MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) South Dakota’s pheasant season opened last Saturday, and state wildlife officials say early signs point to another strong year. The Game, Fish and Parks Department credits a mild winter and ideal spring and summer for boosting bird numbers. Last season saw the most pheasants harvested in a decade, with more taken in two weeks than any other state’s full season. According to South Dakota News Watch, the hunt also fuels the rural economy, bringing in more than $100 million statewide. Officials say the season runs through January 31. For more Government stories from MitchellNow.com, Click Here.