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Guided Pheasant Hunts in Zell, SD

Faq

ARE THE HUNTS SAFE?
Safety is our number one priority at RZ Pheasant Hunts. We have a safety meeting before each hunt in which our safety rules are explained.  We strongly recommend safety glasses be worn during the hunt as well as ear protection.
 
WHAT KIND OF HUNTING LICENSE DO I NEED?
All hunters must have a South Dakota Small Game Hunting License.  
 
CAN I BRING AND HUNT WITH MY DOG?
Certainly.  Keep in mind, an unproven dog may greatly diminish the quality of the hunt and the experience of the other hunters in the party.
 
ARE THERE SHOTGUNS FOR RENT?
No, currently, every hunter will need to bring his or her own shotgun.
 
DO I NEED A HUNTER'S SAFETY CARD TO PURCHASE A LICENSE?
Not unless you are under the age of 16. Then, you need a previous license from the state of South Dakota or a hunter's safety card and a parent or guardian must sign the license.
 
WHAT AMMUNITION CAN I SHOOT?
You must shoot 4, 5 or 6 shot. In a 12 gauge, we recommend 2 3/4", 1 1/4 oz. of shot and 3 3/4 drams minimum powder charge. Three inch magnums are not recommended for a 12 gauge as they are much slower. In a 20 gauge, a 3" magnum is recommended.
 
DO I HAVE TO SHOOT STEEL?
No. You can shoot lead as well.
 
DO I NEED BLAZE ORANGE CLOTHING?
State law does not require it, but we prefer that you wear standard hunting gear with some blaze orange details. 
 
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF THE SEASON FOR HUNTING?
The hunting at RZ Pheasant Hunts is always authentic with wild birds, and different stages of the season provide a unique experience.
 
WHAT TYPE OF GUNS DO YOU RECOMMEND?
We recommend 12 and 20 gauge guns. Double barrels are acceptable but with the number of birds at times opportunities may be missed while reloading.
 
WHAT TYPE OF COVER DO YOU HUNT?
Hunts will be a mixture of cropland, grassland, food plots, Sloughs and trees.
 
DO YOU HUNT PRIVATE OR PUBLIC LAND?
We hunt on our own private land, which has been groomed over the years to support multiple hunters with a great hunt and plenty of memories. Our Photo Gallery will give you a good idea of the ground you'll cover when you hunt at RZ Pheasant Hunts. 
 
HOW DO WE GET OUR GAME HOME?
Bring a cooler along and take it along home or we will help you pack it right and it can be shipped overnight for an extra fee.

HOW DO I GET TO RZ HUNTING LODGE?
We are located 10 miles west and five miles North of Redfield, SD or 34 miles south and 11 west of Aberdeen,  SD. 
 
DO YOU CLEAN AND DRESS MY PHEASANTS FOR ME?
Yes we do. Our professional staff will clean, dress and package your pheasants as part of your standard hunting package.

HUNTING GEAR

Gun

12 or 20 gauge: we recommend a 12 gauge but we ask that you bring no smaller than a 20 gauge 

Shells

Any high velocity loads:  1300-1500 fps 

4 or 5 shot works great:  Early season you can use 5’s but as the season progresses 4’s work better

Federal, Remington, Winchester, Fiochii, and Kent are a few brands that provide good quality

Clothing

Any breathable type of hunting pants and shirts seem to work the best: Be able to layer because of temperature change during the day.

Hunting boots that are water proof as there may be sloughs with water you can walk.  Rubber knee boots work very well if you have them. 2 pair are always a good idea if available.

Boot driers if you don’t want to share ours.

Blaze orange hat or vest works well: This is not mandatory by law but we require it because safety of hunters is ALWAYS first

Protective eye wear is mandatory: If you don’t have them you can purchase a pair from the lodge

License

You can purchase your license on-line with a link to the SD Game and Fish website here.