We dropped the tailgate and asked three South Dakota experts about the art of the late season hunt
Normally, running late isn’t great. We’ve all been there – darting through hard yellows on the way to work, scrambling to get kids ready, feeling crushed when a truck’s camped on your favorite walk-in. No one’s immune to the occasional bout of lateness. But when it comes to pheasant hunting, you can embrace the late!
Because on the Northern Plains, late season is the great season. And now, in the third year of an extended pheasant calendar (open until January 31), there’s more time than ever to chase winter roosters. The cold isn’t for everyone. But those who brave it reap the rewards. With the right gameplan, there’s no reason this can’t be your favorite time to get out. For tips and tricks, we dropped the tailgate and asked three South Dakota experts about the art of the late season hunt. Here’s what they said.
For so many people, pheasant hunting is an October activity. What’s great about late season?
» Nick Harrington (South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks):
The last couple years, Mother Nature has been extremely kind to hunters by providing some excellent January hunting opportunities. When the South Dakota winters decide to play kind, this can be an excellent opportunity for hunters to enjoy hunting into the new year.
» Chris Hull, (South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks):
Late season really is the best time to hunt. Crowds are gone, most of the crops are gone and the birds are concentrated into certain area. Key in on heavy winter cover, food and open water, and you can have a lot of success.
What’s your favorite tip for winter hunting?
» Melissa Bachman (Host of 'Winchester deadly passion'):
Remember to keep eating. Your body is like a furnace. It needs fuel to stay warm. Keep snacks in your pockets, and eat throughout the day while you’re in the field to help stay warm and energized.
» Chris Hull:
If you have an area you really want to hunt, you have to approach it from a distance away – even using deer hunting tactics like staying out of sight and using the wind & silence as much as possible. Also, winter hunting can be great for a group of people. Surrounding a certain area and then coming at it from all sides can be effective and a ton of fun.
» Nick Harrington:
Late season birds are educated roosters. They’ve been through a season and have learned a thing or two. Slamming the truck doors and making lots of noise is going to likely result in them vacating the area before you ever hit the field. Stay quiet, stealthy and smart because the roosters certainly are.
What’s your favorite piece of equipment?
» Melissa Bachman:
The DSG Heated Vest and its button on the chest with three levels of heat. Once you warm up, you can turn it down or turn it off as needed. This is the easiest way I’ve found to layer without having to carry extra clothes. Just knowing you can crank up the heat at any time gives you piece of mind and keeps you warm in even the coldest conditions. Layer a jacket over the top to keep that heat sealed in, and you should be set for almost any type of weather.
» Chris Hull:
Thermal long underwear like Under Armour can be useful. Honestly, I think the best gear is hand and foot warmers. Thick gloves can get in the way of shooting, so having multiple hand warmers in different pockets and even inside a pair of thin gloves is a savvy move.
» Nick Harrington
A pair of warm, quality boots is key. Whether ice fishing or hunting pheasant or deer nothing can put a damper on winter activities like wet feet and hands. I look for the most insulated boots possible. My favorites are 2000g insulated boots. Rubber boots, such as Muck Boots, are also a great option as they are waterproof when trudging through snow and slush pockets.
For more stories from the field, and tips on late season hunts, visit HuntTheGreatestSD.com.