The People

Darik Tschetter, Expert Field Guide and Owner of Ringneck Retreat
Darik has thirty years of experience working the farms at Ringneck Retreat and hunting. Teacher and mentor Harvey Tschetter, who is also his father, showed Darik at an early age the thrill of and respect for the nature that surrounds him. Their shared passion for nature inspired the humble beginnings of Ringneck Retreat, and these roots still hold strong. Darik’s love for the hunt is backed by his clear vision for the strategy needed to hunt wild game. Prior to opening Ringneck Retreat to the public, he enjoyed a career as a big game guide, chasing bear, elk, birds, deer, and other animals. Friends and guests alike often contact Darik for advice on hunting, appreciating his wealth of diverse hunting knowledge. Darik feels a strong sense of pride knowing that he gives each of his guests the very best hunting experience he can create every day, and he has instilled that same spirit in the entire Ringneck Retreat team.

Dean Menning, Expert Field Guide
Darik’s best friend and long–time hunting buddy, Dean also grew up in the outdoors just 25 miles from Hitchcock. As a child he learned to hunt, trap, and fish, and he enjoyed hunting with his family’s coonhounds. While Dean has hunted a variety of game, his true love remains hunting upland birds. Darik describes Dean as the kind of guy who "when you become his friend, you’re a lifelong friend." An upfront, honest person, Dean welcomes suggestions from hunters and always customizes each group’s hunt. He pays attention to detail, and he often makes unnoticed adjustments within hunting groups to ensure every person has a great time. Relaxed and always appreciative of nature, Dean likes to have fun and joke around while he’s guiding. He has twelve years experience working with Ringneck Retreat, and we’re proud to have him as a guide. When he’s not hunting, Dean works as the head of Sioux Steel’s paint department. He lives with his wife, two daughters, family dog Riley, and incredible hunting dog CJ in southern South Dakota. Dean volunteers extensively in his town and with local events.

Sharon Tschetter, Head Cook and Darik’s Mother
Sharon, Darik’s mother, is a pillar in the community of Hitchcock. Involved in everything from school events to Hitchcock United Methodist Church activities, Sharon still finds time to work with both Ringneck Retreat and the family business, Tschetter Feed Lot. As her three children and past Ringneck Retreat guests will tell you, Sharon has an amazing talent for crafting culinary delights and makes cooking for groups look effortless. She specializes in traditional Midwestern fare, the home–cooked goodness people often call comfort food. One of our guests’ favorites has been the beef roast dinner with the traditional side dishes of hand–mashed potatoes, thick beef gravy, and glazed carrots (grown in Sharon’s garden). Sharon ends every meal by focusing some attention on the "sweet tooth"; she is known for her pecan bars and vanilla ice cream.

Darik wishes to thank his parents, Harvey and Sharon Tschetter, for their support of Ringneck Retreat and his lifelong love of hunting. He expresses his undying gratitude to the local farmers, who truly make pheasant hunting possible in Hitchcock. Also, Darik also wishes to thank Laura, Melissa, and Sammy Jo — Dean’s family — for understanding and accepting all the time Dean spends with us at Ringneck Retreat.