Tell us about your hunting experience with Thunderstik Lodge or read about past hunts.
Our Client Testimonials
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Our guide Clint was very good at his job and very enjoyable to be around.
How was your experience hunting in the field? The hunts were very well set up for success.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? All of the staff was very welcoming and helpful. Also, it is not lost on me how much planning and
organization is involved in accomplishing what you all do in a day. There is no way you pull that off
without a good staff and a good facility. My complements to you all.
Review: You will get more than you came for. Great place to go.
Group Leader booking remarks:
Other Comments: Great time, nice job
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Meeting new people and staff. Guides were very friendly
How was your experience hunting in the field? Awesome. Lots of birds and the dogs were fun to watch work.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Everyone was terrific. Lisa’s cooking was amazing.
Review: Don’t hesitate to book this hunt. You won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to go back.
Group Leader booking remarks: Rob was very informative and made it very easy. Few emails and everything was done.
Other Comments:
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Everything was great. Especially ejoyed our guide Clint Larson
How was your experience hunting in the field? Absolutely fantastic.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Thank you so much to Clint. He was a true gentleman. All of the staff was very accomodating. One small bit of feedback is we were told the larger coolers would fit 20 birds but only received 16.
Review: First rate experience. Tons of action. Very well run operation. Highly recommend. You don’t have to be a highly skilled hunter to have a great, successful hunt. Will definitely return.
Group Leader booking remarks: Booking was very easy. Hunt was purchased at DU banquet. No problems whatsoever.
Other Comments:
Lodge: Rooster Ridge West
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: I love the whole experience. The hunt, the lodging, the prepared meals. And everyone treats us so nice.
How was your experience hunting in the field? The hunting was fantastic. Lots of birds and the weather wasn’t bad at all. ( a little muddy but not terrible)
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? My highest compliments to all involved. I honestly can’t think of a single thing that would have made this hunt any better! It was a great hunt !
Review: I would recommend Thunderstick Lodge to any person or group looking for the ultimate pheasant hunting experience!
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Other Comments: I will remember our pheasant hunting trips to Thunderstick for the rest of my life!
Lodge: Rooster Ridge West
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: We always enjoy the hospitality and food. The views looking west out of Rooster Ridge West are spectacular.
How was your experience hunting in the field? The hunting is always good, and our guide Ray is great at his job and the dogs are spectacular!!
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? This was my fourth trip to Rooster Ridge/Thunderstick, and I have never found anyone that didn’t seem happy to see us and were always more than helpful. The food has never disappointed and is plentiful!
Review: If you’re looking for a trip that delivers what it promised look no further! The pheasants are just icing on a great piece of cake.
Group Leader booking remarks: This year the booking was much simpler.
Other Comments:
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: accommodations we nice, clean and well kept. The lodge was get to talk and mingle with other hunters. The food is amazing and kudos to the chef!
How was your experience hunting in the field? while i have been 3 times, it has always been a great experience. There were a lot of birds and overall well worth the money
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Brock and his dogs are great… they make the experience better. It is the second time we have hunted with him and he is not only a great guide but makes the trip fun and memorable
Review:
Group Leader booking remarks: I was the group lead and everything went well and was easy… great job and special thanks to Jenny
Other Comments:
Lodge: Rooster Ridge East
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: hunt was great the guide was awesome enjoyed the house and just a relaxing hunt.
How was your experience hunting in the field? we had a great time
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? food was good
dogs were well trained
crawl did everything he needed to do for our hunting experience
Review: experienced hunters will enjoy the hunt
hunters with little experience will have a great time as the birds are there plus five stand shooting is fun
Group Leader booking remarks: very smooth
Other Comments: i requested info on and have received a email on a moose hunt in canada.
Lodge: Rooster Ridge North
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: We’ve built a great relationship with our guide Travis over the years and very much enjoyed hunting with him.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Excellent. Despite frigid weather on 2 of the days, we had well-run, productive hunts.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Keep up the good work.
