Kristi Noem’s Pheasant Hunting Post Draws Attention Amid Role Change

Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem celebrated South Dakota’s pheasant hunting season with a social media post on Saturday. She shared a photo on X, featuring herself in hunting attire, holding a gun next to a dog. This post stirred a significant discussion online. The post followed the announcement of her departure from her role as a special envoy to the Shield of the Americas coalition.

The ending of her envoy role coincided with comments made by a State Department official confirming her position’s conclusion. According to a document shared by Noem, her appointment was intended to be temporary—lasting six months. Noem continues as a senior advisor within the State Department.

Kristi Noem’s Background

Noem held the governor’s office in South Dakota from 2019 to 2025 before being appointed as the DHS secretary under President Donald Trump. Known as a close ally of Trump and an enthusiastic hunter, she was once seen as a potential running mate for Trump in 2024. However, this prospect waned following controversial revelations from her memoir, No Going Back. In the book, she recounted an episode where she shot her 14-month-old dog, Cricket, which she labeled as “untrainable,” sparking public outcry.

Earlier this year, she attracted more media attention when The Daily Mail reported allegations of her husband, Bryon Noem, leading a double life. Following these reports, Noem filed for divorce in September.

End of Special Envoy Role

On Friday, the end of Noem’s tenure as special envoy was publicly acknowledged. The Shield of the Americas, a security initiative during the Trump administration, focused on countering illegal activities in the Western Hemisphere. Noem was tasked with collaborating with regional leaders on security matters and reported directly to Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. Now, as a senior advisor to Landau, she will continue involvement with the initiative.

Noem published a statement explaining her role’s timeline: “The Special Envoy to the Shield of the Americas role was always a six-month appointment.” She asserted her continued position in the State Department as a Senior Advisor.

Social Media Response to Hunting Post

Noem’s post wishing good luck to South Dakotans on pheasant hunting day included an image with a dog, thought to be a Vizsla. Her message read: “Happy Opener, South Dakota. Foster and I wish you good luck in the field!” She highlighted a program she initiated, the Second Century Initiative, which aims to convert marginal land into wildlife habitats for future generations to enjoy hunting traditions.

The image gained 2.2 million views, drawing varied reactions. Many commenters expressed concern for the dog’s safety. One user said, “Save the dog,” while another pleaded, “Please don’t kill him.” A third criticized the inclusion of both a dog and a gun in the post, calling it a poor decision.

Facebook users reacted similarly. Pheasant hunting in South Dakota spans from October 17 to January 31, where dogs are crucial in spotting birds and assisting hunters.

Controversy Over Past Dog Incident

The controversy stems from Noem’s autobiography, where an incident involving her dog, Cricket, was detailed. The Guardian’s publication of excerpts in April 2024 highlighted her decision to shoot Cricket, who had reportedly attacked chickens and attempted to bite her. She characterized the dog as “hated” and “untrainable.” Defending her decision in a Fox News interview, she prioritized her children’s safety over the dog’s actions.