The annual Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic got their limit in South Dakota.
It was a long time coming, according to many in South Dakota. Pheasant’s Forever has an incredibly large following in the state. It’s no surprise really when you consider that the Ringneck Pheasant is the state bird of South Dakota. What’s better than a state that not only allows you to shoot the state bird, but actually encourages it?
Organizers of Pheasant Fest received the orange carpet treatment in South Dakota. It was the group’s third highest attendance since the event was formed. That’s saying something considering Sioux Falls, the host city, was the smallest to ever hold the festivities. Attendance tipped the scales at just shy of 29,000 people. That’s a lot of blaze orange and camouflage.
“Upland conservation and the traditions of pheasant hunting have deep roots in South Dakota. The passion of its residents was evident throughout a spectacular weekend,” stated Howard Vincent, president and CEO of Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever. “The city of Sioux Falls and the state of South Dakota hosted what will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the top National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic conventions since the show’s debut in 2003.”
Festivities lasted from dawn to dusk over three days. Between bird dog training sessions, wild game cooking demonstrations, and podcast recordings by the likes of Steven Rinella’s Meat Eater and The Hunting Dog Podcast, there was little time for sleep. Hundreds of great vendors and volunteers helped put the finishing touch on a fantastic event.
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