Review: There’s a high level of attention to detail in these hunts. The guides are thoughtful and change their strategy as the conditions change. The dogs are excellent. And the variety of hunting terrains is nice as well. The guides truly do their best to set the hunters up for success!
Group Leader booking remarks: It was very easy and the communication was excellent.
Other Comments:
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: I really like the hunting. It is so nice to hunt hassle free. Kinda get spoiled
How was your experience hunting in the field? Gary and Ray are very good at what they do. Dogs are great and fun to watch
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Thx
Review: Do it. You won’t regret it
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Lodge: Rooster Ridge East
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: The time with friends.
How was your experience hunting in the field? It’s always great. We were there when it was -20 plus the wind. We missed one day because it was so bad. But Ray & Derek worked hard the other 2 days to get us all of our birds.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Keep up the great work. It’s always a good time
Review: You won’t be disappointed. The guides, dogs, birds, food & time with friends are all amazing.
Group Leader booking remarks: It was very simple. Rob is very responsive and happy to answer questions. He doesn’t make me feel like I’m bothering him even if I email him 4 times a day.
Other Comments:
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: The guides. Crawl and Scotty are really great to work with
How was your experience hunting in the field?
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? All were fantastic. We’ve been 3 straight years, through DU, upgraded to the Lodge, and it’s been enjoyable for all 8 of us. We’ll be back.
Review: Hunting, food, and housing are all great. We’re outdoor guys, so we’re not looking for fancy. We like convenience, and everything was all we wanted. Thanks for a great hunt, 3 years running.
Group Leader booking remarks: The staff has been easy to work with. In particular, Rob has been overly accommodating, and has helped us in every way possible.
Other Comments:
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Great camaraderie with the staff, guides and guests.
Layout of the lodge was inviting and we all had a great time.
My accommodations were just fine, except for the room mates snoring, all good.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Better than I expected. I have been to other places where the birds don’t fly as much.
Our guides, Scotty and Garret, worked the fields just right, dogs were perfect.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Keep up the good work and we will see you all again next year.
Review: This place was Better than I expected. I have been to other places where the birds just don’t fly as much. These birds had long tail feathers, crowed when they flew, closest you are going to get to a true wild hunt with out walking 10 miles on unfamiliar territory’s.
Our guides, Scotty and Garret, worked the fields just right, dogs were perfect.
We will be back in 2024.
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Lodge: Rooster Ridge West
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Everything was again great. Guide (Travis), dogs, hunting, food, etc.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Great. Travis excelled in difficult (very windy) hunting conditions.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? As stated above, everything was great. Hope to return next year, and will again request Travis as guide.
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Other Comments: None.
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Everything was first class!
How was your experience hunting in the field? The guides Jay and Todd and their dogs were amazing. the amount of birds and opportunities
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? No, everything was first class.
Other Comments: I want to get a group and bring my 17 yr old son back…
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: The guide was great, the lodge was great along with the meals and conversation with other hunters.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Garrett our guide was great, the birds wer plentiful the area was easily walked and the dogs were great !
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? They all did a great job making our experience enjoyable.
Review: I would highly recommend a 3 day hunt !
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Lodge: Rooster Ridge East
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay:
How was your experience hunting in the field? It was fantastic. Plenty of birds and the time allotment each day was spot on. We got our limit of 16 each day.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Todd was a fantastic guide. I wasn’t expecting Todd to be such an integral part of the whole experience. I really enjoyed the time he spent with us in the field and during meals.
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Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Happy the weather cooled a bit for our trip. I found the Lodge ot be great and all the staff very helpful. Enjoyed the most… Two great guides, Jay and Scotty
How was your experience hunting in the field? First weekend of season. Corn 9 to 10 feet tall and thick. Pushing through was challenging. A good work out. Plenty opportunities to flush birds and harvest.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Keep up the good work.
