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.
Other popular hunting grounds in the state include Chamberlain, which is roughly a five-hour drive to the southwest of Estelline; and Aberdeen, two or three hours' drive to the northwest of Estelline. Like Estelline, Aberdeen is a micropolitan statistical area. There were around 40,600 residents in Aberdeen as at the 2010 census; this equates to 1,700 per square mile). In terms of population, Chamberlain is twice as large as Estelline with a population of 2,387. Here, they appear to be more broadly spread out than the people in Estelline; Chamberlain has a population density of only 360 per square mile.
Situated on the Missouri River, Chamberlain forms part of what is known as the Golden Triangle among pheasant-hunters. The average brood counts in the area can reach 16/square mile, twice the statewide mean. Around Aberdeen, the hunter has access to approximately 200,000 acres within which to pursue his or her sport. Here, the average yield per hunter can reach nine 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.
While a lot of fun, gathering Phasianidae for the dinner table is fabulous exercise. Experts recommend familiarizing yourself with your shotgun before you venture into the wilderness. Practicing with clay pigeons should give you plenty of confidence. While going to the local dump and shooting pigeons is not without its emotional gratification, this is often frowned upon by local authorities.
You will also need to make sure you are fit before you venture into the wilderness. This is a sport that involves a lot of walking up and down hills and through marsh areas. When you are out shooting with your buddies, you must walk side by side to avoid shooting each other.
Bringing man's best friend along for the ride can be very useful. Before you decide which breed to settle down with, ask yourself whether you want your dog to point or flush. Pointing refers to the beast showing you where to flush out your own prey. If you want the dog to do the flushing for you, get a retriever or a spaniel. Brittanies, on the other hand, make good pointers.
An added benefit to spending the day in the wilderness and wearing yourself out is being able to take your catch home and feed the family, like the hunter-gatherers of yesteryear. Try it roasted in juniper berries and serve a bread sauce alongside. Do be careful not to let the bird dry out.
Other popular hunting grounds in the state include Chamberlain, which is roughly a five-hour drive to the southwest of Estelline; and Aberdeen, two or three hours' drive to the northwest of Estelline. Like Estelline, Aberdeen is a micropolitan statistical area. There were around 40,600 residents in Aberdeen as at the 2010 census; this equates to 1,700 per square mile). In terms of population, Chamberlain is twice as large as Estelline with a population of 2,387. Here, they appear to be more broadly spread out than the people in Estelline; Chamberlain has a population density of only 360 per square mile.
Situated on the Missouri River, Chamberlain forms part of what is known as the Golden Triangle among pheasant-hunters. The average brood counts in the area can reach 16/square mile, twice the statewide mean. Around Aberdeen, the hunter has access to approximately 200,000 acres within which to pursue his or her sport. Here, the average yield per hunter can reach nine 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.
While a lot of fun, gathering Phasianidae for the dinner table is fabulous exercise. Experts recommend familiarizing yourself with your shotgun before you venture into the wilderness. Practicing with clay pigeons should give you plenty of confidence. While going to the local dump and shooting pigeons is not without its emotional gratification, this is often frowned upon by local authorities.
You will also need to make sure you are fit before you venture into the wilderness. This is a sport that involves a lot of walking up and down hills and through marsh areas. When you are out shooting with your buddies, you must walk side by side to avoid shooting each other.
Bringing man's best friend along for the ride can be very useful. Before you decide which breed to settle down with, ask yourself whether you want your dog to point or flush. Pointing refers to the beast showing you where to flush out your own prey. If you want the dog to do the flushing for you, get a retriever or a spaniel. Brittanies, on the other hand, make good pointers.
An added benefit to spending the day in the wilderness and wearing yourself out is being able to take your catch home and feed the family, like the hunter-gatherers of yesteryear. Try it roasted in juniper berries and serve a bread sauce alongside. Do be careful not to let the bird dry out.
