ABERDEEN, S.D. (HubCityRadio.com) – The wet weather earlier this year is impacting pheasant hunting so far this fall.

Because farmers were unable to harvest their fields when they normally do, the start of the pheasant hunting season has gotten off to a slow start.

Nick Cochran, Conservation Officer with the Game, Fish and Parks Department, said farmers have been busy trying to get crops out.

Cochran said the birds are there for the taking.

The unseasonably cool weather has actually been beneficial for hunting, according to Cochran.

The cooler weather has also allowed the ground to firm up a bit providing better access to fields.

Cochran said unless something out of the ordinary happens, conditions should improve in the weeks ahead meaning the best hunting is yet to come.