Review: Thunderstik Lodge is ultimate destination for a South Dakota pheasant hunt. All the neccessities and details are covered. Food excellent and atmoshpere to fellowship with fellow hunters the BEST!
Group Leader booking remarks: N/A
Other Comments:
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Everyone was Friendly!! Food was Great! Hunting was Excellent!
How was your experience hunting in the field? Excellent
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Keep up the great work!!
Review: If you are looking for a place to hunt pheasants with great guides and great dogs this is the place. Oh, Did I say the food is great too? And the lodge is well run!! Couldn’t have had a better time!!
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Lodge: Rooster Ridge East
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: The whole experience was great.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Great. Saw and shot many birds. It was a great time.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Very good Job. Todd was very good and informative.
Review: Are time at rooster ridge was very good. Saw and bagged many birds. We were there when the water fowl migration was underway back north. It was great to see the thousands of birds.. are guide Todd was very fun and informative. We had a very good time and would highly recommend the experience.
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Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Loved working with the dogs, they are amazing!
How was your experience hunting in the field? Great
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Everyone was very welcoming and professional. Chef did a wonderful job. Dogs are so talented.
Review: If you are looking for a place to book a memorable hunt, this is your place. The main lodge is fantastic, the staff and guides are great. The amount of birds in the area is unbelievable. Highly recommend.
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Lodge: Rooster Ridge East
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: The area was beautiful, the food was fantastic, and the lodgings were very nice.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Hunting was awesome I have never seen that many birds. Everyone was very safe and I always felt comfortable.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Ray was an amazing guide, and his dogs were fantastic. I hope his one pup flashes ear is alright. The food was always really good no complaints at all.
Review: The lodges are very comfortable, and the food is always good. The guides really know there stuff, and the dogs are very well trained, and listen very well. Every day was nothing but roosters we were always in a great spot.
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Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: It was a great experience ,, took my two sons and felt like it couldn’t have been better
How was your experience hunting in the field? Interesting , your staff was prepared and adjusted well to your normal adverse conditions in South Dakota.. Hunting the trees was different and fun.. Birds flushed great which made for some exciting shooting and also provided some much needed laughs..
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Brock was our guide and he was excellent .! His dogs worked wonderfully and totally under control .. can’t say enough about Jenny and the entire staff of folks at the lodge to make our trip complete!!! The kitchen staff worked hard to meet some unusual requests and they did so with a smile…! All of which was very much appreciated !
Review: If you’re looking for a relaxing stay with excellent wing shooting?? Then this is the place.. a schedule unlike most hunting experiences.. Food was great, accommodations were appropriate and the staff excelled in all categories..
If you’re looking to add a new wing shooting experience to your winter agenda,,,? Put Thunderstik Lodge on your todo list!!!
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Other Comments: Thanks again for a great experience!
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: The hospitality and guiding services
How was your experience hunting in the field? We had the best hunt we’ve ever taken so far. Guide was knowledgeable, helpful and fun to be around in the field. Left nothing to question everything went perfectly.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? The only thing I would have to comment is how wonderful all of them were. Our guide was amazing. His dogs were wonderful to be around and did an amazing job getting all of our birds.
Review: I have been to a lot of places hunting before and this one takes it off the lodge the staff the hunting everything was amazing about this place. It is our new yearly place to go.
Group Leader booking remarks: Easy
Other Comments: Thanks Brennan for all the hard work and making this our number 1 hunt.
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Honestly, there was not one thing that I did not like about our stay. The staff, our guide, the food, meeting new friends, sharing this experience with friends, the views, the dogs, the overall experience is one that I truly loved.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Amazing!! Andrew is a wonderful guide, he fit right in with our group. The dogs are impressive and it was great to watch them work the birds.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Thank you!!! I think that is the best comment I can give – they all went above my expectations and I appreciate all that each of them did.
Review: Do NOT pass up this opportunity!!!! The hunt was an amazing experience and the lodge provides you with opportunity to have fun with your friends and family.
