Pheasant, Pheasants, and More Pheasants.

by Darik, Owner and!Expert Guide

The fall hunts are all going well. Everyone is having a great time. There are still a lot of crops standing in the fields, which always makes things interesting. We are, however, putting lots of birds in the air, giving everyone plenty of shot opportunities. As more and more crops are harvested the hunts will continue to get better. That may seem a little hard to believe since the hunts are so good now, but it is true. Due to the great hunts that we are having, bookings are already starting to fill. If you plan to hunt with Ringneck Retreat it would be a good idea to make your reservations soon in order to get the dates you would prefer (for this year AND next).

The fall waterfowl migration is in full swing in our area. There are huge numbers of mallards and other ducks, and the snow goose flocks that we have been seeing are growing daily. If you would like to have a waterfowl hunt that you will remember forever, schedule it at Ringneck. Check into applying for a non-resident license for the 2008 season. I would suggest planning that hunt sometime in the first two weeks of November. 

As for our big game hunters out there—it is just about time. I know how much we are all looking forward to breaking out the long guns. Make sure you check those scopes before heading out to the fields. You would hate to miss that trophy of a lifetime because your scope was off.

It has been very nice to see our hunters from the past and a privilege to meet the new hunters. Thank you to everyone who hunts with us! It is all of you great people that make Ringneck Retreat the great experience that it is. Safe hunting and keep your barrel out of the mud.

Feast at the Lodge

by Roxann, Lodge Coordinator

October was a fabulous month for the start of autumn and pheasant hunting.  We have had one great group after another here at the lodge. We have truly enjoyed getting to know all of our guests and being reacquainted with return hunters. 

Sharon has been busy in the kitchen creating home-cooked delights that will linger in the memory for weeks. One bite and you’re hooked. One of the crown jewels on our dinner table is Sharon’s roast beef dinner—with all the comfort food fixin’s.  We start out with a 10 pound roast beef and doll it up with herbs and spices. It then slow roasts for half the day.  The smell is amazing. While it cooks, we add sweet carrots from our garden—a big hit with everyone.  The sweet corn out of the garden is another favorite and Sharon let’s the sweetness and flavor speak for itself.  You cannot have a roast beef without mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy—brings the meal together.  Fresh breads and rolls, fresh out of the oven served with whipped butter gives you something to use to mop up the last dollop of gravy.  When everything is arranged on the tables, our guests are amazed at the wonderful tastes and smells and that you can cut the tender roast with your fork. Dessert comes in the form of a loaded pecan bar with caramel sauce and vanilla bean ice cream. “Wow!” is the usual comment when that is served.  This is a meal fit for a king...or at the very least some tired pheasant hunters.
 
Looking at the calendar, I see that there are a few spots still open at our table for this year. Come join us for a hunt and a meal. We have started booking hunts for 2008. Book now to insure your place! We’d love to welcome you home to Ringneck Retreat.

Dog Tails

by Tank, Spokesman for the Pack

Life is great!! All of us hunting machines (that’s us dogs) at RR are hunting our hearts out. And that is just the way we like it! There are sooooo many birds and so little time.

I was unable to attend the World Championships due to illness, so Cash (see photo) stepped up to the plate and filled in for me. Cash hunted the fields with an excitement and energy that truly turned some heads (so I’m told). Cash and Darik struggled a bit in their first head-to-head match and were bumped into the “last chance” field. When they arrived the next morning and saw the list of players and dogs they would have to compete against, it looked more like a final run instead of a last chance field. They were both very nervous but knew what they had to do—go into that field and do what they do best. HUNT BIRDS!! There were 11 of the best dogs in the world competing in that field and Cash and Darik bested them all by almost 2 minutes! Cash gained respect and recognition as one of the best dogs in the event. They then had to run against the second fastest time from that field and had some trouble finding their bird. Their opponent beat them by a mere 30 seconds. We are all very proud of Cash for making it to the semi-finals. Quite an accomplishment for a dog that isn’t even 2 years old yet.

In the doubles, Cash hunted with Craig Steinbach and Mark Hanna—two players that have won world and national titles. They had a great run but Cash got a little over excited and bumped his back 2 birds. Cash did find the extras that they needed but it took a little too much time. Nice try Cash and great show! Thank you Cash for the fine job of representing all of us at Ringneck Retreat.

Welcome to the November issue of From the Lodge.

In this Issue

	Pheasant, Pheasants, and More Pheasants.
	Feast at the Lodge
	Dog Tails

In Other News

November Tidbits by Dean, Expert Guide

Yeah!!! Christmas has come (meaning opening day, of course) but has not gone. These last couple of weeks have been wonderful. All of our hunters have had nothing but great times in the field—along with some sore shoulders. As I promised last month, I have an update on our youth hunt. All of the young hunters had a fabulous time. We sat out a few chukars for them to practice on before going out to the field. It was great to see each and every one of them be so safety minded. I would hunt along side any one of them any time. One lucky young hunter also won one of our own personal Ringneck Retreat hunting vests from a drawing we held. Oh almost forgot, they each bagged a pheasant too.

With November upon us we have to think about proper clothing. While hunting in South Dakota the weather can change in just a matter of hours. So, dressing warm is a must. This can affect your ability to properly pull up your shotgun when shooting. Try to stay away from big bulky jackets. Dress in layers. You can always take a layer off or put one on. With new technology you can get lightweight clothing that is as warm as the big bulky parkas.

That's all for this month. Remember, hunt safe, have fun, and keep those gun barrels in the air. Have a Happy Turkey (or pheasant) Day on the 22nd!

Training Tips by Bruce, Expert Trainer

A question we often get is, “At what age do you introduce the collar to the dog?” Introduction to the training collar is a must for all dogs. When to introduce it, should be based on the dog’s maturity. Know our dog and watch him closely for signs of readiness. The introduction to the collar should be done in the yard—never in a hunting situation. When first placing the collar on the dog, leave it slightly loose just so the dog knows that it is on. Start with a 50 foot check cord. For the “hear” or “hup” command, say the command and pull the dog in with check cord. After a couple of days working with a cord, turn the e-collar on to the low stimulation setting. Adjust stimulation level to dog’s sensitivity. Before you know it, your dog will be collar trained.

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