FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011

CONTACTS: Wanda Goodman, (605) 773-3301, wanda.goodman@travelsd.com

Gearing Up For Rooster Rush

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Tourism’s “Rooster Rush” campaign is in full swing as communities across the state prepare to welcome hunters to the fields of South Dakota.

The goal of the campaign is to market South Dakota’s world-class hunting opportunities. The effort is targeted at hunters who live in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska.

“South Dakota’s pheasant count has once again been rated as the highest in the country, according to a state-by-state comparison by Pheasants Forever,” said Jim Hagen, Secretary of the state Department of Tourism. “We’re thrilled to promote South Dakota as a destination for world-class hunting. Our annual pheasant season is a great opportunity for communities of every size to showcase their town’s welcoming spirit to hunters and their families.”

This year’s campaign will again bring blaze-orange colors and the “Rooster Rush” brand to a crowd dressed in purple this fall at five Vikings’ football games in Minneapolis, Minn.

Minnesota continues to be a top market for the South Dakota Department of Tourism, based on inquires, Internet traffic and visitation. That makes the Vikings’ games a prime location to reach the target audience of the Rooster Rush campaign. According to research conducted by the Vikings, 75 percent of Vikings’ football fans are also hunters.

As part of the Rooster Rush campaign, representatives from the Tourism office will promote a “Hunt and Gear” giveaway on the plaza of the Mall of America Field. The giveaway includes a two-day, three-night pheasant hunt at Log Heaven Resort near Pierre, S.D., for one winner and two friends; one CZ Wingshooter 12-gauge shotgun, courtesy of Pheasants Forever; one 2011 Honda 500cc Foreman ATV with ramps; and a one-year supply of Loyall dog food. The prize package has an estimated value of $13,300.

Rooster Rush includes incentives for all South Dakota communities wanting to participate. A cooperative-marketing toolkit, available from the Department of Tourism, provides communities with a free logo and ad templates, as well as promotional items for purchase.

Information regarding community involvement in South Dakota Rooster Rush can be found by visiting www.SDVisit.com

Rooster Rush “Hunt and Gear” giveaway signup and more details can be found at www.HuntInSD.com

Rooster Rush is one part of an overall shoulder season campaign to promote the fall season and outdoor activities in South Dakota.

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