Guide and Tips for Pheasant Hunting
By Adrian Padeanu
If you are one of those hunters that enjoy upland game, you certainly love pheasant hunting. You probably know that this gaudy cackling bird will hide in the smallest cover he can find, as well as run through the thickest brambles, then bursting from cover in order to take wing. Indeed, hunting pheasants is a real challenge, but courtesy of some tips provided by the following article, you will be able to outwit this clever little bird.
If you plan on hunting during the early season, you should know that pheasants sit tighter, which will allow you (and your hunting dog) to approach its resting area. Taking into consideration that they have not been pressured much at this point, you will be doing most of the shots at a closer range, preferably using a shotgun that has a modified (or improved) choke, along with a #6 shot. Your 20 or 28 gauge gun works best during the early time of the pheasant hunting season.
As you move into the season, it is recommended to use a tighter choked gun. For optimum results, get a 12 gauge gun, shells that have more powder and #4 or #5 shot. In most of the cases, the birds will be flushing wild, and these heavier loads will give you a more knock down power at longer ranges.
For resting, pheasants prefer thick cover, which is one of the reasons why CRP lands have significantly increased their pheasant population in the Midwest. Pheasant are able to escape the predators through the larger tracks of thick grass.
Taking into consideration that cover and heavy grass is where you will find most of the birds, a good pheasant dog is recommended as he will be able to find those birds that hold tight. There will be lots of times when you will be past a hiding rooster, only to have him burst from his cover once you have walked past. You will also need a dog for the moment right after you have taken down a pheasant. You should know that although a bird is injured, it can still run quite fast, and with the help of a dog, you will lose significantly less. As far as choosing the appropriate pheasant hunting dog, pick one that works close and listens to your demands.
Experienced pheasant hunters will tell you that they have better results by walking quietly and slowly, working back and forth across the field. By doing so, you will force the pheasant to move ahead or flush, giving you a good opportunity for a deadly shot.
You will be more efficient if you take a couple of your hunting buddies along with you. "Blockers" are those hunters that are stationed at the end of the field who will charge after the pheasant breaks from cover. You will need them because these birds are known for being quite fast while they are running. By using "blockers", the birds will hold tighter, which will give both blockers and walkers more chances to shoot.
Article written by Adrian Padeanu. Learn more about pheasant hunting by visiting http://www.pheasanthuntinginfo.com - your best choice for pheasant hunting tips and other relevant information about this topic.
Article Source: Guide To Pheasant Hunting