1. What are your main duties at the lodge?
I am responsible for overseeing the entire operation, blending high-end hospitality management with complex outdoor wildlife and hunting logistics. I assist the TDR team in creating a very welcoming and comfortable hunting experience for our guests.

2. When the season is open, what is your number one goal while hunters are here, and how do you achieve it?
Being prepared and ready to give our guests a great hunting experience. The team achieves this by putting in the work long before the season opens and guests arrive.

3. If you could use three words to describe yourself, what would they be and why?
Focused, vigilant, and methodical. The team and I are always working to ensure our guests have an enjoyable stay and an outstanding hunting experience. Because we host only one group at a time at our exclusive lodge, we stay focused on giving that group our full attention. When hunting upland birds, we must be methodical and ready to adjust to whatever may arise during a hunt. That’s why they call it hunting and fishing—not killing and catching.

4. You spend most of your time at the lodge throughout the year—does the environment inspire you more than working in an office?
Working outdoors in the hunting and upland bird wildlife industry beats an office job 100% of the time. Dealing with the elements—including weather, wildlife, and crops—is just part of what makes my job challenging and inspiring. It pushes me to do everything I can to create great habitat for wildlife. Having quality habitat is essential to attracting and sustaining wildlife.

5. The Dead Rabbit is a special place, and for some it might be their first time hunting. What impression do you want them to leave with?
I think it’s important for guests to leave feeling welcomed and comfortable. I want them to have enjoyed great hunting, great food, and a memorable time with friends.

6. If you could give advice to your guests before they arrive, what would you tell them?
The TDR team looks forward to their visit, and we encourage them to let us know what we can do to make their stay enjoyable. We can tailor the experience to their preferences.

7. Do you have a favorite memory while out in the field?
As a lifelong bird dog enthusiast, chasing quail and pheasant since I was eight years old, I have many great memories in the field. Most involve the incredible dogs I’ve hunted behind over the years. I especially enjoy going out with guests and watching the dogs work. Seeing the dogs perform and impress guests has been very memorable for me over the past six years.

8. What is your favorite way to end a hunting day?
I like to end the day with happy hunters. As we all know, that doesn’t always happen—but when it does, it’s fantastic. I enjoy visiting with guests during dinner. When you walk up and hear them talking about the great time they had, you know it was a successful day.

The post Meet the Team – David appeared first on The Dead Rabbit.

At The Dead Rabbit Lodge, pheasant hunting is more than just a day in the field—it’s a tradition built on camaraderie, beautiful landscapes, and unforgettable hunting memories.

Why Hunt Pheasants at The Dead Rabbit Lodge?

Central South Dakota provides ideal pheasant habitat, with a mix of grasslands, agricultural fields, and shelterbelts that support thriving populations of wild ring-necked pheasants. The areas surrounding Pierre are especially known for producing exciting flushes and classic walk-up hunting.

Hunters visiting The Dead Rabbit Lodge enjoy:

• Access to excellent pheasant hunting areas in the Pierre region
• Traditional walk-up pheasant hunts through prairie grasses and crop fields
• Guided hunts with experienced handlers and bird dogs
• A comfortable lodge atmosphere to relax and share stories after the hunt

This combination of great habitat and experienced guides helps create a hunting trip that is both exciting and rewarding.

The South Dakota Pheasant Hunting Experience

South Dakota’s pheasant hunting season typically begins in mid-October and runs through early January, offering hunters several months to plan a trip. Early in the season, pheasants often hold in grassy cover, while later hunts may take hunters through shelterbelts and cattail sloughs where birds gather during colder weather.

A typical day of pheasant hunting at The Dead Rabbit Lodge might include:

• Morning hunts across prairie grasslands and agricultural fields
• Watching skilled bird dogs locate and point hidden roosters
• The excitement of pheasants flushing into the crisp South Dakota sky
• Returning to the lodge to relax, enjoy a warm meal, and share stories from the day

For many hunters, these shared experiences are what make pheasant hunting in South Dakota so special.

Plan Your Pheasant Hunting Trip to The Dead Rabbit Lodge

Planning a pheasant hunting trip to The Dead Rabbit Lodge is a great way to experience the best of South Dakota’s upland hunting tradition. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or a group of fellow hunters, the lodge offers a welcoming place to stay while enjoying exceptional hunting opportunities in the Pierre area.

Many guests return year after year to enjoy:

• Quality pheasant hunting in central South Dakota
• Comfortable lodging and relaxing evenings at the lodge
• Beautiful prairie landscapes and abundant wildlife
• The tradition and excitement of South Dakota pheasant season

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the thrill of flushing wild roosters on the prairie, The Dead Rabbit Lodge near Pierre, South Dakota is the perfect destination for your next pheasant hunting adventure.

The post Pheasant Hunting at The Dead Rabbit Lodge in Pierre, South Dakota appeared first on The Dead Rabbit.