This weekend marks the opening of pheasant season in South Dakota. Director of Wildlife for the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, Tony Leif, says hopes are high for this year, despite concerns since last year.

Leif says from the James River Valley and west, the largest population of pheasants can be found, but the entire state has a sufficient number of birds. He says hunters should take care this weekend.

He reminds hunters to wear blaze orange clothing and be aware of the location of hunting partners at all times in the field.