Johannsen Farms Outfitting

Johannsen Farms has operated continuously since being homesteaded in 1926. What started as agricultural land in central South Dakota's Prairie Pothole region evolved into a carefully managed wildlife operation. The farm spans over 5,000 acres of prime habitat consisting of native grasslands, CRP grasslands, cornfields, wheat fields, cattail sloughs, wooded shelterbelts, and diversified food plots—each piece strategically positioned to support wild game populations.

The family runs a no-till farming operation specifically designed to maximize wildlife habitat while maintaining agricultural production. This dual-purpose approach means the land actually gets better for hunting each year, not worse.

Johannsen Farms explicitly does NOT operate as a hunting preserve. Every bird is 100% wild. Hunters regularly see hundreds of birds per day—sometimes over 1,000 in a single outing.

What's Included: - Professional pheasant hunting guides - Professionally trained flushing and pointing Labs (or bring your own dogs) - Transportation to and from fields - Sack lunch in the field or hot lunch in clubhouse - Bird cleaning and packaging - Daily round of clays at trap shooting area - Johannsen Farms hunting hat - Heated dog kennels for your dogs

The Numbers: Over 20+ years of operation, Johannsen Farms maintains a 95% success rate. Hunters consistently bag their daily limit of 3 wild roosters each day. This isn't because the birds are easy—these are crafty, mature wild roosters that humble experienced wing shooters. The success rate stems from strict harvest management and habitat diversity that supports thousands of ringneck pheasants each season.

• •Season: October 18 - January 31 (no hunts scheduled after December 15 due to weather concerns)

"The hunting was superb and the pheasants, as always, where in great numbers; healthy and mature. That's why I come back every year. You consistently offer what pheasant hunters everywhere dream about, an opportunity to see hundreds, if not thousands, of pheasants in a great South Dakota setting." — Scott G., Eden Prairie, MN

Johannsen Farms specializes in smaller hunting parties (3-10 hunters). Groups are never mixed—if you book with 6+ hunters, you'll be the only group on the entire property during your hunt. This means exclusive access to the best habitat and no competition for birds.

The farm offers exclusive, limited archery whitetail hunts for hunters pursuing trophy-class bucks. After 18+ years of managed deer hunting, the operation has developed exceptional results:

• •Hunters consistently harvest bucks scoring 140"-190"
• •Strict quality management focuses on mature bucks only
• •Balanced buck-to-doe ratios maintained through careful selective harvesting
• •Semi-guided by experienced archery hunters familiar with deer patterns and farm habits

• •South Dakota archery season: Last weekend of September through end of year (rut typically occurs late October through mid-November)

What's Included: - Lodging on property - Stands and blinds - Help with game recovery and field dressing - Semi-guided hunting support - Hunters responsible for their own meals - South Dakota archery license required (not included)

"Thank you for the opportunity to hunt Johannsen Farms. Over the past few years I have harvested four trophy class whitetails and made countless memories. The number of deer on your farm is unbelievable!" — Corey S., Aberdeen, SD

Hunters stay at on-farm lodging during their hunt. Testimonials consistently mention comfortable accommodations and family-style meals as part of the experience.

The operation's success traces back to habitat strategy:

• •Native grasslands provide nesting cover
• •CRP grasslands offer dense winter shelter
• •Food plots supply nutrition to support bird and deer populations
• •Limited harvest ensures proper sex ratios heading into winter
• •No-till farming preserves ground cover year-round

This combination produces the bird density hunters observe—thousands of wild ringneck pheasants supporting 95%+ success rates over decades.

Tolstoy, South Dakota - Central South Dakota's Prairie Pothole region (prime upland bird habitat)

Contact: - Phone: 605-290-3858 - Email: [email protected] - Mailing: PO Box 57, Tolstoy, SD 57475

• •2025 Booking: Starting February 5th

"Our annual hunting trips to the Johannsen Farm are so special. The wild birds, the variety of habitat, the Labradors, and the hospitality create great memories. We look forward to going back each year." — Hank Hemquist and Arik Hemquist, Minnesota