Group Leader booking remarks: NA
Other Comments:
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: It would be hard to pick one or even a few favorites about my experiences with Thunderstik Lodge were nothing but extraordinary.
How was your experience hunting in the field? It exceeded expectation that I had due to the unique conditions caused by the blizzard. I appreciate all the hard work that went on to get us in the field hunting. Once in the field every effort was made to see we had a safe enjoyable hunting experience.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? I have nothing but the highest respect and admiration for the management, staff, guides, and employees of Thunderstik Lodge! With the blizzard everyone went above and beyond to see that we were well taken care of. I’ve dealt with the public for over fifty years and always tried to treat them the way I wanted to be treated. I would hire Thunderstik’s employees in a second to work with.
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Group Leader booking remarks: Very easy
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Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Pheasant hunting was top shelf and the ice fishing was an added bonus.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Fantastic. Brennen was a great guide and put us on the birds.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Staff, dogs & chefs were fantastic. The facility was great and we had an amazing time.
Review: Don’t hesitate for one minute……this place is A+. You will not regret booking.
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Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Everything was great!! Lodging , food, the bar and hunting. The guide was great, felt like I knew him time I met him. Andrew was his name. It was so cold but we still had a ball, definitely added to our memories. Long way from North Carolina but if I want to go again we are definitely coming back to Thunderstick. Beautiful scenery at the lodge , so wide open, really a special place. Enjoyed talking with Andrew about farming because I farm.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Great, lot of snow but they had paths pushed so we could walk.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Like I said everything was great, I will highly recommend this lodge to anyone who is interested.
Review: If you’re looking to have a great time hunting pheasants get ready, you’re gonna have a blast. This place is loaded with wild birds. Great memories made here, great food and spirits also
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Lodge Stayed In: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Knowledge of booking staff: 10
I did not book the stay as i was a guest of the booking party. Though i thought the info i had to fill out and return for license and guns, was extremely easy and the questions ask were relevant.
Lodge – quality of accommodations, cleanliness, grounds: 10
The lodge was perfect! for a working hunt club, i really felt as thou we could hunt all day in adverse conditions, and not feel like we were going to destroy the accommodations when we returned.
Lodge staff: 10
Staff were all very welcoming, and eager to engage our party. For a first time attendee, the staff made us feel like we had been coming for years.
Meals and Bar: 10
Great food, never left hungry. Was a home cooked meal everytime.
Hunting Guides: 10
Garrett was extremely knowledgably about what we were hunting and doing each day. Never felt any pressure to out perform each hunters abilities. Garrett was great with the dogs and was so fun being able to watch a young pup ( Patton?) get to work and learn.
Quality of the hunt (pheasants): 10
All the birds we were on were wild birds, was not at all disappointed in how they flushed.
Additional Comment:
One of the best hunting experiences I have ever had. From the 5 star lodging to the 5 Star guides, and 5 star home cooked meals. The comradery in the lodge in the evenings, meeting people from all around the country, enjoying great stories and great experiences. Can’t wait till the next time.
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay:
How was your experience hunting in the field? Great. Our group of 4 all had an enjoyable hunt.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Clint was our guide and did a super job.
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Other Comments: The whole experience met or exceeded my expectations.
Lodge: Rooster Ridge West
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: The stay at Rooster Ridge is one we will always remember. The lodging, food and staff were top notch. We enjoyed the privacy, beauty and quiet of staying at Rooster Ridge West. The evening sunsets were amazing. Our guide, Jay, took great care of us. This was the most relaxing hunting trip we’ve ever taken. Really enjoyed having breakfast and dinner brought to the cabin.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Our time in the field was great. We saw lots of birds. We really enjoyed being able to run our own dog. For her first time on pheasant, she did a great job flushing and retrieving. The birds flushed well. We were impressed with the quality and quantity of the roosters.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Great job, everyone. Thank you, Jay, for making this a spring break we will always remember. We enjoyed our time in the field with you and the dogs. Thank you to the chef for all the great meals and the staff for making our stay enjoyable.
