Ringneck Roadtrip
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 12:51PM 
As we drove west towards the blaze orange glow of the disappearing sun, buddy Jacob Gibb giggled from his passenger seat. Minutes earlier, we jumped out at the country gas station to load up on dried-out slices of lamp-heated pizza, weak coffee and old Dolly Madison dessert cakes. Jacob had also insisted we swing through the taco drive-through we passed on our way out of town. 
Our quick "grab and go" dinner had become something quite foul and Jacob laughed as he was first to share his less than desirable reaction to the food. In the rear-view mirror I could see photojournalist Aaron Achtenberg's sour look. Soon enough, he giggled too and we drove on, all four truck windows cranked wide open.
Months before we had brainstormed an upland road trip. Why not try and hunt three states in three days and document the whole thing for our television shows? We'd pack the truck with hunting gear, Jacob's 3-year-old black lab and drive. Our plan was to hunt far-western Minnesota, then drive up to North Dakota where we'd camp behind the truck and then hunt sharpies and pheasants on public land. Our final stop would be Daybreak Lodge in South Dakota where we'd walk fields alongside our Aberdeen Million Dollar Bird Hunt winners. Aaron would document the trip with his video cameras. Jacob would do the same with his still cameras. Last Wednesday, we packed the truck, threw in a big tin of Tums and hit the road....
Our Road West
First stop was the Montevideo area to hunt alongside Pheasants Forever Biologist Eran Sandquist and local Pheasants Forever chapter president Tom Brusven. We hunted both private and public land, kicking up just enough birds to keep the hunting slow, but steady.
Good Retrieve Tucker!
We called that first hunt mid-afternoon and headed north and west towards Hankinson, North Dakota. The plan was to set up tents behind the trucks on the national wildlife refuges and get up early the next morning and hunt. Our first challenge came moments later when a text came in from Jesse Beckers, our North Dakota buddy and Pheasants Forever Regional Biologist. It read, "We can't find a single bird." "Change in plan." "Head west!" So, we did. Three hourse later, we pulled into a motel in the small farmtown of Edgely, North Dakota. The good news? We traded in sleeping bags and cold tents for motel beds...
Edgely's CafeNext morning, we filled up on hearty breakfasts at the local cafe and hooked up with Jesse and his buddy Matt Olson, who also works for Pheasants Forever. Together, we decided to hunt two or three PLOTS properties, which are privately-owned, but open to public hunting. We moved just outside the area where hail had been a big problem all year and started hunting. We found a few roosters and even a couple sharptail grouse. 
Jesse Beckers and His Hunting Buddy
For sure, the bird numbers were down. Was it the tough winters? Maybe the wet, cold spring and summer hail? What about the burning slews all around us as farmers tried to milk every inch of their land to make a few extra bucks? Whatever the reason, we could clearly see bird numbers down in Minnesota first, and now North Dakota.
More Pheasant Habitat Burning Up!
North Dakota Birds!
Our last stop would be Daybreak Lodge just north of Aberdeen, South Dakota. There, we hooked up with Eric Mathiowetz, winner of our Aberdeen promotion. He'd signed up online to win a two day hunt at the lodge. Eric brought along his brother, Todd Dahna, another diehard bird hunter. 
The SD Hunting Party
We all awoke our first morning to the smell of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and thick bacon. After downing a few mugs of hot coffee, we loaded the lodge bus and headed out to one of Daybreak's best draws. 
Morgan and Mark Haglin
Mark Haglin and his son Morgan run Daybreak. They also guide and run some of the best English Springer Spaniels we've ever seen. 
Excited to Hunt!
Morgan directed the dogs as we walked prairie draws and bottoms along the Elk River. We found plenty of birds, although we never really saw classic South Dakota numbers, yet another sign that the bird population is down. 
Rooster!
After harvesting a good number of roosters, we finished our Daybreak Lodge hunt around the campfire. Lots of talk about missed birds, jammed guns, badger holes, all the stuff we love about hunting.
An Evening CampfireWhile the campfire flickered in front of us, Jacob happened to notices something up on the rivge above camp and snapped a quick shot.
The Hillside Above Daybreak Lodge
Funny, but as we drove home on Sunday, Jacob, Aaron and I were still laughing outloud. I guess that's aJ good sign that our first ringneck roadtrip was a success. Guess we'll be planning another for 2012. I'll keep you all posted... 
Enjoy all the photos from Jacob Gibb Photography! Watch for a spread in Pheasants Forever's Magazine sometime in 2012!
Reader Comments (2)
Just another great adventure Bill. The photos are really amazing especially"The Hillside Above Daybreak Lodge". Thanks for the share.
This one of the best hunting experience I've ever heard about. Good thing you have invited your hunting buddies (dogs) with you. They surely made it extra special. Hoping for more interesting adventures of yours soon.