The second annual pheasant release took place today.

The Holy Cow Ranch is committed to conservation and wildlife habitat.  Several years ago we planted about 40,000 trees at the ranch.  Each year we continue to add to that number.  Since the initial planting the trees and shrubs have grown sufficiently that the wildlife habitat is excellent.

Here is a short video of the release of some of these birds.

Last year we released our first pheasants. We know that some of them survived the winter and reproduced.  Today, we continued what will be a tradition, in releasing more pheasants at the ranch.  We don’t hunt them.  For now we just want to establish a population which will reproduce and multiply.  Perhaps someday pheasant hunting will be part of our management program, but not for now.

We also began a farming program this year.  Several hundred acres is being planted, including numerous food plots which will not be harvested, but left for wildlife.  This is a landmark year for our overall conservation and wildlife preservation practices.  We have enough established habitat, water and now food source to support significant populations of wildlife.  Our program is one of many which demonstrates that effective farm and ranch businesses can include good conservation practices.  This year we are cooperating with SDSU to do a research farming plot to test 49 varieties of sunflowers.

One scheduled, but yet incomplete project is a significant dam at the bottom of two large drainage areas.  When completed, this body of water will provide home for several varieties of fish and water foul.

It is certainly no secret that I am an avid hunter, but we are committed to efforts that will improve opportunity for wildlife.  If not for the regulation of the South Dakota Animal Health Board and the Game Fish and Parks, we would be doing even more.  Our level of commitment is not unique among farmers and ranchers.  Many of them have been responsible for ensuring the healthy, vibrant population of South Dakota’s diverse wildlife.

You are always welcome to stop by for a personal tour!

***Gordon Howie is an author and CEO of Life and Liberty Media***

     “It’s not about right or left, it’s about Right or Wrong.”

 

 

 

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