Review: Highly recommend Thunderstik Lodge. We did a family trip during spring break and had an amazing time. We were able to stay in Rooster Ridge West lodge with an amazing view over the Missouri river. The hunting was incredible with plenty of opportunities at magnificent roosters. The guide and dogs did an amazing job. We also brought our own dog who was welcomed into the pack and had a great time. The entire stay was very relaxing with lots of great memories made each day.
Group Leader booking remarks: The booking and arrival/departure process was very easy. The team did a great job of pairing us with a great guide who took great care of us.
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Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: The guides and the entire staff was awesome
How was your experience hunting in the field? Hunting was great fields were the best
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Keep up the excellent work it was like being with my own family
Review: Don’t wait for this trip, GO NOW
Group Leader booking remarks: Booking was fast and easy
Other Comments: Getting our group together for a return trip next year there was 9 of us we plan on having 12 next year
AWESOME HUNTING TRIP
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Enjoyed the entire experience. The upgrades to the lodging were great.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Staff – great
Guide was Andrew and we enjoyed hunting with him again this year. We have booked for 2025 already and will request Andrew again.
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: The lodge and the staff. We had a great guide as well. Todd was awesome and his dogs were amazing.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Exceeded my expectations daily.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Food and presentation was great.
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Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Our guide Todd was amazing, as he was last year and made the trip well worth it.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Great, we were put on the birds and out the fields before noon every day.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Everything was great, only complaint is Todd would not give up his dog Blue to me(just joking obviously)
Review: Great place for a very relaxing hunt, regardless of shooting skills anyone should have a great time. The team makes sure you and your group has ample opportunity to shoot. Very well run lodge and biggest thing for me is the stress on safety. Being an advent hunter it was refreshing to see such concerns.
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Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: I enjoyed the lodge itself, staff, food, and our guide Jay. The entire experience was wonderful and had a great time.
How was your experience hunting in the field? We had a great time with Jay.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? I think everyone was great and hope that all continue to come back for future years.
Review: Thunderstik Lodge is a great place for hunting pheasant, very professional, and overall great experience.
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Lodge: Rooster Ridge East
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: So enjoyed the staying in the East house meals were great our guide Brennan was the best! He really made our trip awesome!
How was your experience hunting in the field? Great
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Brennan our guide was Awesome we really enjoyed hunting with him his dogs were great as well!
The food was great every meal!
Every staff member we encountered was great to work with and were very accommodating to make our stay the best!
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Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Enjoyed pretty much everything. Food and accommodations were outstanding. All the staff was extremely friendly.
How was your experience hunting in the field? My experience in the field was outstanding. You guys know Pheasant hunting. Our guide had great dogs and was fun to hunt with.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? To Everybody, THANK YOU!!! 2 in our party never hunted, one never shot a shotgun and we all shot birds. The best breads in the world. Outstanding chocolate chip cookies.
Review: If your considering a pheasant hunt let these guys cater your needs. YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!
Group Leader booking remarks: Booking a hunt thru the lodge was smooth as silk.
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Lodge: Rooster Ridge North
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Great staff, great food, comfy accommodations. This was my 4th hunt with you and other than a bit of chilly weather, I had a fantastic time! I was fortunate enough to shoot a really nice bird and I am having it mounted as a remembrance of my time at Rooster Ridge/Thunderstik.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Just as with my past hunts, you have beautifully maintained properties which provide a great hunt.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Travis was once again a fantastic guide! He brought along a young dog, Patton, and he was a workhorse. It was so much fun to watch the dogs work the birds for us! That’s one of the more memorable parts of the hunt, for sure.
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Lodge: Rooster Ridge East
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Everything is amazing!
How was your experience hunting in the field? Great
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? RAY DID A GREAT JOB AGAIN!!
