It was opening day of South Dakota's sharptail grouse and prairie chicken season and we were hopeful we could bag a few of these unique prairie dwellers. Each year the Winner Chamber of Commerce hosts a hunt inviting writers and entrepreneurs to participate in one of many outdoor experiences available. This was the seventh annual South Dakota Sharptail Classic. I've attended six and have come to love the outdoor opportunities that exist here. Perhaps better known for its excellent pheasant hunting, the area offers a smorgasbord of hunting.
Prairie dogs draw shooters, literally, from around the world.
There's grouse, prairie chicken, dove and wild turkey. A mixture of whitetail and mule deer are found and even a few antelope. In fact, we spotted two separate herds of about 20 of the animals resting in fields that day. As our vehicle turned north, heading for the White River breaks, I noted more deer standing in the fields and roadside ditches. There were two mule bucks, their big racks locked in combat while three does stood to one side and watched the pushing match.