Headed to the SD opener next week with 5 others. This will be my first big pheasant hunt and I wonder what the general etiquette is for fill each persons bag limit. Does everyone usually shoot thier own birds in such a group or party hunt until the limit is met. I know 3 of us are relatively green and the other 3 I think much more seasoned. Thanks!

I'm not sure about SD laws, but in Oklahoma, it is illegal to "party hunt". You are only allowed to shoot your limit of birds and are required to stop shooting afterwards. When I fill my limit, and I usually fill my limit before the rest of my party,I continue to work with the other hunters to help them, but do not shoot anymore.

A large part of the enjoyment for me is being out, but I won't lie, I enjoy making good shots and harvesting game. But the rest of the hunters also enjoy harvesting their own game. After limiting out, I take the hard jobs so that the other hunters get a better opportunity to take game (really I always take the harder jobs, because I am a little more successful).

houtsdq, I don't know the laws in SD, but everyone should shoot their own birds. Unless, 1) it is legal to party hunt in SD AND, 2) the experienced hunters want to let the newbies shoot more birds. Again, make sure you know the regs.

I have duck hunted a few times with hunters that just wanted to get done as quick as possibleand they liked to shoot all the birds. If they were in the hotspot, they would just keep shooting. Have never hunted with them again.

Also, there is another post on here that says wearing hunter orange is not required in SD. WEAR HUNTER ORANGE!!!!!!!!!! It's the law in my state, but I would do it no matter what. I wouldn't be too concerned if it were just me and the dog, but when hunting with others, don't ever take the chance.

One other thing, you really didn't ask about, but I will give my advise anyway. BE SAFE. If 3 of you are pretty new to pheasant hunting, chances are there will be a lot of excitement when the birds start to drop. That is awesome, but you should all talk about the safety expectations prior to going out and hold each other accountable.

Last year I hunted with a friend that used to hunt a lot, but just got a new dog and just started back hunting. He is very safety conscious. But, the first bird, the dog flushed perfectly, he made a great shot and the dog made a perfect retrieve to hand. I had walked over to where he was at and he squatted down to pet the dog, he was very excited, mainly about the great job his dog did. Well..........I ended up looking right down the muzzle of his barrel. I dodged to the side and he felt horrible. He did not stop appologizing for the rest of the day. Again, he is a safe person, but let his guard down just for a second.

Sorry for being long winded, but it is important.

Lastly, have an awesome time on your trip. Sound like great fun.

Just a little advice Shooting Glasses and Hunter Orange for everyones sake. Also remember the Dogs.