Review: FIRST CLASS ALL THE WAY! BEAUTIFUL HUNTS!!!! NICE, COMFORTABLE LODGING WITH GREAT FOOD THINK ALMOST EVERYTHING’S MADE ON SITE! CAN’T GO WRONG WITH THEM, GIRLS IN OFFICE ARE SUPER HELPFUL AND NICE WITH ARRANGING EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING’S SEEMLESS
Group Leader booking remarks: Seemless! One of easier places we do! Between girls up front and Rob never had any issues
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Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Everything. Todd, our guide, was terrific. This was my 7th hunt at Thunderstik and Todd has guided us every time. The food and beverage was suburb as usual.
I was a little disappointed that the sporting clay course was shut down. in the past, that shooting was always on our list.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Terrific. Todd navigated us through windy weather and unusually warm weather. We got our limit of birds.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Thank God yall are terrific year after year. Going back to Thunderstik is like going home !!
Can we meet the governor next time we are there ? We all admire her from afar.
Review: Best pheasant hunting spot in South Dakota…hands down. None can compare.
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Other Comments: Thanks for everything.
Lodge: Rooster Ridge East
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: I can’t choose just one. The hunting, the guide and his dogs, the staff, the food, the landscape. It was all just so amazing.
How was your experience hunting in the field? It was the most fun bird hunting experience I’ve ever had. I really enjoyed watching our guide and the dogs work the food plots. And then you hear that cackle and the infamous “Rooosterrrr”. What a way to get the adrenaline pumping!
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? The staff in general was just wonderful, from check-in to cleaning of the cabin, to check-out. Such a great job everyone.
And the food…WOW! Absolutely fantastic!
I’d like to send a special thank you to our guide, Ray, along with his dogs Flash, Husker, and Geo, and the lodge dog Brandon. They were top notch! Feel free to pass this along to them.
Review: The guides and their dogs will put you on birds everyday, it’s just up to you to “shoot till’ ya feel good.”
The cabin is HUGE and CLEAN! And the food is amazing. So if you’re not a good shot, at least you won’t go hungry.
This is a must do hunt. You won’t find a better group of people, or hunting experience, anywhere else!
Group Leader booking remarks: It was easy to book the hunt, and Jenny was wonderful to work with. She answered all my rookie questions and got us setup.
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Terrific hunting, Travis is an exceptional guide and person Tremendous range experience.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Wonderful. Limited each day. Very safe
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Lisa is a great cook Dogs are sensational Staff really welcoming.
Review: As Nike says, Just Do It Best hunting experience out there!
Group Leader booking remarks: No issues at all
Other Comments:
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: The dogs are the best.
How was your experience hunting in the field? It was good experience or a low level hunter like myself
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? dogs were great, overall experience was lots of fun.
I am sure we will be back!
Review: Guides Cary and Brock were great. good people, very intelligent with their hunting acumen and overall joy yo be around & work with.
Group Leader booking remarks:
Other Comments:
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Our guide was outstanding. He was knowledgeable, personable and skilled.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Fantastic.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Guide and dogs were the highlight. Food was good. Need peanut butter and jelly on the sandwich table.
Review: Worth every nickel. Great host and guides. Had the time of my life.
Group Leader booking remarks:
Other Comments:
Lodge: Rooster Ridge West
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: You’re in great hands with Rooster Ridge or Thunderstick Lodge. They take care of everything once you arrive. Great staff, hunting, and lodges will keep us coming back.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Scotty made the hunting experience very enjoyable for all.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Thank you again to Scotty for accommodating even the smallest request.
Review: New or experienced hunters should book with confidence, they will have a great time in SD with Rooster Ridge.
Group Leader booking remarks: N/A
Other Comments:
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Not sure I can pick just one thing. The overall experience was top notch. If I had to say though, I’d say it would be the staff. Our guide, Ray, was a perfect fit for our group and put it over the top for us.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Good experience. Nothing negative.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Entire staff was super friendly and enjoyable to speak with.
