KWAT Outdoor Report for week of November 25, 2019
Aberdeen Area
Fishing Report
Most of the area lakes have frozen over. The James River will remain open for a while, because of the water flow. There might be some opportunities to catch a walleye.
Hunting Report
Geese: There are still good numbers of snow geese on the eastern side of Brown County. The geese are roosting on the open water of the James River. There are still some small flocks of Canada geese in the area as well. Hunters field hunting have been having the best success.
Ducks: There are still good numbers of mallards in the area. Hunters field hunting are having the best success. Scouting is the key to success.
Pheasants: Hunters have been struggling to find pheasants with all the standing crops. Hunting the grass, next to corn fields, the last couple hours of the day is the best way to harvest pheasants.
Deer: The rut appears to be in full swing. Deer hunting has been a struggle with the standing corn. Hunters hunting from stands or blinds are having the best success.
Clark County
Fishing Report
Very little fishing activity observed in the county. The area lakes are freezing over, causing unsafe conditions.
Hunting Report
Waterfowl: There are a few snow geese still around but other than that no waterfowl is present in Clark County.
Pheasant: There is still a lot of corn in throughout the county. Pheasant hunting numbers are still down and there has been little activity.
Deer: Harvest has been down due to corn fields still in and nice weather. Remember if you do not have permission to hunt property, do not shoot deer on said property. We have received several TIP’s cases over opening weekend involving trespass and shooting from the road.
Codington County
Fishing Report
With the water freezing up, there has been no fishing activity observed across the county.
Hunting Report
Deer: ERD season had a slow start, due in part to the warm weather and the rut being over. Hopefully the cold weather and snow this week can get the deer up and moving.
Goose: There are fewer geese around this week than last week.
Duck: There are still a few decent pockets of ducks around the area.
Pheasant: Success has increased some, but hunting remains difficult as there are still quite a few standing crops.
Day County
Fishing Report
With the water freezing up, there has been no fishing activity observed across the county.
Hunting Report
Deer: Lots of deer still moving with some reports that we are nearing the end of rut.
Geese: A few concentrations of geese remain in the area.
Ducks: A few ducks remain in the area, but most have pushed south and west.
Pheasant: As the crop harvest continues to progress, hunters are having some luck at harvesting a few birds.
Hamlin County
Fishing Report
Poinsett: Currently iced over and conditions are not good enough for fishing.
Hunting Report
Waterfowl: Continuing to see several Canada and snow geese in the area.
Deer: Busy weekend for deer hunters. We have seen some nice deer harvested opening weekend! Public land has received high hunting pressure and most hunters have struggled to see deer.
Marshall County
Fishing Report
Very little fishing activity observed in the county. Ice conditions are unsafe.
Hunting Report
Pheasant: The corn harvest is still going strong. Cattail sloughs and grass cover next to harvested fields are holding birds.
Waterfowl: A few birds have been observed in the Northeast portion of the county. A few ducks and good numbers of Canada geese are using harvested crop fields.
Deer: The rut is in full swing; some nice bucks have been observed in the middle of the afternoon. It’s a great time to get out of the truck and take a walk or sit and wait for the deer to show up. Good luck and be safe.
Park Report:
Don’t let the colder weather deter you from getting out and enjoying our State Parks! As always, our parks are open year-round so take some time during the holidays to get out and enjoy South Dakota’s State Parks! The electricity is on year-round and the camping cabins and lodges have heat. Reservations can be made at campsd.com or 1-800-710-2267.
The 2020 Park Entrance License is currently for sale and makes a great stocking stuffer. Pick yours up today at any of our participating vendors in Watertown, Aberdeen and surrounding areas. These include Hy-Vee, Little River City, Gas n Goodies and the Cowboy Country Stores in Watertown. Aberdeen vendors include Ken’s Superfair Foods, Runnings, Kessler’s, and any GFP regional or district office.
Pelican, Sandy and Lake Cochrane Recreation Areas: All facilities have been winterized and shutdown for the season at Pelican, Sandy and Lake Cochrane. Reminder Vault Toilets are open year-round. Pelican Lake Recreation area does have a few frost-free hydrants throughout the park if fresh water is needed.
Richmond Lake Recreation Area: The comfort station and dump station have both been winterized for the season.
Fisher Grove State Park: The comfort station and dump station have both been winterized for the season.
Lake Louise Recreation Area: The comfort station and dump station have both been winterized for the season.
Mina Lake Recreation Area: The comfort station and dump station have both been winterized for the season. Come rent the Mina Lodge it is a great place to stay for those late season pheasant hunts!
Oakwood Lakes State Park: All comfort stations, water fountains, dump station, and all hydrants have been winterized for the season. There is a frost-free hydrant available by the shop for fresh water needs.
Lake Poinsett Recreation Area: All comfort stations, the fish cleaning station, all out door water fountains, and the dump station have all been winterized for the season. The vault toilets are still open. There is a frost-free hydrant located just west of the shop building that is still on if anyone is in need of fresh water.
