Tucked away in the wide-open prairie lands of Glenham, South Dakota, Pheasant Cove Outfitters isn’t just a hunting lodge—it’s a legacy. What began in the 1990s as a simple effort to make ends meet has grown into a beloved destination for upland bird hunters from across the country. At the center of this story is Robin, a passionate outdoorswoman who took the reins of the family-run operation after the passing of her father. Today, she’s not only carrying forward a rich tradition but reshaping it for a new generation of hunters.
The lodge’s origins are humble: it started as a service station and convenience store turned hunting lodge for their seasonal side hustle guiding pheasant hunts. Robin’s parents poured their hearts into the business, doing everything from hosting guests to running the dogs. Their secret? A warm welcome, good food, and making sure everyone felt like family. That genuine hospitality has become a hallmark of Pheasant Cove Outfitters, with many guests returning year after year—not just for the birds, but for the bonds built around the firepit and dinner table.
When Robin stepped into the role of guide/owner, she brings her own energy and vision to the lodge. Her dream is to one day build a lodge out on the family homestead and fulfilling a dream of her dad’s that was not fulfilled before he passed. With a full season running from September 1 to March 31, Robin and her team—guided by four expertly trained hunting dogs including veterans Winston and Thor—offer an immersive experience that’s as much about connection as it is about shooting limits.
The terrain surrounding the lodge is classic South Dakota—mostly flat farmland with a few hills and a meandering creek. That variation in the landscape makes for exciting hunts, especially when paired with the lodge’s time-tested method of using walkers, flankers, blockers, and dogs to push pheasants out of cover. Whether it’s a crisp fall morning or an unseasonably warm opening day, Robin and her crew are out there making it happen, rain, snow, or shine.
“I don’t carry a gun when I guide,” Robin said. “I love watching the hunt, seeing people enjoy the sport, and making sure it all runs smoothly.” Her background with clays and bird hunting has given her a sharp eye for both safety and opportunity in the field. She recounted a story of guiding an Olympian who wowed the group with his shooting prowess—and reminded her to always pack extra shells for guests.
While the lodge doesn’t dictate what firearm guests should bring, Robin herself prefers a Benelli Super Black Eagle. “People bring all kinds of shotguns,” she said, “and that’s part of the fun—seeing everyone’s gear, their traditions, and how they approach the hunt.”
After the day’s hunt, guests can unwind in the lodge and take advantage of bird processing services provided by a trusted local butcher. As the birds are prepared, stories are swapped, bourbon is poured, and future hunts are planned. Robin even teased the idea of sharing some of her mother’s pheasant recipes in a future edition of American Outdoor News—a fitting tribute to the field-to-table journey her lodge represents.
Pheasant Cove Outfitters offers all-inclusive packages that cover everything from lodging and meals to guides, dogs, and bird processing. Guests need only bring their personal gear, a valid hunting license (which can be purchased onsite), and a willingness to unplug and enjoy the experience. While the lodge has long been a destination for seasoned hunters and corporate groups, Robin is also passionate about attracting more women to the sport.
Through upcoming introductions to the team at Prois, a company that designs women’s hunting apparel and organizes outdoor retreats, Robin hopes to grow her female clientele. “I’d love to see more women out here,” she said. “Hunting shouldn’t be a boys’ club. Everyone deserves to experience this kind of adventure.”
Robin’s love for the outdoors is deeply tied to her family’s values. Though she and her family spent years living abroad in Indonesia, she made it a priority to keep her children connected to their roots. Every summer, they returned to South Dakota, where her father passed down his knowledge and passion for hunting. “Those summers were everything,” she reflected. “They bonded with their grandfather, learned responsibility, and built memories that still shape who they are.”
Family remains at the heart of Pheasant Cove. From hosting multi-generational hunts to organizing reunions every five years, Robin understands the importance of tradition, heritage, and togetherness. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned wingshooter, a hunt at Pheasant Cove Outfitters is more than a trip—it’s a homecoming.