Going south
 

South Dakota, of course. Drove 1200 miles Tuesday, feeling a little rough today. I took three birds, my buddy Terry got 2 a good first day. Also moved a big flock of sharpies.

Shot them with a 12 ga Ugartechea, wishing I'd brought a 20 ga, theses birds got up close. I hate carrying heavy guns, the Uggie is just under 7 lbs

Public or private land? Always wanted to check out SD.

Hey Harold...wow that rooster has a loooong tail in your picture did you measure it...Hope you guys are having a great time....ware are you?

Ira, we hunt all public land, WPAs, CREP, WMAs etc. Don't know anyone to get on private land, but there is no lack of ground to hunt. Probably moving a couple hundred birds per day, but most get up out of range--but not all. They are especially wild late season like this.
I got 2 roosters and buddy Terry 2 also. If you see places where you can shoot 5 per day, they are releasing pen raised birds to be able to do this.

Shooting Kent bismuth #4s

What?
 

I am offended, Harold...not true.

Not sure what you mean Dean, what's not true.

Wild Birds
 

All wild birds, Harold.

I hunt the same area in E/SE SD for 33 seasons now; best year in 18 years. The hatch was phenomenal, 97% of birds shot have been this years birds. First 6 weeks were 2, maybe 3 of us…last 6 weeks usually 4, 5, and one group of 6. Used up 4 licenses, 8 trips, mostly 4 days hunting, a few 5. Limits most days, mostly hunting private, 10% public? Lots of new public ground in my area, lots of bird production. Same with private, fair amount of fairly new CRP. Great carryover from last year…great hatch. My pup has had 40+ days between both Dakota’s…doing better than I ever hoped! Much fun!