Review: You won’t be disappointed with a hunt and stay at Thunderstik Lodge. The experience was incredible. Friendly and personable guides and staff. The food was great. The views and setting is just classic South Dakota. Would recommend this to anyone thinking about their next Pheasant Hunt.
Group Leader booking remarks: Super easy
Other Comments:
Lodge: Rooster Ridge North
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: How easy everything is. Everything is done for you all you have to do is shoot birds. Very Enjoyable!
How was your experience hunting in the field? The hunting experience was a lot of fun. Huge wind rows with great cover for the birds and some very nice scenery to go along with the hunt.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? STAFF: The lodge was always clean when we returned from the hunt.
CHEF: The food was outstanding.
GUIDE: Travis was outstanding, a great personality with a lot of knowledge about the surrounding area. When we come back to hunt I will definitely be requesting him. ( He also plays a mean guitar)
DOGS: JAX, ROCKY, HONEY and CHARLIE : Very good dogs, extremely friendly. I don’t believe we had one runner get away from them.
Review: You will have a great time like I said all you have to do is SHOOT BIRDS !!!
Group Leader booking remarks: As a hunter who hunts birds in South Dakota every year, I ask the question, Can I buy a non-resident small game license and use the hunt at Thunder Stik as one of the weeks that is allowed by the state for nonresident hunters ? I was told no so we bought the $80.00 preserve license and come to find out when we got to the lodge I asked the host and she said that we could have bought the state license which would have saved money.
Other Comments:
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: The atmosphere at the lodge was amazing. Friendly staff and knowledgeable guides
How was your experience hunting in the field? Hunting was great. Enjoyed hunting as single group on days 2 and 3 more than hunting 2 groups on day 1.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Guide Crawl was outstanding.
Bartender Jaica was amazing. She had your drink replaced before you ran out. Friendliest and most attentive
Food and servers were also amazing!
Review: Best hunting experience I have ever had. 5 star lodge and 5 star hunting.
Group Leader booking remarks:
Other Comments:
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: The oppertunity to kick back, relax, play cards , and the use of the pistol,rifle and trap ranges.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Great, even with the snow.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Keep doing what you do!!!
Review:
Group Leader booking remarks: It was easy
Other Comments:
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Everything as always. I haven’t been there for 18 years, and to my surprise, nothing has changed, the food was fantastic, staff was very friendly and accommodating , lodging was perfect, and our guide was very patient considering the circumstances.
How was your experience hunting in the field? As good as it could have been considering the weather and the talent that Andrew had to contend with.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Keep up the good work!
Review: Been pheasant hunting more times than I can count and been to different outfitters along the way.. Thunderstik is bar none the BEST!
Group Leader booking remarks: Everything was great, we had to make some changes along the way by adding and cancelling some reservations, your staff was very helpful and friendly making the necessary changes..
Other Comments:
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: The ability to enjoy time with our dogs and friends in the field, shooting clays and at the range. Our guide Brock was an added bonus for us.
How was your experience hunting in the field? Excellent. Due to the excess snow, we had an unconventional hunt and that proved to be exactly what we didn’t know we were looking for. We have shot pheasant traditionally from the field, but we had the opportunity to hunt in the juniper trees and that was a blast all in its own. It’s something we probably won’t have the ability to do again, and we are very thankful we were able to do it this trip.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Brock was amazing as always. He never stops trying to make sure we have the best possible time. He brings the level of enjoyment up beyond what any guide I’ve seen before do. His dogs are top notch – especially Breeze. The staff at the lodge are extremely accommodating and welcoming.
Review: Thunderstik is by far the best pheasant experience I could recommend to anyone thinking about pursing a South Dakota pheasant hunt. Regardless of the time of year or the conditions, it’s a guaranteed great time and it does feel nice to be at home if only for 4 days out of the year.
Group Leader booking remarks: It was excellent! We bought two four-man hunts through our local DU chapter and the process was seamless and smooth. It did help that we had been there before but the communication and preparation this time around was especially helpful given the winter conditions.
