pheasant hunting without a dog

[stckthrwr]

I am new to pheasant hunting. I have been to a game farm twice and loved it. I know the results aren't normal.

I do not have a dog. I know you can hunt without one, but this last time, I saw the reason for. Every bird flew off after the shot.

Do any of you hunt without a dog? We were not taking long shots or crazy shots. I am interested in some tips. I know one person with a dog and plan on asking him if he wants to go, but otherwise I am going solo.

Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

Nathan

[CaptainMusky]

Hunting birds without a dog is very tough. If you can isolate cover like heavy cattails, etc then I think you can increase your chances. You better mark your downed birds well because they will run or sit tight if wounded. That's the hardest part.

[leechlake]

it's better than no going but can be tough. Not as tough as hunting with a flusher that hunts out of range though except that dog could find a downed bird potentially that it ran past.

I'd guess the walking slow and pressuring birds by stopping and starting. Don't just keep walking, they will just let you pass on. You need to make them nervous and flush in range.

[Dave S]

Captain and leech are spot on. Isolate cover, focus on points and corners. When walking more open ground between prime cover areas, do as the birds do and zig-zag as you walk. You'll increase your odds by covering more ground this way and potentially intercept a bird as they're trying to sneak around you.

At times, pheasants can be more predictable than walleyes when it comes to relating to structure. If there's one, and I mean only one small bush in the middle of some CRP, walk into the wind to that bush, or fence post or small funny looking weed. Anything that sticks out. You just might be surprised.

[brittman]

Hunting after a fresh snow fall. Follow tracks.

[Tom7227]

If every bird took off after the shot the reason has nothing to do with having or not having a dog. It's because you missed. Spend some time at a range shooting trap and you will probably have much more success. What choke did you use Y?ou also need to spend a little time patterning your shotgun. You can Google that and learn what it requires.

Finally, what size shot are you using? I would suggest that you get #5 lead shot, or #4 steel. Try and keep your shots to 30-40 yards.

If you tune up your shotgunning skills you're lack of a dog will be less of a problem.

[Ryan_V]

Where do you live? I hunt a few times a week, always looking for company.

[Snag]

You can get birds up without a dog, but finding them is a lot harder after you shoot them.

[Mr.Seaguar]

Stop and listen. You will hear them sneaking away. Later in the season the guy with no dog has an advantage. A dog will scare many away before you get close. I use Federal wing shok high velocity 1 3/8 oz #6 lead. They kick like a mule but smoke the birds. Good luck

[stretch]

hey ryan if you want another gunner and dog let me know. i live in norwood and always like getting out hunting with someone new.

[Ryan_V]

Will do stretch!

[stckthrwr]

I was using #4 steel, and a full choke I believe. The shots were ranging. The last bird I shot was less than 30 yards and went down, but wasn't dead.

Ryan, I'm by St Cloud, but a drive wouldn't be bad

Hutch isn't too far. If you need an extra shot, I'd love to go!

I'm going to try to get out and shoot trap this year. Last year we went and everything dropped with one shot. This year, few did. I want to go shoot trap. Get better with all my shooting.

[Tom7227]

Full choke and steel shot are a bad mix. The full choke ends up constricting the shot and making it bounce around and create bad patterns. I am sure you can find a lot of info on this. Check it out yourself by taking the gun out and patterning it. Modified or improved cylinder are a much better choice if you shoot steel.