Pheasant Hunting in South Dakota

Through prodding of Bob Crider and Steve Wilson, I agreed to join them and some other fellas on my first-ever pheasant hunt. This is an annual event for these guys, but I had never bird hunted, haven't fired a gun in 50 years, and had just bought a 20-gauge that I had not shot until the first day of the hunt. I agreed to go, but thought I would do more photo shooting than hunting. Turns out I had a great time and actually bagged 5 birds - not a big tally for serious hunters, but very exciting for me. I enjoyed the camaraderie, the food, the miles of walking through some challenging terrain, and watching the dogs do their magic. I hope this becomes an annual event for me. Jim Faulstich at the Daybreak Ranch in Highmore, SD, manages an amazing working ranch of 8,000 acres and is a great guy to be around while guiding us on our hunts - knowledgeable, organized, humorous, humble, and the consummate professional - makes you come away feeling like a new friend.

Steve Wilson and Sally 

 Morning briefing for the day's hunt

 Suppertime at the farm house

Goose migration

 After the hunt: Elliot Vanderstek, Jess Vanderstek, Jack Mays, Jim Carroll, Steve Wilson, Me, Vic Anderson

Moe and Buck