Scott Linden Outdoors

Prepare to be dazzled. By the variety of habitat, a trophy room in the lodge that is world-class, hard-flying birds, and professional-grade hospitality. What would you expect from a family that pioneered the mid-range hotel industry? Ron and Ryan Rivett and capable manager Michael Helm know how to put on a hunt, starting with intensive land management.

Well-organized logistics, a lodge with everything you could want from hot tub to pool table, even a five-stand setup with covered shooting stations for those chilly South Dakota mornings. Here’s my take:

If you are looking for a “bucket list” bird hunting experience, drop everything and go to Rivett Refuge Preserve. The Wingshooting USA TV crew enjoyed a stunning lodge experience with a world-class trophy room … where you always felt at home, part of the Rivett family. I give every lodge the “kitchen test.” If I feel welcome hanging out there, I know we’ll have a good time. Rivett Refuge Preserve’s kitchen passed with flying colors.

The habitat is the real gem in Rivett’s crown, and Mike Helm deserves much of the credit. From crops to food plots, water to shelterbelts, you’ll find hunting of all sorts to challenge your shooting, dogs and your legs! I will never forget some of the thick cover we explored, Buddy pointing birds in trees – literally! There is a hunting scenario for everyone: standing corn, CRP, all accessible and ready for your flushers or pointers (or Rivett Refuge Preserve’s fine dogs). My wirehair Buddy was in heaven! Actually, so was my Wingshooting USA crew, Lynn Berland and Tad Newberry – they got more and more varied footage at Rivett than anywhere we hunted last season.

Rivett Refuge Preserve offers a number of group hunt packages that include FREE five-stand, among other amenities. Call Ryan or Mike directly for their latest incentive: 605-229-8685.

But don’t take my word for it. Watch one of the shows we made there:

Exclusive deals. TV-tested & guaranteed by Scott.