Pheasant Country was started in 1985 by several Mitchell business owners who wanted to increase the pheasant population in order to keep hunters coming to the Mitchell area. To implement the plan, Pheasant Country worked with landowner/members to set aside 10 or more acres of their property to plant food plots and trees. To raise the funds necessary to pay the landowners it was decided to hold a Banquet and auction the Friday night before the opening day of the pheasant season. The Pheasant season always opens on the third Saturday of October, however before planning your trip be sure to visit our Game Fish and Parks web site link for exact dates. The Banquet is held at the World Famous Corn Palace.

100% of the funds raised goes to our habitat, hunting and youth programs. Pheasant Country started out working with 18 landowners, but today approximately 300 landowners participate in the program and there are now over 3,000 acres of food plots planted. Since 1988, Pheasant Country has contributed over $600,000 in wildlife food plots and shelterbelt tree programs in the Mitchell area.

​Over 700 people attend the Banquet from all across the United States and Canada last year. A sit-down pheasant dinner is served, original South Dakota artists are on hand, and raffles and auctions are held.