SIOUX FALLS, S.D. ( South Dakota News Watch ) - South Dakota’s pheasant season opens Oct. 18, and wildlife officials say it could be another record year.

Recent big numbers: Last season saw the most birds harvested in a decade. This year, the Game, Fish and Parks Department says mild winter weather, and a perfect spring and summer helped pheasants bounce back strong. Pheasant numbers have been rising steadily since 2017, and officials say conditions this year are ideal for another great hunt.

Small towns benefit: Hunters spent more than $100 million dollars in South Dakota last year, much of it in rural areas east of the Missouri River. In towns like Redfield in Spink County and preserves like Buffalo Butte Ranch in Gregory County, restaurants, hotels and sporting goods stores count

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