Pheasant Hunting Season Begins: Celebrating South Dakota’s Cultural Heritage.

Good morning, especially to all you hunters!

Today, the third Saturday in October, is traditionally the opening day of pheasant hunting season in South Dakota. Hunting is part of our rich cultural heritage. As the hunting season begins, I wish all hunters, residents, and visitors alike an enjoyable time in our great outdoors. I also hope everyone takes time to enjoy the fall festivities planned in our rural communities. The pheasant harvest should be good this year, as I have seen more pheasants along our roadways than in previous years.

Two years ago, I shared this treasured oil painting with you. It is a family favorite that hangs in my mom’s home. My brother Vince created this painting on the back of a Kent feed sack in the early 1980s. This gem is by far his best work. We almost lost it several years ago when he sold it to a pawn shop for $10. Fortunately, I tracked it down and recovered it before it was lost forever. The painting reminds me of the many pheasants we would see flying out of our cornfields during the fall harvest season.

When I was in fourth grade, I was introduced to stamp collecting and became what is known as a philatelist. I have continued collecting stamps throughout my life. Pictured here is a First Day of Issue stamp commemorating our beloved state bird, the ring-necked pheasant.

I acquired these commemorative stamps during my freshman year in college. It was officially released at a First Day of Issue ceremony at the Rapid City Post Office on April 29, 1988. At the time, I was a poor college student, but I decided to splurge on the commemorative stamps. I had never attended a First Day of Issue ceremony, and I knew the opportunity to purchase them at the time of their release would be brief.

Like my brother’s oil painting, this stamp is another treasured reminder of how South Dakota celebrates its rich cultural heritage.

If elected your state senator, I will fight to preserve our rich cultural heritage and agricultural roots. I will support legislation that protects and sustains fish and wildlife habitat while safeguarding the property rights of landowners and Ag producers. I will also stand firm in protecting your Second Amendment right to bear arms to defend yourself and your loved ones.

Enjoy hunting our state bird this weekend, and enjoy all that South Dakota’s great outdoors has to offer. God bless!