The Philip area is home to an abundance of animals. Through local organizations like Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks, along with conservation practices by area farmers and ranchers, both game and non-game species are thriving, and will do so for years to come.
During the fall, hunters can pursue big game like mule deer and whitetail deer, antelope, and turkeys with bows, shotguns, and rifles. Many people consider big game hunting in Haakon County to be some of the best hunting in South Dakota.
Upland birds are also hunted in the fall. The county has populations of pheasants, sharptail grouse, and prairie chickens. Recently, the Federal Crop Reserve Program has greatly increased the populations of these birds. Under this program highly erodible land is taken out of production and planted with wild grasses. These grasses provide important nesting cover and food for many species of birds.
Prairie Dogs are numerous in the area and are popular with many shooters. The coyote, also numerous, is hunted by many people. Most often hunters choose to decoy this animal with calls that sound like an animal in distress. This method of hunting is very popular and often ends up bringing the animal excitingly close.
Most of the land in the Philip area is privately owned by farmers and ranchers and hunters need to ask permission from the landowners and always treat the property with respect. Without the support of these landowners hunting in the area would be impossible. This makes it necessary for hunters to maintain good standing with landowners. For more information about hunting in the Philip area visit South Dakota Game Fish and Parks home page
There are numerous fishing opportunities around the Philip area. Lake Waggoner is north of Philip, providing boating and fishing. Many landowners allow fishing in stock dams on the prairie.
Clay King and his massive bass taken at a stock dam near Philip
