High Pheasant Populations Found In South Dakota The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks’ annual pheasant brood survey indicates the highest number of pheasants per mile in 40 years. The survey shows an increase of 21 percent over 2004 and 74 percent over the 10-year statewide average. With more than 97 million dollars spent by pheasant hunters in South Dakota last year, the health of the ringneck population bodes well for the health of the state’s economy.