10-23-2004, 08:06 PM
[size 2]PIERRE, S.D. – Unharvested crops hid birds and challenged hunters, but pleasant weather and fair success left an overall positive report for South Dakota’s pheasant opener.[/size]
[size 2]Game, Fish and Parks Regional Wildlife Manager Ron Schauer of Sioux Falls said, "most hunters had to work really hard for their birds." Abnormal amounts of unharvested corn, much of it thick and wind blown, provided more cover than usual for opening-day ringneck hunters. Larger hunting groups with dogs and blockers did the best in corn, where most of the pheasants seemed to be hiding. Smaller groups working the cornfields and grass had a tougher time containing roosters and getting them to fly, but hunters did better toward the end of the day as birds moved out of crops and into roosting cover. [/size]
[size 2]Most hunters in the central and eastern part of the state averaged around one-and-a-half birds per person by the end of the day. Some hunters in the east-central part of the state did better, averaging closer to two birds per hunter. Several hunters with limits were also checked toward the end of the day. Regional Wildlife Manager John Wrede of Rapid City said pheasants out west were difficult to find this year, as hunters averaged less than a bird each.[/size]
[size 2]Schauer suggested that hunters not get frustrated, but keep in mind that as more of the corn is harvested, hunting will get better. He also reminded hunters to be safe, wear plenty of blaze orange and be sure of their target and what is beyond. Safety is always a big concern, especially during the opener when thousands of hunters take to the fields. [/size]
[size 2]The cool temperatures, especially after last year, left most hunters with a positive attitude about the day. For many, the key was simply being able to get out hunting and spending a day with friends.[/size]
[size 2]Schauer noted that violations appeared to be down as well[/size][font "Arial"][#ff0000][size 2].[/size][/#ff0000][/font][font "Arial"][size 2] A few citations were issued to hunters for using lead shot on public land, trespassing, hunting without a license and transporting birds without sufficient plumage.[/size] [center][size 2]-[/size][/center][/font]
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[size 2]Game, Fish and Parks Regional Wildlife Manager Ron Schauer of Sioux Falls said, "most hunters had to work really hard for their birds." Abnormal amounts of unharvested corn, much of it thick and wind blown, provided more cover than usual for opening-day ringneck hunters. Larger hunting groups with dogs and blockers did the best in corn, where most of the pheasants seemed to be hiding. Smaller groups working the cornfields and grass had a tougher time containing roosters and getting them to fly, but hunters did better toward the end of the day as birds moved out of crops and into roosting cover. [/size]
[size 2]Most hunters in the central and eastern part of the state averaged around one-and-a-half birds per person by the end of the day. Some hunters in the east-central part of the state did better, averaging closer to two birds per hunter. Several hunters with limits were also checked toward the end of the day. Regional Wildlife Manager John Wrede of Rapid City said pheasants out west were difficult to find this year, as hunters averaged less than a bird each.[/size]
[size 2]Schauer suggested that hunters not get frustrated, but keep in mind that as more of the corn is harvested, hunting will get better. He also reminded hunters to be safe, wear plenty of blaze orange and be sure of their target and what is beyond. Safety is always a big concern, especially during the opener when thousands of hunters take to the fields. [/size]
[size 2]The cool temperatures, especially after last year, left most hunters with a positive attitude about the day. For many, the key was simply being able to get out hunting and spending a day with friends.[/size]
[size 2]Schauer noted that violations appeared to be down as well[/size][font "Arial"][#ff0000][size 2].[/size][/#ff0000][/font][font "Arial"][size 2] A few citations were issued to hunters for using lead shot on public land, trespassing, hunting without a license and transporting birds without sufficient plumage.[/size] [center][size 2]-[/size][/center][/font]
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