In the Field: September 2008

2008 South Dakota Pheasantennial

In the Field: September 2008 In 1908, a few wild Chinese Ring-necked Pheasants were released into a field in Redfield, South Dakota. No one could have imagined the impact one little game bird would have on a state's economy. One hundred years later, this majestic bird is still providing outdoor enthusiasts from around the world with pleasures of the mind, eye and palate. The combination of habitat, wildlife management and fortunate weather patterns has made South Dakota a pheasant haven. The highly sought after ring-necked pheasant has made South Dakota an unrivaled wingshooting destination while being called the "Pheasant Capital" by many that travel here each year.

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the pheasant, South Dakota is planning a season-long celebration. The Pheasantennial: 100 Years of Tradition, will celebrate the history and heritage of the South Dakota state bird, while emphasizing the importance of conservation and preservation for future outdoor enthusiasts.

The South Dakota Office of Tourism will be developing a Web site dedicated to promoting the Pheasantennial. Visitors to this site will have the opportunity to register for a chance to win a variety of prizes with the grand prize being a 2009 three-day, late-season hunt for four (winner and three guests) with a special host and gear from a partner outfitter. Ten finalists will be invited back to South Dakota to take part in a drawing for the grand prize event in Mitchell, South Dakota.

For more details on the Pheasantennial, click here or contact Buddy Seiner, Outdoor Media Representative, for more information at (605) 773-3301 or Buddy.Seiner@state.sd.us.

If you have story ideas, dog photos, pre-1980 hunting photos and requests for future On The Wing consideration, please send correspondence to ahauck@pheasantsforever.org.

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