MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) South Dakota wildlife experts say hunters are in for a big pheasant season this year. Wildlife Division Director Tom Kirschenmann predicts the harvest could reach one-point-five million birds, well above last year’s one-point-three million. Biologists credit strong habitat and favorable weather conditions for the surge. The season kicked off with grouse hunting on Saturday, September 20th, followed by youth and resident-only pheasant hunts, before the full season opens October 18th.