South Dakota Animal of the Month

February: Jackrabbit

The term rabbit is actually a misnomer for this long-limbed fellow, as it is technically a hare. Both pheasant and deer hunters have been surprised on more than one occasion by our friendly hare, as it can stand two feet tall and is surprisingly stealthy. This time of year the gangly, timid jackrabbit of the northern plains dons a winter white coat, making it camouflage in the snow.

Jackrabbits can be found anywhere throughout South Dakota. They can also be hunted year round. But don’t worry about eliminating the healthy hare, they are as prolific as their relatives the cottontail. They were a blessing to pioneers, are a mascot to our largest college, and will always be a mainstay of prairie life.

Ski in South Dakota

The snow is not waiting this year. Neither should those planning the perfect ski escape. Whether it is downhill, cross-country, or on a snowmobile, this South Dakota winter is sure to provide the experience sought by those who enjoy any type of skiing.

With better than average early snowfall, the base is already being established in the western half of South Dakota. The slopes of South Dakota’s two largest ski areas are slowly being buried by the sparkly crystals that comprise the one-of-a-kind Black Hills snow. Soon to follow will be the hard December snows in the east, laying the best tracks for cross country skis or snowmobiles.

“The winter season in South Dakota provides visitors with many exciting activities” says Richard Benda, Secretary for the Office of Tourism and State Development. “Our state provides the opportunity to enjoy everything from skiing to snowmobiling.”

For the adventurer seeking a down-hill thrill, Terry Peak and Mystic Miner Ski Resort at Deer Mountain provide two great venues in the Black Hills.

“Terry Peak has a very family friendly atmosphere and the fastest lifts around” says Tom Marsing, President and General Manager of Terry Peak Resort. “Most visitors are surprised to find two, high-speed quad chairlifts, and great snow at such an affordable price.”

Opened this year, Terry Peak Chalets provide executive level lodging for families, businesses and special events. The ski-in, ski-out chalets provide an atmosphere that duplicates the home away from home experience with countless amenities only available in the Northern Black Hills.

The summit of Terry Peak stands at 7,076 ft tall, with the highest vertical drop between the Rockies and the Alps. This hidden little resort is the perfect place to enjoy challenging slopes, clear mountain air, and down-hill runs through pine covered hills.

Mystic Miner Ski Resort at Deer Mountain is another great getaway. This ski resort boasts a terrain park, blizzard tube park, and sleigh rides. Whatever the skill level, Mystic Miner resort at Deer Mountain provides a variety of terrain. With its proximity to Deadwood, Mystic Miner Ski Resort is the perfect escape for a truly unique South Dakota winter skiing experience.

Great Bear Recreation Park provides the premier location for winter sports in eastern South Dakota. Located between Sioux Falls and Brandon, this ski area has 14 downhill trails, a terrain park, inner-tubing, and trails for cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. Being located near Sioux Falls, Great Bear provides many dining, lodging, and shopping options along with the winter recreation.

As with skis fixed on the feet, the skis fixed on snowmobiles will find plenty of rideable terrain in both the western and eastern parts of South Dakota. With over 350 miles of trails, The Black Hills remain one of the most unique riding venues in the U.S. The pungent pine forest covered with fine, white snow, leaves riders in a true winter wonderland.

The trails in eastern South Dakota provide a winter escape on rolling prairies. Riders who venture out will experience fast, open terrain and may spot everything from jackrabits to coyotes along the trail. There are also many points of entry to this trail system, making it easy to find accommodation within riding distance. The larger metropolitan areas of Watertown, Aberdeen, Brookings, Huron, Mitchell, Sioux Falls, Yankton, and Vermillion provide riders with dining, lodging, and entertainment during their stay.

South Dakota also provides miles of cross country skiing opportunity. Many of the state parks have trail systems beginning and ending near warming shelters. Each shelter has a wood burning stove and can accommodate up to 30 people. As with skiing and snowmobiling, cross country ski trails can be found statewide.

The South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks provides snowmobile and cross country skiing maps in print and online at www.sdgfp.info.

This winter, the snow in South Dakota will only enhance the opportunities for those looking for a winter getaway. From east to west, ski opportunities abound in the land of Great Faces and Great Places. For those looking to book the perfect winter getaway, there is no better place than South Dakota on skies.

For more information including vacation packages and booking information, visit www.TravelSd.com.

Ice fishing the Glacial Lakes of South Dakota

Last week’s’weeks’ cold snap has frozen even the largest of South Dakota’s glacial lakes, providing ice fisherman with a place to set their shacks. With so many lakes to choose from, the northeastern region of South Dakota is an ice fisherman’s paradise. The lakes also provide a variety of fish to catch. Lakes like Pickerel and Richmond are teeming with crappies and bluegill, while Waubay and Twin Lakes have walleye and northern pike.

