South Dakota · Est. 2018 Call or Text: (239) 210-1191
Pheasants, Prairie Chickens & Sharp-Tailed Grouse

South Dakota upland bird hunts.

Few places in North America are as synonymous with upland hunting. Wild birds behind good dogs.

01 Overview

South Dakota Upland Bird Hunts

South Dakota Access offers customized upland bird hunts across private ranches, native grasslands, CRP fields, agricultural transitions and prairie habitat throughout South Dakota. Few places in North America are as synonymous with upland bird hunting, and these hunts provide access to some of the state's most productive bird country.

Whether you're pursuing flushing roosters, coveys of prairie chickens, or hard-flying sharp-tailed grouse, we can match hunters with opportunities that fit their goals and preferred hunting style.

South Dakota remains one of the premier destinations for wild pheasants, while prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse provide a true Great Plains upland experience.

  • Target speciesRing-Necked Pheasant, Greater Prairie Chicken & Sharp-Tailed Grouse
  • RegionPrivate Ranches, CRP & Native Prairie
  • Season2025 state season: Oct 18 – Jan 31
  • Pricing range$300–450 per gun per day hunt only · $1,200 per day all inclusive
Pricing

Guided, semi-guided & access-only private ranch and Lakota tribal hunts

2–8 guns · per gun per day, hunt only
$300–450

All-inclusive pheasant hunts on private ranches and preserves

6–20 guns · per gun per day, all inclusive
$1,200

A 50% deposit is required to hold a spot for upland bird hunts. Prices do not include 5.7% sales tax or gratuity, and online payments carry a 3% convenience fee. A State of South Dakota non-resident small game license costs $142. Availability varies by species, season dates and bird populations.

02 What's Included

What comes with the hunt.

  • Guided or semi-guided upland hunt
  • Access to private ranches
  • Bird dog assistance
  • Current scouting and hunt planning
  • Bird retrieval support
  • No trophy fees
03 Detail

Private Ranch Upland Hunts

Private ranch hunts provide access to carefully selected properties featuring ideal upland bird habitat and limited hunting pressure. Hunters work native prairie, CRP grasslands, shelterbelts, grain fields, alfalfa, creek systems and agricultural transitions behind experienced bird dogs. Depending on the season and target species, expect a variety of hunting scenarios and challenging shooting.

04 Where You'll Hunt

The country.

01

Native Prairie Grasslands

Large expanses of native prairie provide ideal habitat for both prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse. These birds often inhabit open landscapes where hunters cover significant ground behind bird dogs.

02

Agricultural Transition Areas

The combination of native grass, CRP fields and agricultural influence creates productive habitat and excellent bird numbers throughout many parts of South Dakota.

03

Missouri River Region

Rolling hills, prairie habitat and grassland systems near the Missouri River support healthy populations of prairie grouse and create classic upland hunting.

04

Western Prairie Country

Expansive ranches and native grasslands provide some of the state's most authentic prairie bird hunting opportunities.

From the Field

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