Plan Your Hunt
When you arrive at the lodge we will make sure to answer any questions you have but please take a couple of minutes to look over our trip planning page prior to your travel date. You will find helpful information about what to bring, safety and many other important details about staying and hunting at Thunderstik Lodge.
The weather in Chamberlain, SD changes with the season. Expect temperature ranges to vary from 25F to 75F. It is recommended to check the weather channel link prior to your departure to determine your weather conditions.
Pheasant Hunting Gear
Pheasant Hunting Suggested Gear List
- Bring along your favorite shotgun – Inquire with the lodge if you want to ship in advance
- Be sure to bring good, comfortable hunting boots – snake boots not necessary
- Rain gear
- We recommend nylon, canvas or leather fronted brush pants
- Ear and eye protection are essential
- Blaze orange vest
- Dress in layers as it can be cool in the morning and hot in the afternoon
If you are flying commercially you will be picked up in Sioux Falls(FSD).
Pick ups in Sioux Falls are between Noon & 3 pm – Drop offs on departure day are 9 am to Noon.
(please work with your group to coordinate similar arrival and departure times)
Private Airport Information
For private charters Chamberlain Municipal(9V9) can handle small aircraft
Hunting Information
How should we handle gratuities?
The Thunderstik staff work very hard to make sure you enjoy the best possible experience when staying with us. Please give all cash tips directly to your guide – it means a lot to them. If you want to put the gratuity on a credit card or personal check please do that through the office. Tips for guides range from $250 per gun and staff tips average around $125 per gun. Staff tips should be given to the office and they will be divided between chef, housekeepers and others directly involved with your hunt.
Bringing Hunting Dogs
Dogs are welcome at the lodge and the Thunderstik guides love to have some extra hunters to mix in with the Thunderstik crew. We can provide accommodations for your dogs but make sure to let us know you are planning to bring them when you submit your registration form.
Bringing Shotguns
Most hunters bring their favorite shotgun for the hunt but we have very nice lodge guns available if you would like to rent a gun. Interested in shipping your shotgun for the hunt? Give us a call and we can assist you in having your shotgun shipped prior to your hunt.
Hunter Registration
Before the hunt, take a couple of minutes to fill out the Thunderstik registration form. This will allow us to purchase your license before you arrive and give you the opportunity to tell us about any special needs or requests you have.
Safety & Hunting Etiquette
What To Do:
1. Always carry your gun with the safety on until you lift the gun to shoot.
2. Always immediately empty your gun and open the action or chamber at the end of each field and before entering a vehicle.
3. Always wear an orange cap and safety glasses.
4. Always make sure that you have the right gauge shells for your gun.
5. Always keep a straight line when walking through fields.
6. When blocking, always remain within sight of walkers so they know where you are.
7. Always inform the guide of any problems you are having with your gun.
8. Always inform your guide of any health problems that you might have so that he can station you accordingly: if you have a health problem arise during the hunt immediately tell the guide.
What Not To Do:
1. Don’t consume any alcohol of any sort before or during the hunt.
2. Don’t enter a vehicle with a loaded gun.
3. Don’t point a gun, whether loaded or not, at any person or one of the dogs.
4. Don’t shoot toward a hunter, dog, building, vehicle, or farm machinery.
5. Don’t attempt to fix a jammed shotgun without the assistance of your guide.
6. Don’t shoot pheasants on the ground or that get up behind or among the walkers.
7. Don’t shoot animals other than pheasants
8. Don’t shoot a hen pheasant ($120.00 fine, payable to Game, Fish and Parks after the hunt). Guides are to recover illegally taken game and report the violator to the lodge manager and will then be reported to GF&P.
9. Don’t shoot at low flying birds or birds headed toward blockers.
Hunting Dog Etiquette
A. When a bird is downed, mark where it lands. If the dog is not in the immediate area, wait for instructions from the guide. If the dog proceeds directly to the bird area, all hunters in line should stop and wait until the dog has hunted the area and finds the bird. If the dog does not find the bird, the dog handler should proceed to the bird fall and direct his dog appropriately. All other hunters should remain in place until the bird is found or the dog handler gives up.
B. Do not yell at or attempt to direct the dog. Remain quiet and let the dog and guide do their job.
C. Do not attempt to take a bird from a dog. Most dogs are trained to retrieve only to their owner/handler and may bite anyone who attempts to take their retrieved prize.
D. DO NOT SHOOT ANYTHING ON THE GROUND, it may be the dog.
Emergency and After Hours Info
Dial 9 for outside line, then – 911
Address: 24931 Thunderstik Road, Chamberlain S.D. 57325
Lodge Number: 605-234-5106
Carey’s cell number: 605-730-5100