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Preparation is key to hunting success this pheasant season

Game, Fish, and Parks

This interview is from SDPB's daily public-affairs show, In the Moment, hosted by Lori Walsh.

The pheasant hunters who are succeeding so far this season are the ones who put in extra preparation, according to a spokesman for the Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

"You can tell those are the hunters that have been scouting, really putting their time in to pattern those birds, figure out where they are. And they're getting the success of that right now," said Nick Harrington.

He said the ongoing harvesting of crops is also playing a role in hunter success.

“A lot of it has to do with where the crops are, whether the crops have been harvested or not," Harrington said. "So, areas that have had a lot of crop harvest, those hunters are generally doing better. Whereas areas that those crops are still standing in the field, that's where those hunters are encountering a little bit tougher conditions.”

Harrington recommends hunters come fully prepared as many retailers are struggling to restock ammunition.

Pheasant season is open until Jan. 31.

Megan hosts All Things Considered and the SDPB News podcast.