BROOKINGS, SD (Oct. 7, 2021) – South Dakota State University announced the second year of its Pheasant Statemerchandise collection will not only pay homage to the state’s popular sport but will also help fund scholarships inthe Department of Natural Resource Management through royalties earned on merchandise sales.

Launched in 2020 in conjunction with CLC, the university’s trademark licensing agent, Pheasant State merchandise features unique logos and designs alongside SDSU branding in a curated collection for Jackrabbits fans and hunters alike.

The new scholarship component reinforces the university’s commitment to conservation and supports the education of future leaders in wildlife and natural sciences. Royalties from the sale of Pheasant State merchandise will be designated for scholarships through the university’s Department of Natural Resource Management, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs in conservation planning, park management, ecology, biological sciences, wildlife and fisheries sciences and natural resource law enforcement.

“The Pheasant State collection was designed for the outdoor lifestyle of our fans in mind, and now this scholarship contribution from each item sold will help strengthen the connection to our renowned wildlife and agricultural studies,” said Derek Peterson, SDSU’s assistant vice president for finance and administration.

New to the Pheasant State collection this year is an on-field component from Under Armour, which will be worn by football coaches and staff during Saturday’s game against Southern Illinois. Additional licensees returning for the second year of the collection include Colosseum, L2 for Legacy Headwear, Blue 84, Orca, WinCraft and All-StarDogs, with merchandise featuring hunting orange, outdoor inspired colors and Mossy Oak and Realtree patterns.

“We are excited to help the university leverage the unique Pheasant State licensing program to raise important resources for educating students and future leaders in our nature and wildlife industries,” said Ben Emmons, CLC’s vice president of marketing. “We remain committed to helping SDSU extend its brand to new markets and new consumers while connecting with passionate Jackrabbits fans.”

Pheasant State merchandise is available now at Jackrabbit Central and Scheels in Sioux Falls, as well as FleetFarm and other participating retailers. Additionally, fans can find Pheasant State merchandise at a special South Dakota State Bookstore pop-up store at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport Oct. 14 and 15. The store will cater to the tens of thousands of out-of-state hunters arriving for the start of pheasant hunting.

For more information on this release, please contact:

Mike Lockrem, South Dakota State University, 605-695-0406 or michael.lockrem@sdstate.edu 

Tammy Purves, CLC, 770-799-3275 or tammy.purves@clc.com