Pheasant History

The South Dakota Historical Society Foundation tells the first stocking differently. In 1908 A. E. Cooper and E. L. Ebbert released birds bought from a Pennsylvania game farm on their farms south of Doland; heavy snow killed them that winter, and their second release the next year took hold. The Foundation dates the Hagman farm release to 1909. When the first season opened on October 30, 1919, wardens put the flock at about 100,000 and hunters took some 200. The Legislature named the ring-necked pheasant the state bird in 1943.

What the plaque says

Pheasant History First successful stocking of pheasants in South Dakota Redfield's claim as the Pheasant Capital of the World dates back to 1908. The first successful stocking of pheasants in South Dakota took place in June, 1908 when H.P. Packard, H.J. Schalke and H.A. Hagman secured three pairs of pheasants from Grants Pass, Oregon. The three men went to Hagman's Farm, just north of Redfield, to release the birds. The number of pheasants grew steadily over the years, and the state game department purchased 48 pairs of birds with privately subscribed funds in 1911 and released them near Redfield. The first one-day open season on cock pheasants occurred in Spink County on October 30, 1919. Each person holding a small game license was permitted to kill two cock pheasants. From Spink County, pheasant hunting grew throughout the state. Redfield has the distinction of being registered as the Pheasant Capital of the World.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Abbie Gardner — steps away
• Council Rock — steps away
• In Recognition of World War I Veterans — 2.2 mi
• Fisher Grove — 8.1 mi