Northdakota Pheasants,

[Lipriper84]

We are going to be staying in Ashley ND this year. This will be the first time in ND for pheasants, thought we would try something different from SD. Does anybody have any reports from the opener?

Also we won't be bringing any Decoys or anything out there but is it worth buying a Duck License also. Do you see many ducks while you are out pheasent hunting?

Thanks.

[2thepointsetters]

Just got back from near that area 2 hours ago. Pheasant numbers are great once you find them. It was over 80 degrees and no wind the first 3 days we were out there. There are single birds everywhere but it took awhile to dial in the large numbers. We found a area Monday afternoon where we had 20 some steady points in a hour. Just my wife and I were out there so we got a lot of nice bird work in with the dogs. I saw 100's of ducks but most looked like divers that people dont eat. Lots of water and crops out yet.

[rwwong]

We hunted just north of there last year near napoleon. I limited out pretty quick, my hunting buddies took a few too. Plenty of birds, just have to work for em, they held surprisingly tight for my vizsla. We are heading to ND on Thursday, same area.

Good luck

[Lipriper84]

Thanks for the info. I was reading the rule book and seen that you can start hunting a half hour before sunset? Is this true or am I missing something. Just seems odd after always doing a Noon start in SD and 9am starts in MN.

[Tom7227]

ND is a half hour before sunrise but I'm not sure that's all that important. Try to get out early but you don't have to kill yourself. I've been out in the Mott area and the first three days were horrible because of the heat. The crews that worked from about 730 were pretty much done by 10. Those that waited longer had very skimpy success. Very tough on the dogs. We had to water them quite often and try to find a creek or pond for them to cool off in if possible.

Be sure to set your gun up so that it only holds three shells. Rule in ND. Also non-residents can start to hunt PLOTS ground on Saturday and I've been told it can get a bit competitive. That may be a reason to go out early on Saturday and Sunday if that's your only chance. I haven't seen anyone hunting the plots lands out here so the locals must not bother.

Good luck.

[Lipriper84]

Thanks for the info Tom, Yea most of my group arn't early risers anyways. I just thought it was odd. I had also read the three shell thing and wasn't sure about it so thanks for adding that. Sounds like it should be a bit cooler this weekend so hopefully that is the case. Good luck to you.

[2thepointsetters]

Here are some pics from my North Dakota trips I have made in the last couple weeks. The first trip for sharp tails in the Bad Lands and last weekend near Ashley for pheasants.

Buddy reflecting after a long hard day.

Buddy and I after the first field on Tuesday morning.

My wife and my female setter Chili.

[brittman]

Thanks for the info Tom, Yea most of my group arn't early risers anyways. I just thought it was odd. I had also read the three shell thing and wasn't sure about it so thanks for adding that. Sounds like it should be a bit cooler this weekend so hopefully that is the case. Good luck to you.

North Dakota has worked hard to simplify its hunting rules.

Ducks, geese, grouse, pheasants all open at the same time each morning and all close at sunset each day. Some states waterfowl open 30 minutes before, native upland at sunrise, and pheasants later in the day. Many in ND hunt mixed bag each day. One rule to keep it simple. Wardens have it easier to enforce also.

Same with the 3 shell rule. Keeps the rule simple and you eliminate some people from wanting to mess (and forgetting about) their plug depending upon the quarry being waterfowl or upland.

[Lipriper84]

2thepoint, Looks like you did pretty well. Did you flush any sharpies near Ashley, MY uncle was saying they have quite a few there.

[2thepointsetters]

2thepoint, Looks like you did pretty well. Did you flush any sharpies near Ashley, MY uncle was saying they have quite a few there.

Lots of sharptail but they were wild. The dogs never even got within a 100 yards of them. I have never seen them so jumpy. I also saw a fair amount of huns. There will be plenty of pheasants to keep you busy. Dont over look the small patches of weeds left in the harvested fields.

[duckster]

Not trying to be too critical, but I sure wish you guys wouldn't mention specific towns when posting. That is unless you want the whole world dialed into one area.

Duckster

[2thepointsetters]

Not trying to be too critical, but I sure wish you guys wouldn't mention specific towns when posting. That is unless you want the whole world dialed into one area.

Duckster

Thanks for the heads up. I wasn't aware that the only pheasants were in Ashley. Do you think I am stupid enough to tell the actual location where I hunt? That is a general area. Thanks again for helping out.

[fivebucks]

We had a good few days on pheasants over in NoDak. Good thing we found plenty of pheasants cause the ducks left the area due to a cold snap end of Sept. We managed a few mallards but the bulk of the ducks were gone. We found roosters throughout the day but mornings and evenings were best. There was plenty of water around to keep the dogs moist and hydrated. We were in the central part of the state between Jamestown, Bismarck, and Minot.

[Random guy]

Jamestown, Bismarck, and Minot.

Hey thats where Im going!

[scsavre]

Have you guys ever hunted near Harvey? Its kinda between those 3 towns. My wives family has a few farms around there and I am going to try it during thanks giving. I know her brother has done pretty good in the past.