2019’s inaugural hunts are just the beginning for the partnership between Granite Springs Lodge and former NFL players and coaches
Alexandria, South Dakota (October 30, 2019) – Granite Springs Lodge, South Dakota’s premier event facility announced today a first-of-its-kind pheasant hunting experience pairing hunters with NFL alumni from December 4-11 at the Lodge in Alexandria, SD.
South Dakota is the Pheasant Hunting Capital of the World and Granite Springs Lodge, located just 15 minutes east of Mitchell, SD is the epicenter of this booming $300 million hunting industry.
“This is an incredible opportunity for hunters and NFL fans alike,” said Kristy Berg, Manager of Granite Springs Lodge. “We look forward to welcoming some gridiron greats to team up with our guests and hunt pheasants and have the ultimate hunting and football experience.”
NFL Alumni scheduled to appear at this year’s hunts include: Mike Harris, Rick Courtright and Chidi Ahonatu.
- Harris is a product of UCLA and spent seven seasons in the NFL as an offensive lineman with the San Diego Chargers and Minnesota Vikings.
- Courtright is a former NFL assistant coach who has coached under Dennis Green and Kent Whisenhunt of the Arizona Cardinals.
- Ahonatu was a defensive lineman for 12 NFL seasons where he compiled 436 tackles and 46.5 sacks. He played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our alumni to come together and meet fans in an environment that is conducive to great hunting and priceless memories, “said Kevin Ryherd, Chief Operating Officer of VNVM a promotional partner group. “We hope to make this an annual tradition and make it bigger and better each year.”
Pheasants and pheasant hunting are solidly engrained in South Dakota’s culture. First successfully introduced into the state in 1908, this game bird native to China thrives in South Dakota’s diverse landscape of grasslands, croplands, wetlands and shelterbelts. Since 1919, the tradition of pheasant hunting has brought friends and families together in holiday-like fashion.
Every year opening weekend brings unprecedented enthusiasm, excitement, and activity to cities and rural communities across the state. Abundant pheasant numbers and lands open to public hunting will kick off the second century of pheasant hunting in South Dakota.
“These former players and coaches are excited for the great hunting South Dakota offers,” said Ryherd. “We want to be good teammates as well, so were directing the net proceeds generated by these hunts, to be donated to area residents and businesses affected by floods early this fall through Mitchell South Dakota’s United Way. “
Berg said she hopes this series of hunts will be the start of something great.
“We are prepared and ready to host these special guests,” she said. “We are confident that once these hunters get here, they will see why they will want to keep coming back. We are confident this is something that will continue to grow with each hunting season.”
For many hunters the chance to hunt pheasants alongside NFL alumni is a dream come true.
“People are excited for this opportunity to not only hunt with, but to get to know these athletes,” said Berg. “We feel this is the perfect opportunity for hunters to treat themselves to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
About Granite Springs Lodge:
Granite Springs Lodge, South Dakota’s premier event facility is located in Alexandria, South Dakota, just 15 minutes east of Mitchell, S.D. off of I-90 and less than one hour west of Sioux Falls, S.D. Truly one of the most unique and beautiful areas in Southeastern S.D., our luxury South Dakota pheasant hunting lodge has a unique setting and incomparable staff that have built relationships with hunters from around the country. For more information about Mitchell South Dakota’s United Way – contact President Dave Stevens 605.770.5565 or email stevens@mitchellunitedway.org. To inquire about dates to book a hunting trip with an NFL alum check out the Lodge’s website https://granitespringssd.com/ – you can also call the Lodge direct at 605.770.4211 or send an email to kristy.granitesprings@triotel.net
