Comments from Our Guests...

Michael McIntosh...posted on the Shooting Sportsman's Web Site Bulletin Board 

It'll take a few days for me to catch up with all the new posts and comments, but I have to tell you that if you have any openings on your dance card left for this season and have a hankering for some prime South Dakota pheasants, I have just the place--Pheasant Crest Lodge.

The Reader-Writer hunt we had there last week-end was a gas (and not just because I had to share a room with Leary).  The lodge is a gem, the food is exceptional, the country side is gorgeous, and the pheasants...my God, the pheasants.  In order to qualify for their preserve permit, the Havlik's have released a small number of birds into a couple of designated areas--but of the 300 to 500 birds we saw each day, I didn't see anything that looked or behaved like a released bird.  As we did hunt the release areas a bit, we must've kicked up a few, but I'd say we were looking at better than 99-percent wild pheasants--big, strong-flying, sly, spooky, everything a pheasant is supposed to be, and then some.

This is only Pheasant Crest's second year in operation; it's the best new lodge I've seen yet.  The phone number is 605-778-6340.  Kimball is the nearest town.  Nearest airport is Sioux Falls, and the lodge is only about 15 miles off I-90.

Dear Brian,

It truly was one of the most enjoyable trips I've made as host of Advantage Outdoors.  Only wished it could have lasted longer.

Our hunt at Pheasant Crest was superb in every respect.  I've never seen more pheasants anywhere.  The guides were totally professional and helpful.  The lodge facilities were "four star", and the food was home-cooked, delicious and plentiful.. I'd recommend Pheasant Crest to anybody who's looking for the ultimate experience in pheasant hunting.

I've hosted Advantage Outdoors for five years, and this was one of the very best , most enjoyable hunting operations we have visited-maybe the best. I hope to get back there some day.

Best Wishes,
Wade Bourne, TNN

Dear Brian:

Two years ago I thought I had found the best place to hunt wild ringneck pheasants in the United States, I was right! However, you and your staff at Pheasant Crest Lodge turned the open plains of South Dakota from a mere place to hunt wild birds into a unique hunt with five star accommodations and gourmet dining.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast prepared by the best cook (your mother) in South Dakota. Afterwards we were driven to the fields to begin our hunt. Having great dogs and guides made our part of the hunt more fun than imaginable. Limits of birds were not a problem once you become accustomed to the explosion of feathers that occurs each time he birds decide it is time to stop running and take to the air.

Later in the evening, after great steak, libations, camaraderie, and watching falling stars over the great plains we were all ready for a good night’s sleep.

I heartily recommend Pheasant Crest Lodge to anyone who is looking for the best wild pheasant hunting in the country. I’ll see you opening weekend!

Sincerely,
Walter Umphrey, TX

Dear Brian:

Those who have never hunted at Pheasant Crest Lodge will simply never appreciate wingshooting at its finest. Any effort to relate to others the incredible number of wild birds, the variety of habitats, the comfort of the amenities, and the friendliness of the staff will likely produce blank stares of skepticism in most people. I am pleased to be one of those who know the truth.

Congratulations and thanks again for providing a superb hunting experience.

Sincerely,
Jim Dyke Jr., TX

Dear Brian,

I wish to thank you for the great hunting adventure you ran last weekend. I came into the hunt with high expectations, and yet you managed to exceed those expectations. The lodging and food were great. The volume of birds was unbelievable. I did not think that many pheasants still existed in one spot. You proved me wrong. Once again, you and all of the staff at the Pheasant Crest Lodge did a great job. I hope to come again in the future.

Sincerely,
Tim Graham, MN