Mitchell ready to welcome hunters for the 2023 pheasant hunting season

By Mitchell Now October 19, 2023 10:17 am

Saturday is the opening day for pheasant hunting season in South Dakota. Johanna Allen with the Mitchell Convention and Visitors Bureau says colorful sidewalks around Mitchell will welcome hunters to town. “We have been painting the sidewalk in front of some businesses to welcome hunters, and it’s just painting the town orange to let hunters know that they are welcome here and that we welcome their business.”

She says hunters will also be welcomed at Cabela’s and the airport on Friday. At Cabela’s, Mitchell CVB staff members will greet hunters and have gifts and promotional items to hand out. At the airport, a welcome table will be set up for hunters who are flying in.Allen says pheasant hunting season has an important impact on the state’s economy.

127,733 participants, including both residents and non-residents, expected to take part in this sporting event. During the previous hunting season, 1,158,716 pheasants were harvested in the state.

The economic impact of the Pheasant Hunting Season in South Dakota is substantial, injecting vitality into the local economy. A total of $257.3 million was spent by both resident and non-resident hunters, fueling various sectors including hospitality, retail, and outdoor recreational services. This influx of revenue significantly contributes to the economic growth and sustenance of the community.

This year’s pheasant hunting season runs through January 31st.

Lifestyle

3 days ago

Bird Flu Outbreak Hits South Dakota Turkey Flocks

South Dakota is facing a major bird flu outbreak, with more than 135,000 turkeys destroyed at three facilities to contain the spread. North Dakota has also reported cases, losing over 60,000 turkeys in commercial flocks. Agriculture officials stress that poultry products remain safe to eat despite the outbreak.

Government

3 days ago

AG Marty Jackley Launches Campaign for Congress

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has officially entered the race for Congress, launching his campaign in his hometown of Sturgis. Jackley, now in his fourth term as Attorney General, joins State Senator Casey Crabtree in the Republican primary to replace Congressman Dusty Johnson, who is seeking the governor’s office. Highlighting his conservative record, Jackley says he will prioritize public safety, border security, economic growth, and accountability in Washington while continuing to serve as AG.

Crime

3 days ago

Huron Contractor Sentenced for Defrauding Customers

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that Huron contractor Julio Morales-Ortiz has been sentenced for defrauding seven customers out of more than $36,000. Morales-Ortiz pleaded guilty in Beadle County Circuit Court to theft by deception, receiving a suspended 10-year prison sentence, probation, and jail time.

Government

3 days ago

Freedom Caucus Pushes Back on $650M Prison Plan

South Dakota lawmakers will meet in a special session to decide on a proposed $650 million men’s penitentiary in Sioux Falls, but members of the Freedom Caucus remain opposed. While Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen, who led the prison task force, says he’s confident in the plan’s passage, caucus members fear the price tag could balloon to $1 billion. Governor Rhoden’s office maintains the project is capped at $650 million.

Government

3 days ago

Mitchell Plans Second Fire Station to Speed Up Response Times

Mitchell city officials are proposing a $2.5 million fire station on the north side of town to improve emergency response times and reduce insurance costs for residents. The station would be built near the old water treatment plant on Highway 37, with design work beginning in 2026 and an opening planned for 2027. City leaders say the new location will allow firefighters to reach the north side more quickly, while housing four firefighters who will share equipment with the current Public Safety building.