The Virginia Sportsman

Maple River Pheasant Hunting is a premier upland game hunting destination located near Frederick in South Dakota's heart of pheasant country. Founded in 2006 by John and Cathi Jensen, this full-service hunting lodge specializes in wild pheasant hunting experiences on expansive crop farmland in one of America's most productive pheasant regions.

Maple River offers guided wild pheasant hunts across varied terrain including:

• •Food plots and open fields - Prime roosting and feeding areas
• •Hedgerows and windbreaks - Classic pheasant cover
• •Cattail marshes and sloughs - Dense habitat requiring skilled dog work
• •Corn and grain fields - Late-season hunting opportunities

The Jensens provide full-service room and board, making this an all-inclusive hunting experience. Guests enjoy comfortable lodging, prepared meals including traditional pheasant and wild rice stew, and professional guide services.

Maple River features exceptional English Brittany Spaniels, bred continuously since 1981 from the respected Maverick line. These well-trained dogs work the varied cover with precision and enthusiasm, retrieving downed birds and locating roosters hiding in dense vegetation.

The operation hosts hunters from more than 25 states annually, with 90% of guests returning each year. The lodge is accessible via Aberdeen Regional Airport. Advance booking is recommended, as the calendar fills consistently throughout the hunting season.

Maple River's success reflects John and Cathi's commitment to exceptional sport, warm hospitality, and sustainable hunting practices on well-managed South Dakota farmland.