Orvis Ratings and Reviews

Top Rated Product

Paul Nelson Farm, SD

For nearly three-quarters of a century, the Nelson family has farmed and ranched the countryside of north central South Dakota, near Gettysburg, South Dakota. In 1992, the Nelsons began hosting pheasant hunters, as they pioneered habitat management to enhance bird populations. Today Paul Nelson Farm is known worldwide for its extraordinary wingshooting hunts. Located in the heart of pheasant country, the 12,000-acre farm is sustainably managed to harvest both crops...and birds. Guests can choose between accommodations in the Main Lodge, the Buffalo Suites, or the resplendent King Lodge. With unforgettable menus, unrivaled hunting, and an uncommon passion for genial hospitality, the Paul Nelson Farm experience is one like no other.
Average Customer Rating:
5 out of 5
5
 out of 
5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (39 reviews)
5 stars
39
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
39 of 39(100%)customers would recommend this to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Review 1 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Excellent time at PNF!,
October 8, 2012
By: Birdkiller1208
from Houston, TX, USA
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Very good
Excellent
"I wasn't sure what to expect before visiting PNF. It was outstanding! The hunting, guides, dog work, food, and hospitality is unmatched in this genre. I will certainly return. The one issue I had was...I wanted to stay extra days but had to go back to work."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 2 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Top Service,
December 22, 2012
By: BDRo
from Houston, TX, USA
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Very good
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
"Paul Nelson Farms leaves no service gaps anywhere. They do a fantastic job making sure you are comfortable and enjoying their accommodation all the time without you even knowing it.
But most important for the bird hunters, they have lots of pheasants with great guides/dog teams.
The best of the best."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 3 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Prarie Hunt,
December 20, 2012
By: Riskybla
from Jacksonville, FL, USA
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
"I enjoy hunting the tree lines and really like flushing an occasional chukar - a challenging shot for any bird hunter. The professional guides and excellent dogs set a very high standard making the hunt top notch."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 4 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
I can't imagine wingshoot better than this,
December 8, 2012
By: Doctour
from Hernando, FL, USA
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Reviewer Images
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User submitted photo
"Courteous, friendly staff.
Guides helpful and supportive.
Dogs amazing to watch.
Accomodations comparable to the Ritz.
Food, Americana at its best.
Wonderful hosts in the entire Nelson Family.
"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 5 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Most fun hunt,
December 7, 2012
By: CFOfromOrlando
from Orlando, FL, USA
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Very good
Excellent
Additional Thoughts:All were courteous, and efficient
"I have hunted in several other places for both game birds and large game in the U.S. and Canada. Without question Paul and his family have put together the highest quality operation by far that I have ever seen. I wish them continued success for many years to come."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 6 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
The fastest three days of the year.,
December 6, 2012
By: wingshooter54
from Concord, NC, USA
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
"The most enjoyable hunting experience out there. From arrival to departure every detail is taken care of at a first class level. The accommodations, meals, guides and dogs are top shelf. The hunt experience is as good as it gets."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 7 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
No suggestions for improvement,
December 4, 2012
By: Bill4348
from Jacksonville, FL, USA
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
"First class facilities, best staff, best hunting possible"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 8 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
The best of the best,
December 4, 2012
By: Roscoesdad64
from Jacksonville, FL, USA
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Very good
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
"I can't imagine a better hunt or a better lodge. The personnal touch fron the Nelsons and their staff and the top of the line facility make this the place to be."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 9 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Best Time Ever,
December 4, 2012
By: MarvinW
from Denver, CO, USA
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Additional Thoughts:These guys and their dogs did a great job.
"I had a great time. What a wonderful place."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 10 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Hunt of a lifetime,
December 1, 2012
By: Giffer
from Houston, TX, USA
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Additional Thoughts:Their dogs will hunt!
"When my wife and I were invited to go on this hunt with a sharpshooting friend and his family I didn't know exactly what to expect, but I knew it would be special. It turned out to be far greater than I ever could have imagined.
