Hunting

South Dakota is one of the top two pheasant harvest states and claims the top number of birds per hunter per season. Located in the top ring-neck range, Mitchell is regarded as one of the best pheasant hunting spots in the nation, a position it has maintained for decades. The highest concentration of hunting guides in South Dakota can be found in the Mitchell area, offering an excellent selection when planning your hunt.

The season generally begins the third week of October, although residents and youth have chances to hunt public land prior to that. Additionally, several area hunting preserves enjoy expanded seasons.

High pheasant numbers usually mean more competition from other hunters, so we recommend waiting to come until after cold weather sets in. The first significant snowfall of the season often arrives in early November. If a day of hunting in snow sounds like fun, November can be the highlight of the season. Many times, you will have better luck finding availability in the late season, and the fields are plowed so there are less opportunities for our wily ring-necks to hide.

If you enjoy fishing, Lake Mitchell offers exceptional pan fishing like crappie and bluegill. It also offers bass fishing opportunities with small mouth bass coming on strong. Walleye fishing can be challenging but rewarding. Bigger fish can be taken in the spring and fall of the year. In the winter try ice fishing for walleye or pan fish. Mitchell is convenient to the Missouri River system that presents some of the finest walleye production areas in the world. Early spring and late in the fall are the best times of the year to fish on the Missouri. Plentiful supplies of catfish can also be found on the James River, which borders Mitchell to the east.

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks has made it easier for outdoor enthusiasts to purchase hunting and fishing licenses online or download the Hunting Handbook.

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