PIERRE, S.D. (AP) A study finds that the pheasant hunting season last year pumped $219 million into the state's economy.

That's how much resident and nonresident hunters spent on gas, shells, motel rooms, food and other things.

It comes out to about $103 for each rooster pheasant that was shot.

The Department of Game, Fish and Parks came up with the number based on previous surveys done by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The top five counties in terms of hunting-related spending were: nearly $16 million in Brown, more than $13 million in Beadle, almost $12 million in Spink, nearly $10 million in Tripp and more than $9 million in Brule.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 05-11-08 0956CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list