2008 South Dakota Pheasantennial

In 1908, a few Chinese Ring-necked Pheasants were released into a field in Redfield, SD. No one could have imagined the impact one little game bird would have on a state's economy. One hundred years later, this majestic bird is still providing outdoor enthusiasts from around the world with pleasures of the mind, eye and palate. The combination of habitat, wildlife management and fortunate weather patterns have made South Dakota a pheasant haven. The highly sought after Ring-necked Pheasant has made South Dakota an unrivaled wingshooting destination while being called the Pheasant Capital by many that travel here each year.

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the pheasant, South Dakota is planning a season-long celebration. The Pheasantennial: 100 Years of Tradition, will celebrate the history and heritage of the South Dakota state bird, while emphasizing the importance of conservation and preservation for future outdoor enthusiasts. A special logo has been developed for use on all promotional materials and special events. In addition, the 100th anniversary logo is available for all businesses, chambers and CVBs in the state to use when developing unique events, marketing materials and promotions of their own. This is a great opportunity to bring more hunters, conservationists, families and friends into your communities this fall. Don't miss your chance to get on board!

The Office of Tourism has provided a poster template (PDF - 1.14 MB) to be used to promote your hunting season celebrations and events. The poster artwork may be downloaded for print, and the template allows you to customize the poster with information regarding your event. For questions contact Buddy Seiner at 605-773-3301 or buddy.seiner@state.sd.us.

We will be marketing to sportsmen and women across the Midwest to enhance the image of your businesses while promoting pheasant hunting in South Dakota. In addition to print and broadcast marketing, we will be developing a Web site dedicated to promoting the Pheasantennial. Visitors to this site will have the opportunity to register for a chance to win a variety of prizes with the grand prize being a 2009 three-day, late-season hunt for four (winner and three guests) with a special host and gear from a partner outfitter. Ten finalists will be invited back to South Dakota to take part in a drawing for the grand prize event in Mitchell, SD. We plan to make the final event one worthy of a place in the South Dakota history books.

This is still in development so check back for further details. Current plans include:

• The promotion will kick off mid-August and run through October/November.
  
  
• There will be opportunities to register online, and through any of the participating sponsor locations in South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, or Nebraska.
  
  
• At the conclusion of the registration period, a set number of finalists will be selected.
  
  
• The finalists will be invited to South Dakota to compete for the grand prize on the established dates.
  
  
• The final event will be held in Mitchell, South Dakota, at Cabela's on November 15, 2008. A total of 10 finalists will be chosen to be eligible to win a grand prize 2009 pheasant hunt in South Dakota (eight from the online drawing and two in attendance at the event). In addition, all finalists will receive prizes from the South Dakota Office of Tourism and its partners.
  
  
• NEW - A limited edition Pheasantennial firearm has been crafted specifically for Tourism's use. To commemorate the six birds that were released in 1908, only six guns were produced. Created by A&A Engraving, the firearm is a Ruger Red Label over/under 12 gauge shotgun with a finish that includes 24kt gold, antique gold, shiny nickel and black chrome. As an important part of South Dakota's hunting traditions, the visitor industry is being given the first chance to purchase one of these shotguns for use in fundraisers, raffles, auctions, giveaways, awards or as a special gift. Each of the six shotguns will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis at a price of $2,995, plus shipping and tax (includes a custom oak case and certificate of authenticity). For more information, contact Buddy Seiner at 605-773-3301 or Buddy.Seiner@state.sd.us.
  
        photo of shotgun        photo of engraving (A)        photo of engraving (B)

Pheasant hunting is a tradition that flows strong through the veins of South Dakotans. Let's make this a celebration for the history books!

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