Preparing for my 1st Pheasant Hunt...
In a couple weeks I'll be heading to Rutland, ND, home of the Coteau des Prairies Lodge
( cdplodge.com ) for my first Pheasant Hunt.
I'd love to get some pointers, lessons learned, be sure to's from those of you seasoned Pheasant hunters.
So far I've gotten very simple advice...
No Hens only Roosters ( call it out )
Don't shoot over the dog...he may jump at the flushed bird.
Have fun...it's less about the birds and more about the fellowship.
What else?
Trust the dog.
Jeff Lubach that’s a good one Jeff. I was just talking with someone the other day about this and how many times I’ve messed up because I didn’t trust the dogs, nose or instinct
All good advice. Stay in line with the people you are walking with. Make sure you know where the blockers are when you are getting close to them. Take a good pair of boots and have fun.
Pay attention to the dogs and their behavior. They will change when they are working scent.
Focus on the roosters head. It’s very easy to lock onto the tail feather for verification that it’s a rooster but when you stare at the tail feathers, you usually miss behind.
Bring a good pair of boots and a boot dryer if the lodge does not have one. It probably won’t be very cold if you’re leaving in a couple weeks, but having dry boots makes for a much better hunt.
Enjoy all the little things. The camaraderie, the dogs working the sunrise, the beauty of nature and no matter how many birds you see or shoot you can be grateful for the Outdoor experience and the beautiful creation.