The World's Largest Pheasant spans 40 feet in length, stands 28 feet tall, and weighs 22 tons. It was dedicated on October 18, 1959. Sculptor RF Jacobs of Gooding, Idaho completed the project in 4 ½ months, costing $23,000 at that time. The bird was christened by Governor Joe Foss with approximately 2,500 people in attendance.
A Pheasant Restoration Committee was established in 2010 to restore, enhance and maintain the aesthetic beauty of the World's Largest Pheasant structure and mural for current and future generations.
Fundraising efforts began in January of 2011 local and in May of that year the actual restoration work began by local artist Schaun Schnathorst, with the help of his brother, Bob Carlson, at a cost of $20,000. Prior restoration included fiberglass repair and new paint in 1974 and 1989.
The World's Largest Pheasant continues to be a well-known symbol among hunters and has been the subject of numerous travel and outdoor magazines over the years, paying tribute to the South Dakota state bird and serving as a testament to the area's abundant pheasant numbers.
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