The World’s Largest Pheasant Is Right Here In South Dakota And You’ll Want To Visit

When settlers arrived in South Dakota in the 1880s, reports started circulating about a giant pheasant who was so large that his prints in the mud created creeks and ponds. Those who claimed to see him on wing said that his brightly-colored feathers could be mistaken for a rainbow, and he was rumored to be so fast that he was responsible for the intense winds on the prairie.

While pheasant hunting, the young boy came upon the magnificent bird. He raised his gun, but couldn't bring himself to kill the beautiful creature. The magical pheasant asked the boy why he hadn't fired his gun, and the boy replied that he couldn't kill something that majestic.

The pheasant, who had grown very old, told the boy that he would make him a deal. He would perch right there in Huron and allow every person to come and see his beauty. In return, the people would promise to only shoot roosters - never hens - and only during the autumn and winter. The boy agreed, and the pheasant stands proud and tall on his perch still.

At the beginning of each hunting season, they release one ringneck rooster. If it flies toward the James River, hunting will be most successful early in the season; if it flies away from the river, the hunting will be best in the coldest months.