A True Friend Remembered

This weekend we experienced the sudden loss of a cherished friend and R&R guide, Bernie Altergott.


This was "Bern's" first season as a full time guide at R&R, although we've had the pleasure of getting to know he and his family over the past few years. Bernie's outward appearance was imposing to say the least... 6'5, 230+ pounds, shaved head and typically straight faced. However, those who spent even a few mintues with Bern quickly found out that he was a gentle, good-hearted giant who loved humor and treasured his friends and family.


Bernie always worked hard no matter the task or the task master. We often joked about Bernie being Jeff's assistant. When an unappealing job presented itself, Jeff would say, "hold on- I'll get my assistant." Bern put in many long days at the lodge and on the ranch. His humor and good nature kept us all going long after our energy had gone. During one particularly hard day, Bern made us all laugh by demonstrating first hand why you keep your mouth closed while sorting calves in the mud. We hated to break the news to him that his "mouthful" wasn't likely mud.


Bern, Jeff and Sal could most often be seen together traveling in a pack. They all took great pride in teasing one another about EVERYTHING. Each one of them often commented about taking more teasing than the others. From this outsider's perspective it was pretty fairly distributed between all three. Some of our favorite "you had to be there" stories include; Bernie & Jeff delivering secret cheeseburgers to Sal the- Junk Food Junkie, Bernie "misplacing" Jeff while deer hunting and Bernie volunteering to wear an adult diaper in order to teach Sal how to change our baby's diapers- that's a true friend!


We love you Bernie. Our lives are forever changed by your friendship. We know you'll always be with us in the field.


Suzanne and Joe- Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you and we can't thank you enough for sharing Bernie with us this season. We look forward to happier times in the future when we can sit together and remember a tremendous man.

"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships." -Abraham Lincoln

October Leaves Behind Great Memories

It's hard to believe that October is nearly gone! Despite wet and chilly weather this month, we managed to keep busy with some of our favorite return guests from around the country as well as groups from the annual South Dakota Governor's Invitational Pheasant Hunt.

For the past 5 years R&R has participated in the invitational pheasant hunt organized by the Governor's Office. This event was established in the early 90's as a unique way to "host" companies that are considering new or expanded business ventures in South Dakota. It provides guests with access to our state officials, legislators and existing business owners who can all offer insight into South Dakota's premier business climate. We can't think of a better place to talk business than in the field!

We proudly donate our land, birds, staff, facilities and time to this event. We enjoy sharing our story with the Governor's Hunt guests and we hope they will one day experience their own success in South Dakota!

Where's Our Picture?

These are only a few pictures of guests that visited us in September and early October. If you want to see more visit the photo gallery page of our website. Thanks to everyone who has helped us start the season with a BANG!

Snow on October 5th!?!?!

It's official- Our first snow was October 5th! Cool rainy weather over the past 2 days ended in some light snow yesterday. Although we prefer hunting in the snow, none of us were quite ready for the white stuff just yet.

The good news is that it was short lived. No accumulation and the weather should be dry and back up into the high 50's tomorrow.

That Was Great! Can I Have the Recipe?

We hear this pretty often at the lodge, so I thought I'd share a few of our favorite recipes. Enjoy!

This one is for Irvin...

Cheeseburger Chowder

• 3, 12 oz cans of condensed cheddar cheese soup (mix 3 cans milk)
• 3, 12 oz cans of condensed nacho cheese soup (mix3 cans milk)
• 2 lbs hamburger or deer burger or sausage
• 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
• 3 Tbsp minced garlic
• 4 cups frozen hashbrowns

Brown burger with onion & garlic. Drain & mix with soups bring to a boil over medium heat. Add hashbrowns, simmer 15-20 minutes stirring occassionally.

Cream Pheasant

• 6 pheasant breasts
• 2 pints heavy cream
• 3 Tbsp minced garlic
• 5 Tbsp butter
• Salt & pepper to taste

Melt butter in lg skillet, add garlic & pheasant. Brown breasts on both sides over medium heat. Add cream slowly (may not need to use the full 2 pints). Cream should cover the bottom of the pan and 1/3 of each breast. Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve over wild rice or mashed potatoes.

Pheasant & Wild Rice Casserole

• 6-8 bnls, skinless pheasant breasts
• 2 boxes Zatarain’s Long Grain Wild Rice
• 2 packets Lipton Onion Soup Mix
• 3, 12 oz. cans Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 2% milk
• 2 cans water chestnuts (optional)
• 1 cup frozen or fresh peas (optional)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• ½ cup Craisins (optional)
  
  Mix cream of mushroom soup with 3 cans of water and 2 cans milk, add rice, onion soup mix and optional ingredients. Stir to mix. Place pheasant breasts in 9X13 deep sided, slightly greased cake pan. Pour rice mixture over the top. Cover with tinfoil. Bake at 350 for 1 to 1.75 hours. Check after 1 hour- pheasant should be tender and still juicy. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

What To Bring on your Pheasant Hunt

You'll enjoy your hunt even more if you are prepared, so here's a checklist to help you with packing.

