FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Q. How large of a group do I need to come to Cogan House or North Lodge?

A. Cogan House can accommodate groups from 1-12. North Lodge houses up to 6 people.

Q. Are families with children welcome and if yes, what can they do while I hunt if they want to stay behind?

A. Yes, children are always welcome at Cogan House. We do not provide babysitting services. However, there are many activities that parents can share with their children: swimming, fishing, watching farming operations, nature walks. And we do have board games at the lodges.

Q. What animals can I hunt and fish for?

Q. How many people go out on a hunt with each guide?

A. Six to eight people per guide. Quail hunting is two hunters per guide.

Q. How many pheasants can I shoot? Can I bring them home?

A. In accordance with South Dakota law, you can shoot 15 cock pheasants, taken at the rate of 3 birds per day. If you would like to bring your pheasants home, we will clean them and box them for land travel. If you wish to have them shipped home, you are responsible for shipping costs; however, we will bring them to UPS. We have a license to sell additional birds without lead shot.

Q. Do I need to apply for a South Dakota hunting license before I arrive?

A. You must purchase your South Dakota license before you arrive, but the state has made it very convenient to do so from your home. If you are a US or Canadian citizen, you can purchase your hunting license from a store that sells licenses, or you can purchase your license online. If you are not a US or Canadian citizen, you will need to purchase your license at a storefront location. All hunters over the age of 16 will need a driver’s license or state-issued ID card to purchase a hunting license. Youth hunters (under age 16) must use their Hunter Safety Certificate as an ID. Each species has its own regulation. Please check with South Dakota Game Fish and Parks website for more information.

Q. What is your dinning format? What type of menu do you serve at Cogan House? Do we order off a menu, or does everyone eat the same meal?

A. Our meals are served family style. There are no menus. If you have specific nutritional needs, please notify us in advance (2 weeks) and we will attempt to meet your needs.

Q. Are meals served at a certain time? Do all guests eat at the same time?

A. All meals are served on a set schedule according to the time of year/type of hunting going on. All guests eat at the same time.

Q. Can we eat game similar to what we’ll be hunting?

A. Yes, our main menu is derived from the wildlife and vegetation found on and near Cogan House Lodge. Please let us know of any specific requests you have and we’ll to our best to meet your needs.

Q. How much time is actually spent hunting? How long are the hunts, and how many times will we hunt per day?

A. It depends on the species. During the first part of the pheasant season, we start hunting at noon. After daylight savings time, we begin our hunt at 10:00 am. We continue our hunt until all hunters have reached their limit of three birds each. Due to varying circumstances this could be very quick or last all day. Whether or not the limit has been reached, hunting ends at sunset. This is for safety purposes.

Q. What if the weather is very cold, raining, or snowing when I arrive?

A. Don’t let the weather deter you. Bad weather can make for better hunting. The pheasant hunting season usually brings dry weather ranging from highs in the 50s and 60s and lows below freezing. We do hunt during all types of weather, so be sure to pack accordingly. Check the local weather here or go to the national weather service page to see weather for the whole area.

Q. What should I pack?

A. Each hunter must wear a blaze orange hat as well as safety glasses during the hunt. We also recommend you wear an additional article of orange clothing, such as a hunting vest, for improved safety, and good, comfortable boots. (Orange clothing is not required during archery deer season.)

If your stay is booked at North Lodge, don’t forget to bring food for your stay. The self-serve kitchen with modern appliances, cookware and dishes is for your use.

Additional items to bring, depending on your schedule:

• 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotgun and shells
• archery equipment
• fishing equipment
• hunting pants and jacket
• several layers of clothing, to adjust to changing temperatures
• warm socks and good-quality, waterproof hunting boots
• rain gear
• gloves
• safety glasses
• camera
• golf clubs
• great attitude
• food, grooming and bedding supplies for your dog

Q. What types of shells should I bring?

A. State law requires non-toxic shells when hunting on public land. We will contact you ahead of time, with recommended shells for our hunting locations, the time of year and hunting conditions.

Q. If I fly to Cogan House, what gun carrying requirements to I need to follow?

A. The FAA has guidelines for packing guns and ammunition. Please contact your carrier for specific guidelines. The private airport in Springfield can also accommodate visitors. We have a heated hanger available. Contact the airport for gun and ammunition guidelines.

Q. Are the guides accessible before and after the hunt to answer any questions I may have?

A. Yes, our guides are at your service.

Q. Can I bring my dog? If yes, what do I need to bring to care for my dog?

A. Yes. We provide the kennel, you must provide everything else.

Q. Do you provide transportation?

A. With advance planning, transportation to and from the Springfield, Sioux Falls, or Sioux City airports is available.