Family, Field, and Forever Memories

As the season slows and the holidays approach, we find ourselves reflecting less on numbers and calendars and more on people.

This year brought families returning to familiar places, youth stepping into the field alongside parents and grandparents, couples vacationing together while choosing their own adventures, and groups gathering with intention. It reminded us why this work matters; not just for the hunt or the catch, but for what happens around it.

One guest, Jack Smith of Kentucky, has hunted in South Dakota since he was a boy. He and his brother first came here as youths with their father, and years later, they even tried to recreate a photo from those early days in the field. Jack has hunted across South Dakota many times, and since 2023, he’s been returning to hunt with us — now alongside his son, Justin, and his grandson.

What stood out to him this season wasn’t something new; it was something familiar.

“The best part of the trip was family.”

A Hunt That Makes Space for Generations

Jack’s recent seasons with us included time in the field with both his son and his grandson, not as a rushed introduction, but as part of a shared experience that allowed room for learning, observing, and growing into the tradition.

That approach helped shape what we now call our Adult & Youth Hunt Experience, a way for adults and youth to hunt together, intentionally.

This isn’t a separate youth program, and it isn’t about pushing pace. Youth participate alongside adults, with guides adjusting instruction and rhythm to support confidence, safety, and enjoyment for everyone involved.

We’ve seen how this changes the dynamic, creating space for mentorship, patience, and genuine connection in the field.

A Young Hunter’s Perspective

For Jack’s grandson, Luca, the experience wasn’t just memorable; it was defining.

“I loved everything from playing pool to watching the dogs and just being with my dad and grandpa.”

His journal entry captures moments only a kid would notice; the excitement of being included and trusted.

“My favorite parts were when the dog caught the pheasant in his mouth. I loved shooting the birds. I got two of them, but next time I’ll get twenty!”

But the line that stays with us most isn’t about birds at all.

“I realized on that trip how lucky I am to have my dad and my grandpa. I hope I get to go back again next year.”

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That’s the outcome we care about.

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Shared with permission and gratitude.

Families, Couples, and Time Well Spent

This season, we welcomed families traveling together, couples vacationing side by side, and groups where not everyone chose the same activity, and that was part of the beauty of it.

While some guests spent their mornings on the water or in the field, others enjoyed creative workshops through our partnership with Authentic Arts, relaxed at the lodge, or explored at an unhurried pace. Evenings brought everyone back together, sharing meals, stories, and time without needing to be on the same schedule all day.

It’s a reminder that a destination doesn’t have to be one-dimensional to be meaningful.

Life at the Lodge

Between days outdoors, the lodge became what it’s meant to be, a gathering place. Guests played pool, darts, and foosball, watched games on large-screen TVs, and spent evenings around the fire pit. Some conversations were light. Others were long overdue.

Those moments matter just as much as what happens in the field or on the water.

On the Water, Across the Seasons

Fishing continued to be a steady thread throughout the year. Families, couples, and returning guests joined us across multiple seasons, with summer and early fall producing some especially memorable days.

July, August, and September consistently produced larger fish, making late summer a favorite for anglers targeting walleye. Fishing fit seamlessly into longer stays, sometimes as the primary focus and sometimes as part of a broader destination experience.

Classic Upland Traditions

At the heart of what we do is pheasant hunting, not just as a pursuit, but as a tradition passed from one generation to the next.

Alongside pheasants, we have also guided prairie chicken hunts, a classic Plains upland pursuit long respected by experienced sportsmen, including those within the SCI community. It’s a limited opportunity, rooted in deep local knowledge and careful stewardship, and one we’re proud to offer as part of this place.

Groups That Gathered With Purpose

We were also grateful to host corporate groups and teams this year; people who stepped away from routines to spend time together with intention.

Whether through shared outdoor experiences, time around the table, or quiet moments set aside for planning, these groups found camaraderie, connection, and space for meaningful conversation.

A Season Worth Sharing

Looking back, what stands out most isn’t a single activity; it’s the common thread of people choosing to be present with one another.

If reading this has you thinking about your own family, your partner, your team, or a tradition you’d like to start or return to, there’s room here for that.

Many guests choose to give a future experience during the holidays, not as a transaction, but as an invitation.

Gift certificates can be applied toward hunting or fishing experiences, future stays, or deposits to hold preferred dates. They’re flexible, personal, and meant to be planned together.

Looking Ahead

If this season has you thinking about a trip with your kids or grandkids, our Adult & Youth Hunt Experience was created exactly for that. We’re always happy to talk through timing and fit.

From our family to yours, thank you for being part of this year with us.

Call or text to start the conversation: (605) 428-5007
  To reserve future dates with a deposit.
  Or ask about gift certificates.