Other Comments: Brock deserves all the praise. He really made this trip a special one for us.
Lodge: Rooster Ridge North
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Our guide, food, hunt, and views
How was your experience hunting in the field? Great, could not have been better
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? Everyone, and everything was wonderful. Especially Ray and his dogs
Review: I can’t imagine a better hunting experience
Group Leader booking remarks:
Other Comments: Thanks for everything!
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Everything was great. The hunting, food and lodging were all better than expected.
How was your experience hunting in the field? We had a great time hunting. Our guide Travis went above and beyond expectations to make sure we had everything we need and got on the birds.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? I’d like to thank Travis again. He really made the trip memorable for all of us.
The dogs did great, the food was great(compliments to the chef), staff were helpful whenever needed.
Review: You won’t be disappointed if you book a trip to Thunderstik. We had more than ample opportunity to get our birds. I highly recommend guide Travis who is a local and knows the area well(tell him to bring his guitar too). While we were there it was cold and windy but it didn’t matter. The house was large enough everyone had space, Dogs did fantastic, food was great, I could go on and on.
Group Leader booking remarks: No issues with booking at all. Any questions I had were quickly answered. Our group had no issues.
Other Comments:
Lodge: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Was this your first time hunting with us? No, I have been before
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: Friendly and helpful staff
How was your experience hunting in the field? We had a great time hunting in the snow. The staff and guides did a great job prepping the hunting areas after a BLIZZARD!!
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef?
Review:
Group Leader booking remarks:
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Lodge: Rooster Ridge West
Was this your first time hunting with us? Yes
Tell us what you enjoyed the most about your stay: The entire hunt was phenomenal. The smile on the boy’s faces after each hunt will be forever etched in my mind
How was your experience hunting in the field? Our experience hunting in the field was exceptional. Our guide Andrew was great. The dogs worked well, and there were plent of birds.
Do you have any comments for our staff, guides, dogs, or chef? We couldn’t have asked for a better guide than Andrew. Andrew is a great ambassador for the lodge and a topnotch host and guide.
The Chef was truly amazing. Just like Mama’s cooking.
Review: Thunderstick Lodge has all you need for a great pheasant hunt. The staff are top notch! Our guide and dogs were flawless. The hunts were amazing and the boys had a great hunting experience.
The lodge offers beautiful scenery and the Chef doesn’t know how to cook a bad meal. We look forward to going back to Thunderstick Lodge.
Group Leader booking remarks:
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Lodge Stayed In: Thunderstik Main Lodge
Knowledge of booking staff: 10
No glitches whatsoever. Very friendly, helpful and courteous. They made the booking easy.
Lodge – quality of accommodations, cleanliness, grounds: 10
I brought four grandsons; three of which were first timers. The cabin had a pool table that was a hit with the younger crew. Excellent accommodations and very clean. The surrounding hills provided beautiful scenery with sunups and sunsets magnificent.
Lodge staff: 10
Very professional and helpful. Showed us the gift shop merchandise
Meals and Bar: 10
The first time hunters were very impressed with the delicious meals. And comments of that sort coming from Louisiana natives where the tastiness and flavor of our food is known worldwide. That speaks for itself.
Hunting Guides: 10
Chris and Gary are absolutely the best. This was my fifth year that Chris has been our guide. He is not only an excellent guide but has become a true friend. Gary also made our hunt memorable and has become a newfound friend. If you had a 20 rating, they would have easily obtained it in my estimation.
Quality of the hunt (pheasants): 10
We all got our 4 per day limits. Is there anything else I can say about the quality of the hunt. One grandson said it’s the best hunt that he’s ever been on. Another told me it was the most fun he’s ever had in his entire life. The youngest wanted me to promise him that he could come back next year. They said granddad we love you and thanks so much for bringing us. What more could a grandfather ever wish for. Looking forward for them to have just as good of a time next year.
Additional Comment:
Hope to be back next year!!