin tradition and the businesses that depend on it. We as hunters are also partially to blame here. Just because we have 6 doe tags we don’t need to take 6 does. Every doe taken is 2 less you will see the following year. It’s time for hunters to use their voices. Contact your state representatives and tell them how you feel about these issues, after all they work for us. I personally have written letters to many of the representatives in the area. Here is a copy of my letter. Feel free to copy it if you need a place to start:
“Thank you for your hard work on behalf of our state. I appreciate your dedication and hard work. As a long time Wisconsin resident and hunter I am very concerned about the DNR’s management of the deer herd. As I’m sure you are aware this year was the worst hunting season in 27 years across much of the state. I’m upset with the way the DNR has handled the herd and the liberal doe tags being issued along with all the extended early and late doe hunts going on across the state. CWD has been present in other states for years and in no other state have the wildlife managers taken such measures to eliminate deer. I think it is time for new managers in the DNR that value the deer and it’s time to eliminate the herd reduction nonsense and all the money being spent to “Control” CWD. Please act now to preserve the tradition of deer hunting and a great revenue source for our state. Let’s clean house at the DNR.”
Wisconsin Voters take note, I emailed this letter to: Judy Robson, Kim Hixon, Chuck Benedict, Gary Sherman and Mike Sheridan- To date I have received no responses with the exception of Judy Robson who’s assistant sent me a poorly worded response that said the Senator Robson would respond by mail. I will updated this as I receive response if I ever do.
Hunters are angry about the low deer numbers and many are reporting seeing very few deer and deer sign in the woods. Due to public hunter outrage lawmakers finally held a hearing in Madison this past Thursday and Lawmakers took turns telling DNR Secretary Matt Frank how they have been over whelmed with calls and letters from angry Hunters (Voters, I might mention after all, it’s an election year) expressing their distaste for the way the Wisconsin deer herd is being managed.
Frank acknowledged that the deer herd has indeed been reduced in some areas due to DNR herd reduction programs and harsh winters but added that the Midwest population is down this year adding that Minnesota saw a 12 percent drop and Michigan a 10 to 20 percent drop. Frank took strong exception to claims by hunters that the DNR is not listening to hunters sighting the tabled discussion on extending the traditional 10 day hunt to 17 days and the abandonment of the earn a buck program. “I think we are listening,” he said. “Look at our actions.”
Many hunters are saying those actions are to little and to late. Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, asked why DNR's deer herd managers hadn’t taken action to stop some of the deer reduction programs earlier in spite of the fact that hunters were telling DNR managers that they weren't seeing deer in the woods. Some hunters are suggesting that the DNR stop all herd reduction activities and go back to the doe lottery system of earlier years to restore deer populations. The general consensus of most of the deer hunters we spoke to felt that the DNR deer counts have been way off for years and that the deer herd hasn’t been strong enough to support herd reduction strategies for many years.
Wisconsin deer hunting activities are believe to be a $1 billion a year industry and many hunters in the state believe that the industry is in trouble.
Author’s Note- It is my personal opinion that it is time for lawmakers to do more the just hold hearings on this issue. If the DNR won’t listen to hunters it’s time to replace those managers with folks who will listen. If the lawmakers won’t make that happen it’s time to replace those lawmakers with folks that will act to protect this Wisconsin tradition and the businesses that depend on it. We as hunters are also partially to blame here. Just because we have 6 doe tags we don’t need to take 6 does. Every doe taken is 2 less you will see the following year. It’s time for hunters to use their voices. Contact your state representatives and tell them how you feel about these issues, after all they work for us. I personally have written letters to many of the representatives in the area. Here is a copy of my letter. Feel free to copy it if you need a place to start:
“Thank you for your hard work on behalf of our state. I appreciate your dedication and hard work. As a long time Wisconsin resident and hunter I am very concerned about the DNR’s management of the deer herd. As I’m sure you are aware this year was the worst hunting season in 27 years across much of the state. I’m upset with the way the DNR has handled the herd and the liberal doe tags being issued along with all the extended early and late doe hunts going on across the state. CWD has been present in other states for years and in no other state have the wildlife managers taken such measures to eliminate deer. I think it is time for new managers in the DNR that value the deer and it’s time to eliminate the herd reduction nonsense and all the money being spent to “Control” CWD. Please act now to preserve the tradition of deer hunting and a great revenue source for our state. Let’s clean house at the DNR.”
Wisconsin Voters take note, I emailed this letter to: Judy Robson, Kim Hixon, Chuck Benedict, Gary Sherman and Mike Sheridan- To date I have received no responses with the exception of Judy Robson who’s assistant sent me a poorly worded response that said the Senator Robson would respond by mail. I will updated this as I receive response if I ever do.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Pheasant Hunting In Deep Snow
Here in Wisconsin we typically have quite a bit of snow on the ground in late pheasant season and this year is no exception. Here are some tips to make your next deep snow hunt a success:
1. Hunt the cattails- Pheasants love frozen marshes this time of year. The Cattails bend over with heavy snow but often allow for natural runways under them for pheasants. These wet areas don't receive the early season pressure that your typical cover gets so it's a natural place for pheasants to hang out. It's tough walking but worth it.
2. Make sure to water your dog- When my dog is working hard in the deep snow it's not uncommon for him to eat snow, but snow alone is not enough hydration for a dog running hard in chest deep snow. Make sure to take breaks often and give your dog water.
3. Invest in some good snowshoes- That crust on top of the snow may hold your dog but if your breaking through it, it makes for a very long day of walking. A good pair of snow shoes will allow you to walk right over the deepest of snow just like you’re walking on blacktop. These are also handy for late season dear hunts.
4. Use A Blocker- Pheasants are smart this time of year and will run much earlier than they do in the beginning of the season. Driving pheasants and using a blocker at the end of rows of cover can be very effective in the late season.
What are your late season pheasant hunting tips?
1. Hunt the cattails- Pheasants love frozen marshes this time of year. The Cattails bend over with heavy snow but often allow for natural runways under them for pheasants. These wet areas don't receive the early season pressure that your typical cover gets so it's a natural place for pheasants to hang out. It's tough walking but worth it.
2. Make sure to water your dog- When my dog is working hard in the deep snow it's not uncommon for him to eat snow, but snow alone is not enough hydration for a dog running hard in chest deep snow. Make sure to take breaks often and give your dog water.
3. Invest in some good snowshoes- That crust on top of the snow may hold your dog but if your breaking through it, it makes for a very long day of walking. A good pair of snow shoes will allow you to walk right over the deepest of snow just like you’re walking on blacktop. These are also handy for late season dear hunts.
4. Use A Blocker- Pheasants are smart this time of year and will run much earlier than they do in the beginning of the season. Driving pheasants and using a blocker at the end of rows of cover can be very effective in the late season.
What are your late season pheasant hunting tips?
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Best Gift For A Hunter
Well I think I've found it... The best gift ever for a deer hunter:
What a great product. I think my Mother in Law will love it. Maybe I can mount it in her living room for the ultimate suprise. Order your own at: http://www.deerrumpopener.com/
What a great product. I think my Mother in Law will love it. Maybe I can mount it in her living room for the ultimate suprise. Order your own at: http://www.deerrumpopener.com/
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