I am inclined to say go a few hours North of Mitchell. I flew into Rapid City, and we drove the 7 hours to the Northeast corner of the state and had great hunting. Both public land and private land we got permission to hunt. You won't do wrong hunting within 1-2 hour drive from Mitchell either. Many of my friends from Michigan hunt around Mitchell every year.

Thanks for all the help guys!

I know guys that go from Colorado to Pierre every year and do well. Plus, you can go to the National Grasslands their and hunt Prairie Chicken.You should be able to get your hands on good quality maps for public area and find plenty to hunt.

If you decide to go out to the national grasslands, take a rifle too, lots of prairie dogs to be shot at too. That can be awful exciting if you get on a good dog town.

Thanks again for all the help.

I hunt the Mitchell area alot (I'm from Mitchell) I stick to a 3 section of Public land just north east of mitchell (about 15 minutes or so) I've always had good luck and it's a big clump of land so even if alot of hunters get onto it I can usually find myself some unwalked area. For west of Mitchell my father and I used to hunt the public land between Plankinton & Whitelake. These public areas get hit really hard during the first part of the season. I've heard of good area hunting around the Woonsocket area.

I usually take my lab (also a pointer ) out around 2 - 3 and just hunt 'til sundown. the public land just north / east of Mitchell has always produced birds. I like the area because I always have to walk my dog to get some birds. Hens or roosters I no longer care as long as I get good dog work i'm happy with my hunt. Hunting the Kimball area I can go out for 30 minutes and already be heading home.

-Eric.

We don’t have any pheasants in South Dakota – I would look else ware.





I’ve hunted all over the state and even lived in Pierre for about 4 years. I would have to say that one of my favorite areas to hunt is west of Mitchell in the Stickney area. There are several nice pieces of public land in that area that I like to hunt. There will be some other hunters, but don’t worry about it – that can actually work to your advantage. When everyone starts walking, there are birds going in every direction. Make sure to get to where you want to hunt AT LEAST an hour before shooting time. Just chill out drink some water, visit, or whatever, and wait for noon.

Ive only hunted west of Milbank......Sounds like your Lab has some Kelloge in it.....My Lab points once in awhile but he likes the water more.......

This gets better every time I look. Oh, by the way, Pointing Labs rule!!

Wherever you decide to go, you shouldn't have too much trouble shooting some birds. The numbers are really looking good so far