S. Dakota Trip

Post by **Ron Wilson** » September 7th, 2006, 7:48 pm

Just got back from a long trip to S. Dakota to visit my buddy's new hunting lodge. Drove two days out/up; spent two days training/transitioning dogs, helping with some work on the new dog kennel, and even got a chance to shoot some birds; then spent two days driving back. My intent was to transition a few dogs I've been training to the lodge's hunting guide (my buddy's nephew), help where I could, then head back. What a beautiful place. The 8,000 sqft lodge has a formal dining room/restaurant style kitchen, 6-rooms for hunting parties, and a common area with a bar and large flat screen t.v. It sits on approximately 107 acres (though they have leased another 4,000+ acres to hunt on) with a 10-acre pond stocked with rainbow trout, bass, and bluegill. Construction was in final stages, so there was some cleaning up and final adjustments to make. Had a great time. Posted are pictures of the lodge and the results of our hunt. I've also included a pic of the water tower in Metropolis, IL, I drove by. I'm waiting on a short video to be e-mailed to me that has the yellow lab in the picture flushing a pheasant. I'll post that separately. I had such a good time, I'm planning on a trip back in the Spring for a more relaxed hunt/visit (I will fly).

Post by **birddog** » September 7th, 2006, 8:08 pm

Awesome lodge.

Looks like a top-notch place

Post by **rocket** » September 7th, 2006, 8:31 pm

Very nice, and I'm sure we'll get the family discount if we mention your name???

I've always wanted to hunt S. Dakota phesants. Any idea on his rates?

Post by **Chalk** » September 7th, 2006, 8:49 pm

Nice trip Ron

Post by **Ron Wilson** » September 7th, 2006, 10:40 pm

Thanks for the response gents. This really is a nice setup. I've heard/read about some of the nice hunting lodges around (i.e. deer, quail, etc....), but never stayed in one til this week. Kind of ironic to watch my buddy sit on a leather couch discussing his plans for the lodge considering that most of my professional memories of him as he brings to an end 20+ years of Marine Corps service, is his time in the field without the standard amenities (i.e. heat, A/C, shower, sleep, comfortable bed, etc..).

Bailey · Post by **Bailey** » September 8th, 2006, 6:34 am

Looks nice...where in S. Dakota is that?

Bailey

Post by **Ron Wilson** » September 8th, 2006, 7:21 am

Bailey,
It's located in Alexandria. About 45 minutes west of Sioux Falls.