Date Range

Hunts begin the third weekend in September on more than 12,000 acres and continue through the first weekend in January with extended hunting through March on 3,000 acres. Wild, early-release, and preserve pheasant hunting, Hungarian partridge, sharptail grouse and the greater prairie chicken are complimented by waterfowl hunting.

Recommended Gear

• Seasonal hunting jacket
• Waterproof pants
• Comfortable walking boots
• Shooting gloves
• Protective eyewear
• Earplugs
• Shotgun (unless using a lodge gun)
• Camera
• Lounge clothing
• Laptop

Tumbleweed Lodge has a great selection of gear in their outfitter shop.

Sample of Typical Itinerary

A 3 day/4 night package consists of 5 days total with 3 full days of hunting and a travel day on each end. Check in is anytime after 2:00 pm on your arrival day. Guests flying into the Pierre Regional Airport (PIR) are provided complimentary shuttle transportation to/from the lodge.

Day 1

After being greeted by the Bollweg's you can settle in your room and enjoy a cocktail. Licenses are issued as well as gun rentals for guests requiring them prior to dinner which is served at 7:00 pm.

Days 2 - 4

Breakfast begins at 8:00 am. At 8:45 am the first morning only a safety video/briefing is provided in the lodge. At this time you will meet with your guides and shown what vehicle/location you will be at for the day. At appx. 12:15 pm you will return to the lodge for lunch and a little R & R prior to the afternoon hunt which begins at 2:30 pm. The afternoon hunt is geared for sporting clays, extra pheasant hunting or the prairie grouse species hunting which is a 20 minute drive. Your guide will return you to the lodge by 6:30 pm or at dusk; whichever arrives sooner. Dinner is served at 7:00 pm.

Day 5

Depending on your departure time; either a full or continental breakfast is served. If you are flying out of PIR, a shuttle will be waiting for you. Coolers with your processed birds will be shipped to you with 3 business days per arrangements made between you and the lodge.

Waterfowl Hunts: In December waterfowl hunts take place in the early morning. Guests depart the lodge with their guides by 7 am and return by noon. Upland bird hunting begins at 2:30 pm until dark.

Species

Mid-September through mid-November: Pheasants, sharptail grouse, prairie chicken, and Hungarian partridge are hunted over flushing and some pointing breeds of dogs.

Mid-November through December: All species are attainable however pheasant and waterfowl species are the primary target during this timeframe.

Region/Terrain Where You Hunt

Located 30 miles east of the Missouri River near Harrold, SD (elevation 1785'), the upland habitat hunting at Tumbleweed Lodge consists of light rolling terrain including a perfect blend of corn, sorghum, maize, and sunflower, shelter belts, western wheat grass, witchgrass, and waterways. For the hunter aiming for the "Grand Slam of the Dakotas"; alfalfa fields, rolling draws flowing with native grass, plum and buckbrush thickets provide the ideal habitat to sustain an ample population of prairie chicken, sharp-tail grouse, and Hungarian partridge. Due to the native habitat blended with the right mix of food plots and moisture; South Dakota is by far the leader in harvesting the Chinese ring-necked pheasant.

Typical Weather by Season

Mid-September through Mid-October: High temperatures can range between the upper 50's and mid-80's. Overnight lows can range between lower 30's and upper 50's. The average first frost date is September 25th. Little to no snow is anticipated and rainfall is average.

Mid-October through Mid-November: High temperatures can range between the mid- 50's and upper-60's. Overnight lows can range between lower 20's and upper 40's. Snow is possible; however accumulating amounts are not likely.

Mid-November through December: High temperatures can range between the upper 40's and mid-60's. Overnight lows can range between lower teens and upper 30's. Snowfall is likely however accumulating amounts are limited based on soil temperatures. Late season upland bird hunting is a great experience and the weather only heightens the experience.

What is Provided to Customers

• Luxurious lodging accommodations in well appointed rooms
• Midwest style cuisine
• Complimentary top shelf bar
• Round trip shuttle service from the Pierre Regional Airport (PIR)
• Ammunition for 12, 16, and 20 gauges
• Sporting clays
• Vacuum-packed game processing and cooler
• Professional guide staff with experienced dogs
• Kennel facility for guests bringing their own dogs

On-site Activities

Tumbleweed Lodge provides guests an opportunity to sharpen their shooting skills with a complimentary 9 station sporting clays course. A National Certified Shooting Instructor and State Certified Shooting Instructors are available upon request. Dove hunting and fishing in a number of ponds on the property are offered based on availability. A poker room, cigar parlor, and steam room round off the amenities associated with evening activities

Off-site Activities

The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center and State Capitol located in Pierre provide a great place to learn about the history of the state. The Missouri river, segmented by 5 dams across the state, not only generates hydro-electricity but is also a world class fishery of walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike.

Q. What are the closest airports?

A. Pierre Regional Airport (PIR) including the local FBO for private aircraft; Mustang Aviation, Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), and Aberdeen Regional Airport (ABR). Tumbleweed Lodge only provides complimentary shuttle to/from PIR.

Q. Is it customary to leave a gratuity?

A. Gratuities are not expected but appreciated. It is common that guests leave a gratuity for the staff and many ask what is the amount of a normal gratuity. Gratuities range between 10 & 15% of the package price and may be paid upon settling up incidentals at the end of your stay. Typically 2/3 to 3/4 of the gratuity is then paid to the guides with the balance shared among the lodge staff. This has been a common practice and ensures that no staff member is inadvertently left out. Again, we strive to provide you the best service possible regardless of gratuity.