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mardi 22 juillet 2014

Info Post
By Sharron Cantu


South Dakota is dotted with population centers known as micropolitan statistical areas. These have one or two urban centers surrounded by thousands of acres of wide open spaces. One of these areas is Estelline, with a grand population of around 770 people as of the 2010 census. Estelline also happens to be a perfect environment for South Dakota pheasant hunting. The entire population occupies an area of just less than one square mile. This makes working out the population density of Estelline a very simple matter. Now, compare it to New York, the nation's most populous city, with a density of 28,000 per square mile.

Two other great pheasant-hunting grounds in the state are Aberdeen, another micropolitan statistical area located about a two and a half hour drive northwest of Estelline, and Chamberlain, about five hours' drive southwest of Estelline. The population in Chamberlain in 2010 was just over twice that of Estelline at 2,387, while the population density is half that, at 360 per square mile. Comparatively speaking, Aberdeen is a bustling metropolis with a 2010 population of 40,600 (1,700 per square mile).

Situated on the Missouri River, Chamberlain forms part of pheasant-hunting's Golden Triangle. Brood counts, currently around 16 per square mile, have been steadily increasing over the decade up to 2014. The statewide average is roughly half that. Aberdeen boasts some 200,000 acres of available land for the public to feed its pheasant-hunting habit. It's been said that hunters in Aberdeen can sometimes average roughly nine birds per season.

The family name for pheasants is Phasianidae. The differences between male and female specimens are very striking. Males, in particular, are very colorful and possess pronounced wattles and long tails. These birds are highly adaptable. They adapt easily to new climates and are capable of breeding in captivity.

As a pastime, shooting Phasianidae is pleasant, not to mention great exercise. It is highly advisable to practice with your shotgun before you go out for some serious stalking. Clay pigeon, or skeet, shooting is a good way to practice aiming ahead of your target. Only shoot after your target is above human height.

There is a lot of schlepping up and down hills in this sport and you often have to trudge through marshes. Make sure your constitution is up to it. When sticking together in groups, hunters will walk in a single, horizontal, row to guard against accidentally shooting one another.

Bringing along man's best friend can enhance the entire experience. There are different breeds of dog depending on what you want them to do. If you want a dog that will point to the birds while you flush them out, then get a GSP/GWP or a Brittany. If you want the dog to flush the bird for you, get a retriever or a spaniel.

An extra perk to wearing yourself out and getting sopping wet is the possibility that you will bring home a little something for the dinner table. Slowly roast it, perhaps with juniper berries, and serve alongside a jug of old-fashioned bread sauce.




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