Cooper, sorry to hear of your experience, especially after coming half way across the country. Our group hunts that area too but has access to private ground and though we usually do very well, I expect numbers will be down there too.
The greatest fun for me is the camaraderie of good friends and the friendly banter exchanged with some birds tossed in. Of course, we are only three hours away.
The counterpoint to your experience, is that moisture has already been better this fall than last fall across SD and Iowa. This, with normal snowfall s winter and rain next spring should help chick survival rebound next summer.
So don’t give up. I certainly appreciate the time, expense, and anticipation of guys who come to hunt those gaudy, gorgeous birds from a long ways away.