I had never had a hunt quite like this. Walking the tree-lines and corn fields of the Paul Nelson Farm was terrific. There were birds everywhere! Our three guides and their dogs were exceptional. The accommodations were over the top outstanding. The food beyond delicious and the service was down-home efficiency and total friendliness. Cheryl playing the piano and leading the award-winning choir added culture and beauty to the whole experience.
Most importantly, the setting created an atmosphere to deepen our relationships with our hunting buddies and their companions.
Paul, Cheryl and entire support staff, what you offer is FIRST CLASS ALL THE WAY! Never-to-be-forgotten days will be lifelong memories!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 11 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great Hunt,
November 26, 2012
By: Golfrus
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Additional Thoughts:Really knew his business
This customer did not provide a text review.
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 12 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Bird Hunting in style,
November 26, 2012
By: Gatorwitt
from Jacksonville, FL, USA
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Additional Thoughts:Great guys
"Felt like part of the family all the way around. Great people. Beautiful facilities and fun hunting."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 13 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Best Pheasant Hunt,
November 26, 2012
By: Texasbirdhunter53
from Bellville, TX 77418, USA
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
This customer did not provide a text review.
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 14 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Full Service Pheasant Hunting,
November 26, 2012
By: RDL1950
from Sugar Land, TX, USA
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
"This being my first pheasant hunting experience I wasn't sure what to expect. It could not have been more enjoyable. Paul and his staff did everything possible to make this a memorable experience."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 15 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Attention to details,
November 16, 2012
By: Rick333
from Charlotte, NC
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
3 / 5
3 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Additional Thoughts:Was not very energetic and was unable to differentiate between roosters, hens and chukker.
"This was my third trip to Paul Nelson Farm and once again, every aspect of the experience was fabulous!
Paul and Eric pay attention to details and get everything right!
The hunt was fabulous; the birds flushed and flew well, the dogs were great, and the guides were knowledgable and attentive. The food and accommodation were wonderful. Best of all was a glass of bourbon and 15 minutes in the massage chair while watching Georgia beat up on Auburn!
"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 16 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Awesome Shooting Experience!,
November 15, 2012
By: SteveCrowell
from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
"No matter which aspect of the experience you want to assess, it's a 6-star rating!! Guides, dogs, birds, attitude of staff, food, drink, accommodation, attention to detail all are over-the-top great!!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 17 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Excellent Hunt and Great Time,
November 15, 2012
By: UplanderHunter
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
This customer did not provide a text review.
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 18 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
1st Time Hunter,
November 12, 2012
By: MichaelP
from St Louis, MO, USA
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Additional Thoughts:The best guides ever.....helpful and courteous
"I’m a first time hunter and after three exciting days of hunting pheasants at the Paul Nelson Farm (PNF), I’m definitely hooked.
The PNF is second to none; you stay in a beautiful lodge with all the comforts of home and more; you have a staff that is always gracious and accommodating of your needs and knowledgeable guides who make a “first time hunter” like me relaxed, confident and successful…..and the dogs are just amazing as they do their best to please.
“Oh”, I can’t forget about the delicious meals served three times a day at the PNF…..Wow! Outstanding meals….you never walk away hungry, only satisfied. My hat is off to the cooks and staff.
Thanks again Paul and Eric for your generous hospitality and for making my first time a memorable and enjoyable experience……I will most definitely be back next year.
Sincerely,
Michael P. Rother
Director of Contracts and Industrial Relations
PSGC
"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 19 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Unbelievable,
November 7, 2012
By: 7SRanch
from Dayton, TX, USA
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Very good
Excellent
"You all did not miss a thing. This was my first time to your farm and there is no way to describe the hospitality and the experience."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Review 20 for Paul Nelson Farm, SD
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
My fourth visit to the farm,
November 7, 2012
By: StreetGlide12
from Fairfax, VA, USA
Billing / Reservation: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality:: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meals: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Trip service: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Very good
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Very good
Excellent
"As always my recent experience at Paul Nelson Farm was outstanding. The accomodations, food and service are first-rate."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes