Hunting and Fishing

A Hunter’s Paradise

From late September to early December each year, eastern South Dakota attracts several species of migrating birds. 350,000 snow and blue geese stop in South Dakota on their way south for the winter. More than 15 million ducks migrate annually through South Dakota as well, including mallards, gadwalls, pintails, and teals.

The Chinese Ring-necked Pheasant is South Dakota’s state bird and the source of a temporary population boom in the area when pheasant season opens the third Saturday in October. Hunters from around the state and across the country descend upon the area in hopes of bagging their share of the thriving pheasant population. The season extends through late December.

East River whitetail deer are attracted to the area’s crops and entice both bow and rifle hunters from around the area.

Reel ‘em In

The Brookings area has several lakes that provide excellent year-round entertainment. Five local lakes offer public lake access for fisherman looking to reel in the big one. While walleye claim top honors with fishermen in the area, several other species of fish are found here, including northern pike, perch, crappie, and small mouth bass.

Hunters and fisherman find ample opportunities for entertainment and recreation year round in the Brookings area.