texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
zrules11, dixondave, Suzanne miles, paharvey, Feeder Man
71971 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,785
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,386
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,690
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics536,621
Posts9,714,972
Members86,971
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Pheasant Hunting for a Novice #6503326 10/20/16 02:05 AM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
Duck_Hunter Online Content OP
THF Celebrity
OP Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
I've never hunted any upland birds. My brother in law invited me on his annual January pheasant trip in Kansas. Does anyone have any tips for someone that's never hunted this type of bird before?

Anything y'all can suggest would be appreciated. I don't mind reading links that you think would be informative or if you feel like typing out a response, that would be great too. I'm very excited but it's also making me a little nervous.

I'm going to have to buy clothing and boots for this, so if you want to make suggestions on that, I'd appreciate that too. I know it's going to be colder than a dead witch's nipple face down in the snow in January in Kansas.


Originally Posted by bill oxner
I just turned it on . I was looking bird dogs in the butt this morning.


[Linked Image]
Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6503442 10/20/16 03:17 AM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,868
Sniper John Online Happy
gumshoe
Online Happy
gumshoe
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,868
The best advice I was ever given for public pheasant hunting came from a bar owner in Kansas. "Always believe there is a bird in front of you. Always be ready".

Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Sniper John] #6503520 10/20/16 04:35 AM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
Duck_Hunter Online Content OP
THF Celebrity
OP Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
Originally Posted By: Sniper John
The best advice I was ever given for public pheasant hunting came from a bar owner in Kansas. "Always believe there is a bird in front of you. Always be ready".


I like it. up


Originally Posted by bill oxner
I just turned it on . I was looking bird dogs in the butt this morning.


[Linked Image]
Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6503603 10/20/16 11:45 AM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,415
R
RayB Offline
red bone Bob
Offline
red bone Bob
R
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,415
Buy or borrow an upland shotgun that 7# duck gun of yours will wear you out


There is time, and you must take it, to lay your hand on your dog's head as you walk past him lying on the floor or on his settle, time to talk with him, to remember with him, time to please him, time you can't buy back once he's gone" GBE
Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6503614 10/20/16 12:00 PM
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,653
C
colt45-90 Offline
Texas colt45
Offline
Texas colt45
C
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,653
your brother n law should be the one to get info from

Last edited by colt45; 10/20/16 12:01 PM.

hold on Newt, we got a runaway
Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6503643 10/20/16 12:27 PM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 680
E
Eyesofahunter Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
E
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 680
If public hunting be ready to walk walk and walk some more, we avg 7.5 miles a day walking through the brush in SD. Bring a neck gator to keep that Jan wind from blowing down your neck. Broken in boots, good pants or chaps that can hold up to brush. Always be ready is a great point, you never know where that bird will come from.

Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6503646 10/20/16 12:30 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,182
CCBIRDDOGMAN Online Content
Bird Herder
Online Content
Bird Herder
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,182
Go to You tube and watch some videos. Well, first ask him if they hunt with dogs or drive the birds with a line of hunters with blockers at the other end of the field and watch videos of that type. At least you will have an idea of whats coming. Nothing to it either way, just be safe, wear some orange and have fun.


Originally Posted by bill oxner
Haven't had it in years but never spit any out.


Originally Posted by bill oxner
I am a sucker for happy endings and strapped cowboys.
Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6503857 10/20/16 02:49 PM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 474
M
Mundo Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
M
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 474
In January it is most likely driven birds.
Take good boots, wool socks (much better than cotton or artificial--they are cooler, and your feet don't blister or get cold from sweat,) clothing that you can layer. A goretex or equivalent outer jacket.

Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6503881 10/20/16 03:06 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 503
B
Buffs 1 Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
B
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 503
layered clothing and not too bulky if possible. As warm as that thick coat is, makes it tougher to shoulder the gun in a rush if you are not used to it.

Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6504026 10/20/16 04:46 PM
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 246
D
dune2218 Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
D
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 246
practice shooting a car moving at 12 mph ---------- if you can hit that, you can hit a pheasant.

Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6504098 10/20/16 05:45 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,378
R
reeltexan Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
R
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,378

Take plenty of warm clothes.
Our last day up there last January, it was 17 degrees with a 25 mph north wind when we hit the field that morning.

I've hunted cold many times but, dude....

I shot three that morning though.


[Linked Image]

When even one American - who has done nothing wrong - is forced by fear to shut his mind and close his mouth - then all Americans are in peril. - Truman


Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6504110 10/20/16 05:59 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,868
Sniper John Online Happy
gumshoe
Online Happy
gumshoe
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,868
Being new. Have everything ready to go before you get to the field, so all you have to do is throw on your vest, pull out your shotgun, walk through the gate, and load your gun. Don't be the guy your hunting partners have to wait on. If there are birds in the field near where your parked and you spend a lot of time adjusting gear, slamming doors, talking, etc, those late season educated birds will be moving to the other side of the field before you ever start hunting. This goes back to always be ready; always believe. Be ready from the moment you first leave the truck to the moment you get back to the truck. Do this and you will shoot the first bird at every stop often within 50 yards of the truck. If you have a sling on your shotgun, take it off.

Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6504115 10/20/16 06:03 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
Duck_Hunter Online Content OP
THF Celebrity
OP Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
Thanks for the advice, everyone (except Colt45).


Originally Posted by bill oxner
I just turned it on . I was looking bird dogs in the butt this morning.


[Linked Image]
Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: RayB] #6504118 10/20/16 06:04 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
Duck_Hunter Online Content OP
THF Celebrity
OP Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
Originally Posted By: Barny Topwater
Buy or borrow an upland shotgun that 7# duck gun of yours will wear you out


That's a good point. Would a 20g work ok for pheasants?


Originally Posted by bill oxner
I just turned it on . I was looking bird dogs in the butt this morning.


[Linked Image]
Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: reeltexan] #6504120 10/20/16 06:06 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
Duck_Hunter Online Content OP
THF Celebrity
OP Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
Originally Posted By: reeltexan

Take plenty of warm clothes.
Our last day up there last January, it was 17 degrees with a 25 mph north wind when we hit the field that morning.

I've hunted cold many times but, dude....

I shot three that morning though.


Yeah, that's going to be tough. Cold is one thing; cold and high winds are another.


Originally Posted by bill oxner
I just turned it on . I was looking bird dogs in the butt this morning.


[Linked Image]
Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6504126 10/20/16 06:09 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,415
R
RayB Offline
red bone Bob
Offline
red bone Bob
R
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,415
Originally Posted By: Duck_Hunter
Originally Posted By: Barny Topwater
Buy or borrow an upland shotgun that 7# duck gun of yours will wear you out


That's a good point. Would a 20g work ok for pheasants?

Late season pheasants are pretty spooky, you may want the extra shot. Go with 3" if you take the 20.
DH where you at?

Last edited by Barny Topwater; 10/20/16 06:11 PM.

There is time, and you must take it, to lay your hand on your dog's head as you walk past him lying on the floor or on his settle, time to talk with him, to remember with him, time to please him, time you can't buy back once he's gone" GBE
Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6504136 10/20/16 06:11 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,868
Sniper John Online Happy
gumshoe
Online Happy
gumshoe
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,868
I do my best pheasant hunting with a side by side 20 and a heavy load #6 shot. Easy to carry at ready. Light and fast to the shoulder.

Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6504159 10/20/16 06:29 PM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,096
C
Cajun Raider Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
C
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,096
Water, chapstick and sunglasses if snow is on the ground. Been there, done that and going again in January.


Don't talk the talk if you didn't walk the walk.
Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6504167 10/20/16 06:33 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,378
R
reeltexan Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
R
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,378
Originally Posted By: Duck_Hunter
Originally Posted By: Barny Topwater
Buy or borrow an upland shotgun that 7# duck gun of yours will wear you out


That's a good point. Would a 20g work ok for pheasants?


All I ever hunt pheasants with is a 20 or a 28.


