Finally Got a Bird!!!

[jparrucci]

Well, after about a dozen times out, I finally nailed my first rooster around noon today. I've been hunting public land south and west of the cities, and have seen few birds, and fewer roosters. I should have had a few by now, but me being a marginal shot (putting the right choke in helped, lol) and having a young dog, its has been a struggle. Today was the first day my dog pointed a rooster. He is a year old brittany, and has pointed numerous hens, but the roosters have been hard to come by, and when we have seen them they usually are flushing way out ahead. Today, he started getting birdy, then stopped dead on point in some tall grasses near cattails. I followed your guys advice and walked around him from the other side. He never flinched an inch until I told himm to get it. Rooster flushed, dropped him cold on the first shot. Not a big bird, but I'll take it. I was so excited, I didn't even get a chance to have the dog bring the bird back to me, cause I was running to where it dropped too! My dog had the rooster in his mouth, a pretty awesome site. Feels good to finally get on the board. Hopefully we can get some more birds over the next few weeks. With this deepers snow and colder weather, I hope these birds stay tight. Its hard going on public land though. I jumped about a dozen hens at once on Monday. The dog also pointed a hen perfectly today. Had to darn near kick the bird to get it up. Thanks for all the help from those on these formums who have helped a rookie finally get his first rooster!

[gspman]

Congratulations!!! It's a great feeling when it all come together isn't it!

[Norsky]

You're hooked, you're addicted, it's all over!!! Nailing that first bird behind a young pup is the greatest thing. Next thing you know you'll have another dog, upgraded shotgun, bigger truck, trips to SD etc. It's all good.

[setterguy]

NOW you know what all the fuss is about. Congratulations on the rooster. And the season isn't over yet. With the ice conditions I think the fields and forest are going to be a lot less crowded here for the next few weeks. With warmer weather coming in I think there is going to be some excellent chances to get out and chase some birds around.

[setterguy]

NOW you know what all the fuss is about. Congratulations on the rooster. And the season isn't over yet. With the ice conditions I think the fields and forest are going to be a lot less crowded here for the next few weeks. With warmer weather coming in I think there is going to be some excellent chances to get out and chase some birds around.

[riverrat56]

Congrats, I shot my first bird 5 years ago, when i was 11, but I think that the first birds I shot while hunting completly on my own were even more memorable, there is just something about finding your own spot and hunting with your own style, and bagging your own birds that makes pheasant hunting so special. If you put your time in during the last month of the season you will find birds, but the walking might not be the funest in the world, we spent the whole day walking catail sloughs this weekend and only managed to flush a few roosters, finally figured out the birds will be out of the wind in brushy draws and managed to get 2 of out 4 bird limit. It's a great feeling when it all comes together isn't it? Good luck the rest of the season and for many more to come.

[CodyDawg]

I was out Thurs/Fri and had a fantastic time. Two of shot 7 birds and had numerous opportunities. Dont neglect the willows...that is where we found a lot of birds. Also, look for food this time of year, they will not be far from lunch. By the way, this is the best year I have ever had in 24 years of hunting them.

[TundraKing]

What a great year! I can not go out hunting without flushing 25+ birds every time! My dog is getting a heck of a workout. Lately, I've found them holding in willows,cattails, and especially groves! Anything that is surrounded by or very near to plowed corn fields and soy bean fields. I've also spent some time last weekend walking CRP, but it's mostly hens. Its the unique stuff that really holds those roosters. I can't wait for the weekend already!

[jparrucci]

I finally figured out how to post pics on here. This was taken with my cell phone and is pretty bad looking. I had to tie my dog to the tree, cause he kept attacking the bird. At least I know he has the drive to get a pheasant.

[riverrat56]

Congrats on the bird, nice looking britt you've got there, reminds me of my dog......

[Fish_Off]

You know you got a dog that likes to hunt when you have to tie him to a tree in order to take a picture after the day.