| Winner, SD |
| GEAR |
| *Gear & Safety* |
| Pheasant hunting means a lot of walking. We can't stress enough that your boots will make or break your trip. A good pair of hunting boots can cost some money, but will be your best investment! Gor Tex or other waterproof material is also highly recommended for keeping your feet dry. Be prepared for ALL weather conditions! One day it may be 65 degress and you will be in a t-shirt, the next day it could be raining or even snowing! Bring several layers. Coveralls or insulated pants and a light and heavy coat if possible. |
| SAFETY |
| You are required by law to have a South Dakota Small Game License. For license info or to purchase your license online, go to http://www.sdgfp.info/licenses.htm Or, licenses can be purchased at many gas staions and stores in Winner. Wear blaze orange outerwear. We recommend a blaze orange hat or a blaze orange vest. If you bring your own dog, please have all vaccinations up to date. Dogs must be well behaved and are your responsibility. No alcohol is allowed before or during the hunt. There is plenty of time after the hunt to celebrate the day's accomplishments. We expect nothing less that perfect gun handling etiquette. Guns must be visibly open, except when in the field hunting. At all times guns will be pointed away from any living thing. When carried in the field, guns will be pointed up, never parallel, never to the ground, and never to the rear. All shots will be taken up, never parallel to the ground or lower. Ground shots are never allowed. Birds on the ground belong to the dogs. Very simple, if there is even the slightest chance you do not have a safe shot, do not take it. For everyone's sake, always think and practice gun safety! Another aspect of shotgun safety is clean killing of the birds. We hunt wary and strong, wild birds. Unless you are expertly skilled in wingshooting, leave your light loads and small gauge guns at home. On the other hand, you don't need the 3 1/2 inch double magnums. A 12 gauge, 2 3/4 inch, 4,5, or 6 shot pheasant load will be very adequate. Each morning, prior to going to the fields, you are encouraged to warm up on the trap range. |
| Rick & Lin Shippy |