Hunting Dog Heaven at Pheasant Fest 2024

Sioux Falls, South Dakota hosted the 2024 Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic, and we at Guns.com were there for our first-ever event. While the booths were filled with hunting outfitters, upland guns and gear, and seminars galore, it was the hunting dogs that stole the show, paws down.

If you dig wagging tails, doggy smiles, and some of the most well-trained hunting pups you’ll ever see, check this out – and schedule your own visit to Pheasant Fest for more of the same. Next year’s event, presented by Federal, will commemorate the 25th anniversary of Quail Forever and is scheduled for March 7-9, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri.

The national show kicked off this year with one of the most energetic, engaging events of course focused on our canine friends with the Bird Dog Parade. Host and emcee Mr. Bob St. Pierre (in the stunning orange sport coat) revved up the crowd while announcing a near hour-long parade of hunting dogs. Over 40 distinct breeds and more than 120 total dogs participated, all led by passionate owners, many of them members or leaders of their respective breed's national or international organizations. (All photos: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, herself an avid hunter and proud owner of Vizsla hunting dogs, including the state's “First Dog” Hazel, was on hand to introduce the show. She not only spoke during the dog parade but also signed a bill and shared her passion for Pheasants Forever, gun ownership, and American freedom starting in the Mount Rushmore state.

This Deutsch Langhaar stole the show – and plenty of treats – with his sign. Note to attendees: come with pockets full of puppy cookies, but always ask before engaging with the dogs.

Just when you think there can’t be anything more heartwarming than a bunch of lovable hunting dogs, get a glimpse of these young dog handlers at left demonstrating their sportsmanship and dog-handling skills on stage. At right, Ryan “Cal” Callaghan, MeatEater’s Director of Conservation, takes the Dog Parade stage with his trusty yellow Labrador retriever.

Among the more than 40 breeds of hunting dogs, a handful were new to us, including this large group of Bracco Italiano pointers led by a very engaged group of owners and upland hunters.

Another Deutsch Langhaar sweetheart relaxes at the DL booth on the show floor with its owner.

Though several Golden Retrievers took the stage, the nearly 15-year-old pup at left, white in the face and a little slower moving, was certainly the oldest dog at the show. He was also one of the most popular and received cheers as he made his way off the podium. While most pups came through in bunches, the handler at right was the only one with a very well-mannered Airedale Terrier. The breed is known as the “King of the Terriers.”

Chalk this one up for another breed we knew nothing about prior to the Pheasant Fest. These Kleine Munsterlanders proved to have a serious following among upland hunters, as the breed both points and retrieves.

What could be better than dogs and hunting? Dogs, hunting, AND bourbon, of course. The Nevada-based Two Bitch Bourbon team was on hand passing out samples at Pheasant Fest.

This pair of Labs at the Eukanuba booth demonstrated their best behavior by lounging quietly next to full bags of the company’s dog food while thousands of show attendees filed past and admired their restraint.

A dedicated Bird Dog Stage at the Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic show brought out a while host of speakers on a number of canine topics, from training for shed antler retrieval to the nuances of field work.

Whether you’re a dog owner, lover, upland or waterfowl hunter, the Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic is the place to be. Though this was our first visit, it certainly won’t be our last, as we found the Pheasants Forever leadership, show sponsors, booth crews, and the entire crowd to be some of the most welcoming, laid-back folks we’ve ever encountered at a trade show.

Like dogs? Check out The Best Dogs of SHOT Show 2024
and Hardworking Dogs Highlight Pennsylvania Pheasant Hunt for more cool canines.

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