World's Largest Pheasant Sculpture, world record in Huron, South Dakota
Huron, South Dakota, United States--The World's Largest Pheasant Sculpture is located on Highway 14 in Huron; this 28 foot, 22 ton pheasant made of fiberglass and steel spans over 40 feet; made by sculptor RF Jacobs of Gooding, Idaho, it sets the world record for being the World's Largest Pheasant Sculpture, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.
"The World's Largest Pheasant is located on Highway 14 in Huron. This 28 foot, 22 ton pheasant made of fiberglass and steel has affirmed Huron as a premier pheasant hunting location since 1959. From its beak to the tip of its feathered tail, this giant bird spans over 40 feet. Make sure you get a chance to take your picture with the World's Largest Pheasant while in Huron!
"The tale of the World's Largest Pheasant goes back to the days when the first settlers came to the Dakota Territory in the early 1880s. Stories of a giant pheasant spread throughout the land. Legend has it, his footprints in the spring would form creeks and river valleys in the soft wet ground," the Huron, SD says.
"In flight, his feathers were so intense that some would mistake it for a rainbow, as it crossed the prairie sky. But most impressive was the bird's incredible speed both on the ground and in the air. Some settlers swore the volatile winds of the Dakota Prairie were caused by the "World's Largest Pheasant" running across the grassland."
"The World's Largest Pheasant is located on Highway 14 in Huron. This 28-foot, 22-ton pheasant made of fiberglass and steel has affirmed Huron as a premier pheasant hunting location since 1959," the Travel South Dakota says.
"From its beak to the tip of its feathered tail, this giant bird spans more than 40 feet! Make sure you get a chance to take your photo with the World's Largest Pheasant while in Huron."
"One of Huron’s claims to fame can be yours for $180,000. Montgomery Real Estate of Huron listed the landmark and office space on Tuesday," the
Dakota News Now says.
"The space is located off of Highway 14 at 924 4th St NE in Huron. The commercial space is 1558 square feet on the main level and has a 520-square-foot basement and bathroom."
"One of Huron’s biggest claims to fame may be relocated or even removed. The "world’s largest pheasant" has been privately owned for almost 70 years. It is now for sale," the
South Dakota Public Broadcasting says.
"Mike Jones purchased the Dakota Inn motel which included the pheasant and surrounding properties in 2003. Jones broke the property down into sections and is now selling the pheasant and building it rests on to any interested buyer. The asking price – $180,000. Jones said he has tried his best to keep ownership of the pheasant local. He said he offered the city first option on the purchase.
"Laurie Shelton is the President and CEO of the Huron Chamber of Commerce. She said the chamber board members are currently reviewing Jones' new listed price. She said the board has attempted to negotiate with Mr. Jones in the past but they could not come to an agreement on the sale price."
"Huron is a city in and the county seat of Beadle County, South Dakota, United States," Wikipedia says.
"The population was 14,263 at the 2020 census, and it is the 8th most populous city in South Dakota. The first settlement at Huron was made in 1880. Huron is location of the South Dakota State Fair, and of a statue called the World's Largest Pheasant."
"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,"
The Historical Marker Database says.
"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.
Photos: World's Largest Pheasant Sculpture, world record in Huron, South Dakota
(3) Cosmos Mariner/Historical Marker Database
(4) Historical Marker Database
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