Where to Pheasant hunt in MN, New to Pheasant, someone want to show me the ropes

[Maxwell]

I am new to Pheasant Hunting, I really have no clue even where to go, I have been to a few WMA area around the cities, but they are always pretty busy. Any other suggestions?

Someone want to show me where to go, or take me along.

badexpresso yahoo com

[CaptainMusky]

Do you have a good map that has public lands listed for the Southern part of the state?

One that is somewhat accurate (does not show WPA's though) is the Minnesota Atlas. It is a big red book that has the entire states roads, rivers, lakes, public lands etc. It is pretty decent and can be found at any sporting goods store for around $20.

I would start with that.

From there I would just plan a day-trip somewhere and then focus looking for areas near where I want to go. Since you are located on the Western part of the cities that is a good start. There are good areas and bad areas everywhere. It is just trial and error. I would suggest going midweek or late-season as the pressure reduces dramatically and it will make it that much easier.

As far as what to look for, edges are key. Edges between thick cover and feeding areas are very important. Once you find an area, locate a handful of hunting spots to check out, drive around them and look at the cover. If you find one that has a nice combination of cover walk it, but really focus on the areas where thicker cover meets feeding areas as it will be easier to catch a bird there than roaming acres upon acres of grassland. I have been hunting pheasants for 20 years and it is mostly luck and just a lot of walking. A good dog is key, without a good dog you can look like a fool in a hurry. I have a new pup, so I don't have high expectations for this year, but I am confident he will be a great dog in due time.

Good Luck!

Go here for a map of pheasant counts. It is a fairly good indicator of where pheasants are densest. Use this in conjunction with a good map to plan your trip.

http://images.dnr.state.mn.us/outdoor_activities/hunting/pheasant/prospectsmap05.jpg

[BouncinBottom]

You can also check out the US Fish and Wildlife Service HSOforum, click on the region you want, the state you want (MN) and then click on an office location. This will lead you to county maps of all the Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA's- the ones with the green signs)in that area of the state. You can even view an aerial photo of of the units (warning the photos are from the mid 1990's so they look wetter than they actually are). Most units have been upgraded to native grasses so they should hold some pheasants.

Good luck and let me know if you make it out to western MN sometime.