By Lane Hokanson, Active Outdoors Concierge
This article is for those of you that may be considering a trip to bird hunt in South Dakota. My intention is to tell you what you need to know and just how much it may cost.
Full disclosure, my business works directly with the Grand Lodge and our responsibilities include business development. Bear with me, you will find what you are about to read helpful.
The Hunters
The Time of Season
The Costs
What You Are Getting
What You Want
The Hunters - the hunters that come to South Dakota to wing shoot usually have a remarkable experience and come back from year -to- year. The next group of hunters are those that are yet to travel to South Dakota. They dream about the huge numbers of birds and have wanted to come for some time; they have just not pulled the trigger yet. They will come. It just has not happened yet…
Time of the Season - the season in South Dakota for wing shooting starts on the 01st of September and stretches through the New Year. On large, expansive preserves such as the Grand Lodge of Highmore, South Dakota, you may hunt from September through March of any given year. Most wing shooting enthusiasts vary on what time constitutes the best option for them. If it is bird volume and high concentrations you are looking for, it is very hard to beat the Christmas Season. All would agree that when the agricultural harvest is winding down that bird hunting really takes off. The Thanksgiving Holiday often commemorates a significant dent in the standing crops; bird numbers concentrate at this time and you are assured heavy concentrations of upland birds at this time. Mid -to-late October is very often busy with hunters that seek a more tolerable set of weather dynamics; these days afield are often enjoyable and hunting in short sleeves is common. In sum, October hunters usually enjoy the best weather. November is usually the busiest month. November hunters seek a balance of good weather and modest bird concentrations. December hunters see the most birds and the fewest hunters – it can also be cold and uncomfortable from time to time.
The Costs - Airfare: the options associated with flying into South Dakota are limited. At the present time, Sioux Falls (SE) and Pierre (C) are the only two viable options. At the time of this article, Delta and other secondary carriers are no longer serving Aberdeen. However, it is possible to charter smaller private aircraft into many rural locations – some are surprisingly well appointed. Please phone (952) 564-5152 for assistance in this area. Advantage: the limitations encountered with private and charter aviation when flying with guns, dogs and ammunition are much more tolerable than with the major carriers. Many report that they use charters for this very reason. Less aggravation, less worry, much more predictable. Constraint: charter services can sometimes cost more.
All-inclusive costs: most all-inclusive package pricing in South Dakota will include transportation to and from regional airports, to your access to exclusive hunting grounds, lodging, guides, beverages, dogs, shells, guns, bird processing and packaging. Rates in South Dakota for an amenity package such as the one noted above range from $700/hunter/day to more than $2,000/hunter/day. Always break your quoted price down based on the following formula. The real value is calculated (in significant part) by = $ / hunter / day / # of birds you see.
Licenses: are reasonable. From as little as $40/single day -to- $115 for 10 days.
Gun Rental: some will charge and most will roll into your package if requested on the front-end. Secure this agreement in writing. Many of the all-inclusive providers have relationships with the firearms manufacturers. The equipment is usually in good repair and will often suit most needs.
Shells: you should not be charged for shells. Ask what they use? If you are pursuing pheasant for example, you cannot go wrong with 12 GA, #4 shot, 1 ¼ oz loads @ 1350 fps or greater. If you have questions, we are happy to assist you. Please phone (952) 564-5152.
Tipping: you should consider a range from 15% -to- 20% of your total package cost. Consider partitioning your allocated amount between the field staff, the wait staff, and domestic staff and distribute accordingly. Most lodges have policies regarding the dispersal of gratuities for staff. If this is not covered at an orientation feel free to inquire. It would be unfortunate to have a supportive gesture get someone in hot water. It happens. Respect this.
What You Are Getting - it is important to be able to identify what is most important for you and your respective group members.
1) Price?
2) Intentional Business: What are you trying to accomplish? How will this be measured? When do you know you have succeeded? Open to assistance?
3) Time of year? Weather limitations? Desired bird numbers? Hunter density?
4) Flexibility to hunt for multiple species or even fish?
5) How many birds do you want to shoot? How many can you shoot (this varies)?
6) The ease of travel in terms of time and distance?
7) Food, service, and accommodation standards?
Suggestions:
Develop an intimate understanding of your budget
Focus on the lodges that can most likely deliver your core areas of interest
Be clear with them
Be honest with yourself and work within your budget
What You Want - ask direct questions of your potential provider.
1) How are you different than other lodges in South Dakota?
2) What is the most significant thing that sets your lodge apart?
3) May I contact previous guests or businesses as reference resources?
4) What options do I have for flying to your location?
5) How do you transport us while hunting? Do you provide assistance in the field?
6) What type of cover do you hunt?
7) How many birds can we harvest in a day? How many species are available?
8) May we also hunt for other species?
9) Do you offer scalable pricing and support for non-hunters?
10) What services do you provide for beginners and those with limitations?
11) How many other guests will we potentially be hunting with?
12) Can we secure an exclusive experience? What are your minimum criterion?
13) What kinds of unique clothing and or gear do you recommend?
14) Can you outfit or clothing and/or gear needs as they arise?
15) Will you provide individual instruction?
16) Tell me about your thoughts on safety?
17) What can I do to lower the cost of my stay? Will you work with me?
18) Do you have the facilities to support a professional meeting?
19) Do you have experience facilitating intentional business? Ancillary support?
20) Many lodges are geographically isolated. Do you have internet services?
Lane Hokanson is the Founder and Director of Business Operations for Active Outdoors ~ Concierge and Adventure Travel. Lane is an experienced wingshooting and flyfishing guide and he helps businesses connect in the outdoors. For more information about Active Outdoors, please visit their website at: www.ActiveOutdoorsConcierge.com . You may also phone (952) 564-5152.