Flatland Flyways Lodge Aims Higher

When you look at the facilities at Flatland Flyways, you won’t see the proverbial log furniture found in many lodges in the hunting business. While there are some sleeker pieces of “stick-built” furniture in the decor, Megan Russo, who operates the lodge with her husband Alex and his family, said their style is modern rustic, with hip, industrial twists in rooms like the bathrooms and bedrooms. You can tell quickly that they wanted to do something different with this retreat—something unexpected and grand. Modern, industrial, and rustic don’t always go together as a style, but here, it works. In fact, each bedroom has a wall of reclaimed barn wood from an old barn of Bill Mitchell’s which was located right down the road.

Flatland Flyways owners and operators, Megan and Alex Russo, with their son, Gage.

And it is a retreat. “This is the ultimate place to unplug and unwind,” Megan said. Of course, there is premier waterfowl and pheasant hunting, but there is so much more with their unsurpassed meals, fitness center, yard games, biking, hiking, trap shooting, and relaxing by the campfire. It’s a great place for guys to gather with buddies, businesses to have retreats, families to have reunions, and small groups to getaway without the extensive travel. They even host a few Christmas parties for families or companies when possible. 

Located on the edge of Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, not far from Hecla, SD, at a spot known as Hassler Hill, Flatland Flyways draws people from around the world for guided duck, goose, and pheasant hunting in the fall months. In the spring, people come for conservation snow goose hunts, which runs until April. The summer months are pretty much left for private lodge rentals, corporate events, parties, and open dining opportunities for the locals. “We are a smaller, family-ran operation focusing on quality over quantity in order to provide the best experience,” Megan said.

Personalized experiences are at the core of the staff’s mission. They strive to provide individualized customer service and enjoy getting to know their guests. Online reviews truly reflect this notion as customers are extremely satisfied with their stay and look forward to returning. Aside from great hunts, everyone comments on the exquisite food, served to guests in a style found in the swankiest restaurants. 

Orvis has endorsed Flatland Flyways as a Wingshooting Lodge ideal for waterfowl hunting adventure in South Dakota. A deep respect for waterfowl hunting along with passion and family values lead to the creation of the lodge. Their guides have been hunting in South Dakota for years, so they know the land and have unsurpassed hunting expertise. Not only that, the lodge and the 30-mile radius from the lodge that they hunt, is right in the middle of the central waterfowl migratory flyway. 

“The Dakotas are key in America waterfowl production, and we are grateful to be able to share unique experiences while creating unforgettable memories with hunters from around the world,” Alex said. //

For a comprehensive listing of all area hunting lodges, visit HuntFishSD.com.