Pheasant Hunting Adventure in South Dakota

The crisp morning air bit at my face as Jim Winter and I stepped off the old diesel school bus onto the frost-covered fields of Medicine Creek Pheasant Ranch, just outside of Vivian, South Dakota. The sound of the engine idling in the distance mixed with the rustling of dried Milo and Corn stalks in the wind. Our guides, Lany and Justin, were already waiting with the dogs—a sleek, eager black Lab named Lady Bird and a scrappy Scottish Terrier named BeBe, whose short legs didn’t seem to slow her down one bit. I cradled my Winchester SX3 semi-auto, while Jim handled a borrowed CZ over-and-under, both of us eager to get started.

The first morning was nothing short of incredible. Pheasants burst from the fields in all directions as we worked through the thick cover. Walking row after row, the dogs flushed out bird after bird, the sky erupting with color and movement. Jim and I took turns dropping birds from the sky, working efficiently with the group, and by noon, we had both reached our five-bird limit. Back at the lodge, the scent of a hearty pheasant white bean chili filled the air, a perfect reward for our morning’s effort. After a well-earned meal, we unwound with cigars and bourbon, letting the warmth seep in before heading out again.

That afternoon, we switched things up, heading to a sunflower field to hunt grouse. This was a different kind of challenge, catching them as they flew in, but the experience was just as rewarding. The ranch’s old school buses rumbled across the terrain, carrying us to and from the fields, adding to the rustic charm of the trip.

Our accommodations were just as memorable. Jim and I stayed in the basement of the lodge house, cozy and comfortable after long days in the field. Meals were served in a converted barn with a lounge on the top floor, its walls lined with taxidermy and artifacts from hunts past. The wood-stocked bar added an extra touch of charm, making every evening feel like a celebration of tradition and camaraderie.

The next morning, we set out again, this time with a strong and determined black Lab named Boxer. The birds were runners today, darting through the rows of corn and forcing us to be strategic in our approach. By the time we reached the end of the rows, they exploded into the sky, giving us a thrilling challenge. Later, we shifted to hunting ditches and windrows lined with junipers, where we found even more success. By noon, we had hit our limit once again, just in time for another hearty lunch before returning to the sunflower fields for grouse.

Saturday marked the final day of our hunt, and we made the most of it. Hunting with Boxer again, along with a yellow Lab named Mac, we focused on the windrows, where the pheasants were thick. The shooting was fast, and I managed a couple of doubles, along with a few long shots I was particularly proud of. The morning’s hunt ended quickly with another full limit, allowing us to return to the lodge early.

The rest of the day was spent in the company of other hunters, some from Georgia, gathered around the lodge’s television screens to watch college football. The camaraderie, the stories, and the shared passion for the hunt made for the perfect ending to an unforgettable trip.

Hunting at Medicine Creek Pheasant Ranch was more than just a hunt—it was an experience filled with great company, skilled dogs, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime. As Jim and I packed up for the trip home, I couldn’t help but think about the next time we’d find ourselves walking these fields, shotguns in hand, ready for another adventure.

Sunday morning, we headed back to Rapid City, South Dakota, to catch our flight home. With our flight scheduled for later in the day, we decided to take the long route, winding through the Badlands to take in the breathtaking scenery. The rugged terrain, with its dramatic rock formations and vast open spaces, was unlike anything else. Along the way, we spotted herds of American Bison grazing in the distance, along with other wildlife that called this unique landscape home. It was a perfect way to cap off an incredible trip, taking in the raw beauty of South Dakota one last time.

After finishing our scenic detour through the Badlands, we made our way into Rapid City, grabbed a quick bite to eat, and arrived at the airport just in time for our flight. As we settled into our seats, the memories of the past few days played through my mind—shotgun blasts echoing through the fields, the steady work of the dogs, the warmth of the lodge, and the camaraderie of good friends. It had been a hunt to remember, and I already found myself looking forward to the next one.