SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota stores are preparing for the pheasant hunting season that's scheduled to begin this week.

KDLT-TV reports that the stores have been getting ready for the past two months.

Tony Naatjes is a manager at Gary's Gun Shop. He says he expects to be between 10 and 15 percent up in revenue compared to last year. He says a lot of the revenue will come from selling shells.

About 100,000 hunters converge every year on the state's hunting fields. South Dakota officials say those hunters spend more than $200 million on their passion.

Naatjes says hunters should stock up before hitting the fields Saturday. He adds that the recent drop in gas prices could help drive more people to his store.

———

Information from: KDLT-TV, www.kdlt.com