FishermeanFisherman right now are having a lot of luck with teardrop jigs and wax worms when going for the pan fish. Eighth ounce jigs seem to be the trick for walleye and larger fish. More information about the lakes can be found by visiting http://www.sdglaciallakes.com/fishing-reports or the state game, fish and parks page at www.sdgfp.info.

South Dakota’s Animal of the Month (and state animal)

South Dakota’s animal of the Month

Wyle E. Coyote may have lived in the desert and spent all his time chasing the Road Runner but his offspring definitely made it to South Dakota. The coyote was adopted as South Dakota’s state animal in 1949. Native to the desert southwest, the coyote now ranges from Alaska, throughout most of Canada and the USA. In South Dakota, the coyote can be found statewide, with larger populations in the western half of the state.

Seeing a coyote might prove to be difficult but hearing them howl can be done any night of the week in South Dakota. Stop anywhere on Highway 1804, along the Missouri river during the evening, and you will be able to hear South Dakota’s state animal howling the song of the west.

Smallies of the Stilling Basin

Smallmouth bass can be found throughout much of the Missouri River system in South Dakota.  Known for their amazing fight, these fish bring joy to fisherman every spring, summer and fall. 

While I generally wait for the summer months to activly pursue these smallies in the sandy bays below Oahe Dam, we decided to check the spawning grounds in the Stilling Basin, and we were glad we did. 

Smallies are agressive when protecting a nest.  Use bright noisy baits to really get them to strike.  There was a slight wind from the west, allowing us to drift almost perfectly.  We were sight fishing, which is one of my favorite ways to find shallow fishing in the spring and summer.  The fun comes in the fishs’ active pursuit of your presentation.  Smallmouth, northern pike and white bass were all present that day, and we had shots at all of them. 

While going for smallies, we had a slight ”problem” with the white bass.  We couldn’t keep them off our line!  I know, I know, poor me.  Catching a 2-3 lb white bass on almost every cast was getting tiring, and I needed my strenghth for Mr. Smallmouth. 

A perfectly placed cast was all it took to hook the agressive smallies.  When the smallmouth did strike, they struck with ferocity.  They slammed the flashy jerkbait as soon as it hit the water, and the fight was on.  We only caught 3 smallmouth that day, but had an amazing time catching white bass while observing how fish behave together in the water.  Next time you are planning a trip for smallmouth/white bass, remember the stilling basin below Oahe Dam.  And don’t forget the kids!

Prettiest Fall Foliage Drives

Well, you guessed it….the Black Hills of South Dakota made the list.

If you and your family are looking for the perfect autumn  drive, head to the Black Hills. Follow two scenic byways:

1. 68-mile Peter Norbeck
2. 20-mile Spearfish Canyon 

Along the way you will find spruce, aspen, birch and oak trees. You will also find abundant wildlife and plenty of opportunities for beautiful photography. 

Check out the full article on the Yahoo Travel Web site, here: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-29634433

I also have to note that I was in Watertown last weekend and noticed that the leaves are really beginning to drop and changing colors quite fast! Sooner than I thought, but that cool weather in northeast part of the state may have something to do with it.

I also returned from a 2-day trip to Buffalo (northwest corner of the state) yesterday,  and went through Custer National Forest and also noticed the different colors on the trees out that way.

So if you are planning a trip to take in the fall foliage in South Dakota, start now!

Brood survey indicates another good year for pheasants

Well, the brood counts are in and the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks  counted an average of 6.32 pheasants per mile in 2009 as part of its annual pheasant brood survey. This is the fourth highest statewide count in the past 45 years.

So it looks to be another good year even though the statewide index has decreased from last year, the 2009 statewide pheasant per mile count is 13 percent higher than the 10-year average.

And trust me, there are plenty of birds to be hunted this season. Just driving around on the country roads right now, a person can figure that one out!

Another key point to keep in mind is that our state has sustained good pheasant populations over the past several years due to the quality habitat of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP land).

Get ready for another good year of pheasant hunting in South Dakota!

The detailed report can be found at: 
www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Hunting/Pheasant/Outlook.htm.

It’s a…Family Tradition

Well, it is getting to be that time of year again when the summer comes to an end, kids head back to school, the days get shorter and fall sets in. However, with the unseasonably cool weather we have been having throughout the state this summer; I feel it is going to be a smooth transition. And the only thing I can look forward to right now is the upcoming pheasant hunting season.

Pheasant hunting is a lifestyle in South Dakota. It brings strangers, old friends and families together for a great time in the outdoors. It is an exciting time for everyone in South Dakota as we welcome visitors from other states and show them a good time, with true Midwestern hospitality.