*These items can be purchased in our Pro Shop.

· Waterproof hunting clothing (jacket, pants, boots, gloves, etc.)
· Clothing that can be easily layered. Fall temps can range from 30-85 degrees.
· Nov-Mar, bring winter boots, winter coat, gloves & stocking cap.
· Well-worn hunting boots and several pairs of warm socks.
· *Protective eyewear
· *Blaze orange clothing (vest, shooting shirt, cap, etc.)
· *Hunting vest or shell belt
· *Camouflage clothing if you plan on waterfowl hunting.
· *Thermal shirts, long underwear or a hooded sweatshirt
· *Slippers or something similar. Outside shoes cannot be worn in either lodge.
· Casual clothing including a bathing suit for our hot tub
· Camera, batteries and film

If you bring your gun-
· A hard-side, locking gun case. 12 or 20 gauge shotgun is recommended. We provide one box of shells/hunter daily. After that shells must be purchased at the Pro Shop.

If you bring your dog- (please let us know in advance)
· Food, dishes, protective vest or any other supplies your dog may require

Your South Dakota Hunting License can be obtained at the lodge. Please be sure to bring your State-Issued ID Card or Drivers’ License.

Food Plots and Bird Numbers Both Looking Great

Throughout the spring and summer we've worked our food plots, watched their progress and marveled at the birds numbers we've see in them. Our food plots are a rotation of corn, milo and alfalfa. Several years ago we also started planting a crop called Buck-N-Cock (see below). It is hardy, long-lasting and upland birds and deer can't get enough of it. The abundant food supply, mild weather and adequate moisture have caused our wild bird population to soar! We've had at least two hatches this year and just recently we saw several groups of week old chicks.

Think we're biased? Just ask anyone who's traveled the South Dakota Highways about how good the birds are this year! Seeing is believing- call to book your hunt today!

She's Going to Go Any Day Now...

Nearly a month ago I wrote about our litter of German Shorthair puppies due "any day now" according to Sal. After much anticipation the puppies finally arrived last Saturday. Seven puppies in all- 4 males and 3 females. Molly & the pups are doing great. Our vet made a house call this week to look everyone over and dock tails/remove dew claws. Everyone is healthy and growing quickly.



As for Sal's birth predictions, so far they are only accurate in cattle. Although we'll get a chance to test his skill with humans- our baby boy is due in mid December. Sal has already said he thinks Thanksgiving is a more likely time. I think sometimes his excitement clouds his judgement.

New Site is Up and Running

Check our our newly redesigned R&R website! http://www.r-rpheasanthunting.com/ We've added several features including an interactive hunting calendar and media page complete with videos of our Outdoor Channel shows.

We're eager to hear your feedback so click the comment button below and let us know what you think.

Pheasant Preserve Bag Limits to Increase

PIERRE, S.D – The South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Commission has voted to increase the daily bag limit for pheasant preserve operators.

The previous limit of 15 rooster pheasants will increase to 20 from Sept. 1 to the end of the regular pheasant season. The preserve limit will be 15 roosters from then until the end of the preserve season.

In winter months, wild pheasants congregate in prime habitat. Noting that prime habitat often is on preserves, the Commission voted to reduce the limit during those months.

Preserve operators are required to mark birds shot on their property and keep detailed records of the numbers of pen-raised and wild birds that are shots on preserves.

Pre-Season Suprise!

We recently learned that one of our best German Shorthairs is expecting a suprise litter of puppies. Even more shocking to us is that she's due any day! "Molly" is one of our first dogs and holds a special place in Sal's heart. She's smart, agressive in the field and always gives it her all. Sal calls her his best dog- a designation that doesn't come easily around here. We'll be sure to post some pictures of the puppies as soon as the big event happens!

The good news is that for those of you who've been looking for a new Shorthair, the puppies will be weaned and ready to go home with you by late October. Give Sal a call and he'll make sure to save one for you. 605-216-0883

Welcome to the R&R Blog!

This year, we decided to try something new... we started a blog! We want to keep our hunters, sponsors, family and friends up to date on the happenings at the Roseland Ranch and R&R Pheasant Hunting, LLC.

Check back often for weekly stories froms the field, bird reports, pictures and other details from the ranch. In a few short weeks, we'll also be launching our newly redesigned website
http://r-rpheasanthunting.com so keep an eye on the blog for more updates.