ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) - More than 100,000 out-of-state residents are expected this fall during South Dakota's pheasant hunting season, and that means good things for the economy.

Last year, hunters spent $108 million in the state, according to the Game, Fish and Parks Department.

Brown County is a hot spot for hunters and their wallets, and Aberdeen civic leaders say many businesses thrive on the hunting season because it helps carry them through the year.

Billboards and signs are up all over Aberdeen, welcoming hunters. At one Aberdeen motel, the manager says business goes up 50 percent or more during the hunting season. "Our owners are always happy for something like that," said Rebecca Johnson, general manager of the White House Inn.

Scott McIntire of Sodak Sport and Bait Shop said his store issues between 500 and 600 hunting licenses the day before the season opener, not to mention guns, ammunition and clothing.

Nonresident hunting licenses have surpassed resident licenses in South Dakota since 2002. Last year, about 15,000 more hunting licenses were issued to out-of-staters than residents.

As Aberdeen Convention and Visitors Bureau members welcomed hunters to the airport, Tennessee hunter Rhett Kramer said, "This is not going to happen in a big city. This is where you need to come to hunt."