Late season hunt at the Sargent Ranch

For me, it means being with family and friends and truly taking in all that the outdoors has to offer here. I could not imagine living anywhere else, especially during the fall. I typically hunt around the Pierre area with friends and make it back to the Watertown area to hunt with my dad and our yellow lab, Dakota. The roosters are all over and this year is expected to be another high bird count. The pre-season population and expected bird count for 2009 will be compiled around mid-September.

Jenna and Emily

Joey Hockett and Emily Currey hunting after work

While pheasant hunting alone is enough to bring many hunters and families together to experience the tradition, this year there is even more to get excited about. The South Dakota Office of Tourism is partnering with communities across the state to throw out the red carpet for hunters and really show off our Midwest hospitality. We are calling it  Rooster Rush and will be giving away a guided pheasant hunt with Minnesota Viking Chad Greenway (Mount Vernon native) in March 2010 at Grand Ciel Lodge near Plankinton. Enter for your chance to win today!

As most everyone knows, the season begins in October with a resident youth hunt October 3-7 on both public and private lands, following that is the 3-day resident opener October 10-12 on public land only, then the statewide opener on October 17-January 3, 2010.

After the Hunt

So get ready, be safe and have fun. I know I am looking forward to it all!

See you in the field,

Emily

Experience the Old West: Go Horseback Riding!

Old West adventures can be found throughout the entire state of South Dakota, but to truly get an outdoor western experience like no other, get ready to saddle up and hit the trail because it is time for a ride.

Saddle Up Partner!

 

Be sure to bring all your tack and other riding gear!

Visit a State Park

Whether you are heading out alone, in a small group with friends or with your family, be sure to check out South Dakota’s state park system for resources on where to ride, what to expect and who to contact for reservations.

http://www.sdgfp.info/Parks/Recreation/Horseback.htm

Ask a Landowner

If you are having trouble finding a place to go horseback riding, ask a local landowner in the area you wish to ride in if it would be okay to ride in an open field. Be aware of junk, fences, loose wire, holes, snakes, and other items that could be laying around in the field or pasture; especially if you are not familiar with the land.

Horseback Riding along the Missouri River

Join a Trail Ride

There are many saddle and riding clubs throughout the state that offer organized trail rides throughout the summer and fall months. Here are a few I am aware of:

• Sisseton Trail Ride (first week in June)
• Clear Lake Rodeo Trail Ride (3rd weekend in June)
• Wilmot Trail Ride: July 10-12
• Big Stone Trail Ride: August 21-23
• Estelline Trail Ride
• Whoa Damn It Trail Ride
• Battle Creek Trail Ride: September 19
• To add a trail ride or for more information, check out: http://www.sdtrailrides.com/

No horses? No problem!

If you do not have your own horses, but still want the experience, check out the below locations for an Old West adventure you will never forget.

• Triple R Ranch: http://www.rrrranch.com/
• Blue Bell Lodge and Resort: http://www.custerresorts.com/activities.php
• Gunsel Horse Adventures: http://www.gunselhorseadventures.com/
• High Country Guest Ranch: http://www.highcountryranch.com/
• Rockin R Rides: http://www.rockingrtrailrides.com/
• Palmer Gulch Stables: http://www.ridesouthdakota.com/
• Badlands Ranch and Resort: http://www.badlandsranchandresort.com/trail_rides.html

For more information

To find out more about where to go horseback riding in South Dakota, please visit the Visitor Services Directory on our website at: http://www.travelsd.com/vsd/

Great scenery, great friends, great riding!

Horseback riding in central South Dakota

Load 'em up and head 'em out and get ready for next time!

Fishing over the Fourth

Not only is the Fourth of July about rodeos, parades and fireworks in the small towns across central South Dakota, but it is also about fishing the Missouri River. And we all know that the Missouri River is known for the walleye fishing.

We docked at Little Bend (about 35 miles north of Pierre on 1804) and cruised a bit further north where we fished in and out of the bays from about 11am until 3pm. There were four of us, so we had a limit of 16 fish. And we caught them all! I have to add that I caught 3 of the 16. I also caught 2 small mouth bass, but I threw them both back. 

Check out the pictures below, the walleyes were not huge by any means, but that is not what we were going for. We were all out to enjoy the great outdoors, listen to Chris LeDoux and have a good time. Plus, the fish that we caught make for better eating than the larger pound ones.

We used live bait (worms) and trolled the entire time.  It was tricky catching some of these guys. At a couple different times during the day, we would catch 2 or 3 right in a row, but then we would have to wait an hour or two before we caught another one. The fish were biting all day and we lost a lot of worms…which I am not afraid to admit. But we could not seem to figure out their strategy as to when to set the hook. It was a lot of fun anyways though because I totally outfished my boyfriend, who by the way did not catch a single fish all day. We still let him be in the pictures though.

Tate and Thad

Thad, Emily, Chad and Tate

Emily, Chad and Tate