South Dakota

[Ken Hill]

We didn't see a lot of birds on the public land we hunted. We did manage to scratch a few birds for SD. I don't work pumps well--safety is a little different than a SxS, but it was my grandfather's model 12 so I used it.



Ken

[I have no idea why the photo is so small]

[Randy Roberts]

Back home and what a contrast in weather. Left SD with temp hovering at 30, light rain and 30 mph winds. 10 hours later driving through IA the vehicle read 82 at one point. The weather for opening week was definitely cooler than the norm. As I said earlier we were greeted with standing milo but the bird numbers were up substantially from prior years where we hunted. The grouse numbers were off the charts according to the locals and we saw a lot driving to and from the hunting area. We only harvested 3 as we spent all of our time trying to limit out on pheasants which we managed to do every day but we had to work for it. A good time was had by all. Time to get the archery equipment out for a bit before I head back to SD for round 2 next month.

One day while we were taking a lunch break I started hanging some birds on a fence post in an attempt to snap a few pics. It was later dubbed the picture post and used frequently used afterwards. A couple of which are attached.

[Double Lab]

So tell us what guns your group and you used and what loads. Inquiring minds want to know.

[Randy Roberts]

Originally Posted by Daryl Corona

So tell us what guns your group and you used and what loads. Inquiring minds want to know.

This group is all over the place with guns and loads but here goes:
For me I used a VHE 32" 16 ga choked .030/.030 with RST 1 oz of 5's @1200FPS exclusively. I also took a DHE in the same gauge/configuration but I never got it out as I was doing alright with the VHE and the weather was not the best.
Fred shot an A grade 16 gauge 28" Fox choked M/F with the same load as I.
Greg a Franchi 20 ga O/U with Rem Nitro Phez loads most of the time with an occasional appearance of his Benelli 20 ga Super Sport.
Jason shot a Win O/U 12 ga with Kent 2 3/4 shells stuffed with 1 3/8 oz of #5's traveling at something in the 1400's +. OUCH !!
Brother Bennie shot 1 gun. Rem 1100 Special Field 20 with Rem Nitro Phez #5 loads. I need to work on him but I fear it's to late.