[Linked Image]

When even one American - who has done nothing wrong - is forced by fear to shut his mind and close his mouth - then all Americans are in peril. - Truman


Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Cajun Raider] #6504177 10/20/16 06:39 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,868
Sniper John Online Happy
gumshoe
Online Happy
gumshoe
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,868
Originally Posted By: Cajun Raider
Water, chapstick and sunglasses if snow is on the ground. Been there, done that and going again in January.


up Sunblock chapstick no matter if it snows or not.

Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6504197 10/20/16 06:59 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,762
P_102 Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,762
Good thermal underwear. Silk socks and gloves as a base layer, they wick away moisture very well and make a thinner pair of gloves
and socks possible...especially gloves, bulky gloves make it difficult. I used to wear a an insulated pair of Isotoners and they were about the best I found for warmth and shootability, not sure they make them anymore. Facemask. Lots of people wear gators, they're great for keeping junk and snow out of your boots and used to be found cheap at army/navy stores.
20 ga. is fine. Remember that the back half of a rooster in flight is nothing but feathers and a wounded rooster will run like Jesse Owens! P_102


Do not trifle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6504578 10/20/16 11:05 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
Duck_Hunter Online Content OP
THF Celebrity
OP Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
Originally Posted By: Barny Topwater
Originally Posted By: Duck_Hunter
Originally Posted By: Barny Topwater
Buy or borrow an upland shotgun that 7# duck gun of yours will wear you out


That's a good point. Would a 20g work ok for pheasants?

Late season pheasants are pretty spooky, you may want the extra shot. Go with 3" if you take the 20.
DH where you at?


I'm in FW. Not sure where we are hunting in Kansas or what the details are but I'll find out Sunday when my BIL comes in town. I've been reading and watching videos, and it definitely seems like they are weary of any noise or anything being off.

I don't own a 20g but my wife wants a shotgun and she shoots a 20g waaay better than my 12. Thinking maybe if killing two birds with one stone.


Originally Posted by bill oxner
I just turned it on . I was looking bird dogs in the butt this morning.


[Linked Image]
Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Cajun Raider] #6504580 10/20/16 11:07 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
Duck_Hunter Online Content OP
THF Celebrity
OP Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
Originally Posted By: Sniper John
I do my best pheasant hunting with a side by side 20 and a heavy load #6 shot. Easy to carry at ready. Light and fast to the shoulder.


Good to know. Also thanks to reeltexan, who suggested similar.

Originally Posted By: Cajun Raider
Water, chapstick and sunglasses if snow is on the ground. Been there, done that and going again in January.


Also very good to know, but I've been skiing and around snow many times. I've learned the ins and outs of snow protection for the face and eyes. Always a good reminder.


Originally Posted by bill oxner
I just turned it on . I was looking bird dogs in the butt this morning.


[Linked Image]
Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: P_102] #6504581 10/20/16 11:08 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
Duck_Hunter Online Content OP
THF Celebrity
OP Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,326
Originally Posted By: P_102
Good thermal underwear. Silk socks and gloves as a base layer, they wick away moisture very well and make a thinner pair of gloves
and socks possible...especially gloves, bulky gloves make it difficult. I used to wear a an insulated pair of Isotoners and they were about the best I found for warmth and shootability, not sure they make them anymore. Facemask. Lots of people wear gators, they're great for keeping junk and snow out of your boots and used to be found cheap at army/navy stores.
20 ga. is fine. Remember that the back half of a rooster in flight is nothing but feathers and a wounded rooster will run like Jesse Owens! P_102


Thank, you sir. That's all good advice.


Originally Posted by bill oxner
I just turned it on . I was looking bird dogs in the butt this morning.


[Linked Image]
Re: Pheasant Hunting for a Novice [Re: Duck_Hunter] #6504588 10/20/16 11:12 PM
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,138
Creekrunner Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,138
I've been following this thread closely. 'All good information about keeping warm, scatter gun, and shot selection. If you want to kill birds, fake a limp and ask to be a blocker. grin


...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3