Roosters in the Corn

[FishinFreaks]

While we were hunting a farm this week, the farmer let my buddy take a ride in his combine for a few runs up and down. It was very interesting to see down into the strips of corn from above. He said he could see all the rabbits running and saw a deer at one point.

As we were talking this question kind of came to us about pheasants in the corn: what are they doing in there? The cobs of corn are three feet off the ground and are wrapped tightly. There's no feed on the ground level. Do the pheasants jump up and try to tear off the cobs? They're on there pretty securely. Is there something else the pheasants are eating?

Just got us wondering.

[Eelpout08]

I would think that the deer scatter some on the ground when they are in there. or maybe they just like the cover?

[2thepointsetters]

We have shot a lot of roosters out of standing corn this year and they are full of corn when we clean them. They are getting at some of the corn but I am not sure how, I also see cobs that are half ate by the outside rows.

[gspman]

They get at it somehow. I've seen it in action - they'll stretch up as far as they can and peck at it. But I think primarily its just awesome overhead cover for them and perfect at ground level for a bird that can run like heck.

[CJH]

As mentioned, they go in there for the cover and the food. Its a perfect combo. The rows are just the right size for them buggers to run in!!!

[scsavre]

Corn is cover, keeps alot of birds from flying hunters. That is a good question about how they get to eat the corn though. I have never seen it happen, but they are always full of it. Maybe the deer knock it down, maybe they peck it, who knows.

[mikezdman]

They can get to the corn just fine.

[carpshooterdeluxe]

theres always going to be weaker stalks that break over during a stiff wind, raccoons knocking stalks down, deer, and just plain short stalks that put the ears in reach.

[CRAZYEYES]

What is amazing to me is how unafraid of the combine they are. I sat friday morning next to one of my favorite wma's as they were taking the corn out. It was the last cornfield for miles and he was picking the last 10 acres of so and those birds would just run out in front of the combine and run right back in the corn next to it. Even though dozens had already flown out there were still 20 plus birds running right down the last strip that wasnt more than 3 or 4 rows. Made for some easy hunting aside the from the fact that they all went right into the cattails where the water was right up to %$#%$#%# when I finally broke through the ice. BRRRR!!! Should be enough ice soon.

[BLACKJACK]

into the cattails where the water was right up to ^%$#%$# when I finally broke through the ice. BRRRR!!! Should be enough ice soon.

I can relate to that!!! Feet so numb by the time you get back to the truck that you want to cry!! Hope you got some birds!!