Snake Den Lodge

10/06/2025

A few weeks out…looking forward to some cooler weather!

06/10/2022

A little foggy out there this morning. It’s been a good spring so far, with good moisture and moderate, if not cool temperatures. Some heat finally moving in this weekend and early next week. The crops could use it and things will really take off. I’m sure there’s some pheasant chicks hiding out in all that cover. Haven’t seen any yet, but they should be in good shape with the nesting and hatching conditions we’ve had so far. Should make for a much better Fall.

10/08/2021

A mixed bag? It’s our first year planting cover crop on our wheat stubble. I designed the mix to not have a lot of height so it wouldn’t hide pheasants, but when you get over 5 inches of rain after planting not all things work out like I thought they would. It definitely hides pheasants, and hunters have also taken an interest in picking out the abundant turnips in the mix. The harvest of pheasants and turnips has been a thing so far and both have been a hit at the lodge.

08/24/2021

Managed to catch a good group of birds out and about the other morning. Unfortunately, I have not seen a lot of this this summer but the birds seem to be hanging in the shade near milo, soybean, corn and sunflower fields. Plenty of bugs around but the lack of moisture and high heat have definitely had a negative impact on our chick survival rate. Still seeing a good amount of birds, but it will most likely be spotty. A few more weeks and we’ll have a better idea of what’s out there.

04/22/2021

This should be good news.

Higher payment rates, new incentives to help spur future program enrollment.

12/23/2020

Claire was able to harvest her first deer yesterday. She made a great shot and only got a little “buck” fever. Grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors of South Dakota. At approximately 4:30 yesterday afternoon when this all took place it was 70 degrees. This morning it’s 15 degrees, snowing, and the wind blowing 40+ miles per hour. I guess we will have a white Christmas!

12/02/2020

Kellen managed to knock this old warrior down on Thanksgiving day. Just in time for lunch. It was quite the exciting stalk especially when he nearly let us walk by him at 10 yards.

11/26/2020

I’m not very good at posting or taking pictures for that matter, but here is a little of what I’ve captured so far this season. We’re blessed to be able to do what we do during these difficult times. Thankful for those that have made it and we’re missing those that have not. Looking forward to getting back with old friends.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

09/07/2020

Several good days of dove hunting will most likely come to an end after today. Temps in the 40s and rain will most likely push them out. The Black Hills are supposed to receive 6+ inches of snow overnight. Nearly 100 degrees on Saturday. Had a great time with friends and family. It apparently wasn’t so exciting that Ronin couldn’t get a nap in. Granby was doing most of the work anyway. Looking forward to Fall weather and more hunting!

07/13/2020

It’s a pile of puppies! This litter from Bo and Ace who live to hunt at the Snake Den were born June 13. There were 7 males and three females. All females are spoken for. 5 males left for $600 a piece. They will be ready to go home August 1.

06/18/2020

Been seeing pheasant chicks all month now. Had to usher this brood out of the way as I finished up planting food plots. Conditions have been good for an excellent hatch. October will be here before we know it.