The South Dakota Department of Tourism has renewed their national sponsorship with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever through 2023 in support of the organization’s landscape-level habitat initiatives which support South Dakota’s status as “The World’s Pheasant Capital.” Through this partnership, the Department markets to the largest collection of upland hunters in the nation, while providing direct monetary support to Pheasants Forever’s mission of habitat conservation.
“Pheasants Forever is thrilled to renew our longstanding partnership with the South Dakota Department of Tourism,” said Chris Kalis, Pheasants Forever’s director of corporate partnerships. “Exciting prospects lie ahead for Pheasants Forever in South Dakota — we couldn’t be more pleased to have the support of the Department of Tourism as we look forward to building our extensive habitat initiatives in the pheasant capital.”
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks estimates show pheasant hunting generated $246 million in economic impacts for the state in 2021. Those revenues are the result of 54,411 resident and 75,606 non-resident pheasant hunters purchasing licenses, fuel, food and lodging during the state’s season. Habitat is considered the critical factor for maintaining long-term pheasant populations in the state, which are looking to rebound after a dry summer in 2021. The notion of habitat’s importance is emphasized by the South Dakota Department of Tourism with their overarching support of Pheasants Forever – funding which impacts habitat programs on the local level, including the Community-Based Habitat Access Program, South Dakota CREP enrollments, and other programs.
“Pheasant hunting is a critical part of the tourism economy in South Dakota. In fact, it is a lifeline for many small businesses in our state. Our strong partnership with Pheasants Forever allows our department to reach thousands of potential hunters and share our incredible hunting and outdoor experiences with them,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the Department of Tourism. “Our partnership also allows us to continue to put a solid spotlight on the importance of preserving and expanding habitat so pheasant hunting can continue to be a staple of our economy and way of life for generations to come.”
In addition to advertising in the
Pheasants Forever Journal &
Quail Forever Journal, the South Dakota Department of Tourism will be a featured exhibitor and diamond sponsor for the South Dakota Pavilion at Pheasants Forever’s
2023 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic in Minneapolis on February 17, 18 and 19. Additionally, South Dakota Tourism will be the major sponsor of the event’s renowned opening day ceremony, the Bird Dog Parade.
Use the following link to purchase your 2022/2023 South Dakota pheasant hunting license today:
https://gfp.sd.gov/hunt-fish-license/.
About Pheasants Forever
Pheasants Forever and
Quail Forever make up the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 400,000 members, supporters and partners is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education and advocacy. A network of 754 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent — the only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. Since its creation in 1982, the organization has dedicated more than $1 billion to 567,500 habitat projects benefiting 22 million acres.
Media Contact
Jared Wiklund
(651) 209-4953
jwiklund@pheasantsforever.org