Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If you want access to members only forums on HSO, you will gain access only when you Sign-in or Sign-Up .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member. ?

Pheasants and presents...


Recommended Posts

I was lucky enough to get out this Saturday morning. What a great day for bird hunting. The weather was 34 degrees with a little sun and a 15 mph breeze out of the northwest. My brother couldn't go with me but he was thinking ditches with cattails in them would be the ticket. Normally I'd hunt "big cover" but I was thinking exactly the same thing as he was and decided today would be a great day to hunt ditches choked with cattails on the bottom. But, first things first. Before hunting the ditch I had in mind I went to the land owner's farm place and dropped off a couple of birds I had cleaned and frozen from a previous hunt.

After saying thank you for the privilege, I headed over to the ditch and loaded up the gun put the bell on the dog and turned the "white wonder" loose. The cool thing about these types of ditches is often times the cattails form sort of a tunnel right down the middle. Dixie knows this ditch hunting gig and headed right to the bottom and started working her way through the tunnel. It didn't take long and we had our first bird pointed. Usually the birds do one of three things in a ditch like this: 1) They run like mad and eventually flush wild. 2) They move out of the cattails and up the ditch bank and sit tight hoping we'll pass them by. 3) They sit tight in the cattails in the bottom of the ditch (usually happens after a good snow). In this case we had a hen that had moved out of the cattails and half way up the opposite ditch bank hoping we'd pass her by. It's always interesting to watch a dog work scent in the bottom of a ditch because the scent tends to swirl and eddy. Sometimes the dog isn't sure of where the bird is because of this. Dixie ended up pointing this hen with her nose almost straight up. After flushing the bird we continued on our way with Dixie making a few "young dog" mistakes as well as doing some good things. As we moved along I could tell by the cadence of her bell that she was making game. Not long after the bell stopped. Upon my approach a rooster flushed. One shot and one rooster in the bag. After recovering the bird from the plowing we jumped back in the ditch and continued on our way. Looking up, I noticed we were approaching a spot that has brush, cattails and tall grass. In other words a perfect spot for a few birds to hole up. I could hear Dixie working about 60 yards ahead when suddenly her bell stopped. As I cleared a rise in the field Dixie decided to take liberties and flush the bird on her own. &^%#$%$. A nice rooster came boiling up out of the grass. After chewing her out for her transgression we started moving again. It wasn't 10 seconds and another rooster flushed wild straight across the ditch from me. Bang! Bang! !#[email protected]#$!!! The gun jammed. The bird flew off unscathed. Reload and keep moving. Five steps later another rooster launches itself from the top of the bank on my side. One shot and we're done for the day. I glance at my wrist watch and only 25 minutes had passed. Not too bad for a half hour of work. Definitely fun but way too short.

Now we could either walk across the plowing to the truck or I could have the "white wonder" hunt her way back to the truck by retracing our steps. I knew that there would be at least a couple birds we missed and I wanted to give Dixie a chance to do things right so I decided to take the scenic route back. It wasn't long before Dixie was making game and had a hen pointed. After the flush and some praise we continued on our way hoping to find a rooster to pin. It wasn't long and our wish came true. Dixie wasn't sure where bird was but after some careful work she had it located. I moved down the bank and through the neck high cattails and the rooster exploded out of the edge of the 'tails. More praise and we're on our way back to the truck.

Here's a pic of our efforts for the morning. The birds are really getting big now and had plenty of fat on them so they seem to be eating well. Also, don't forget to pay the landowners a visit and bring a gift to thank them for the privilege of hunting their ground.

IMG_0984.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

nice story/hunt...wish we'd have had that kind of success yesterday. Lets just say we did A LOT of walking and very little shooting.

Had our 2 year old golden out for her first real pheasant hunt and she did good though! Go figure she flushed about 15 hens at our feet but the only roosters we could find jumped up ahead of us at about 70 yards. Gorgeous day to be out however and the young dog is showing some promise so that is pretty exciting. Now I'm wishing I had brought her to SD along with my buddie's dog. We're gonna get out at least once more before close and also try a game farm sometime soon as well.

Happy Hunting.

SA/wdw

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good story and pic. I was able to sneek out a couple of times over the weekend also. Monday we hit a couple of sections of public land near Princeton. Saw a few flush wild on the other side of the swamp, too far to tell hen from rooster. We did get one hen to flush from point with some good dog work.

I was able to get out for a while yesterday afternoon. We hit some cattails around a shallow lake. There were not a lot of birds around but did get some to flush, mostly hens but did find 3 roosters. I missed 1 due to rushing my shots. My falt and a bummer after a nice point from the dog. Next rooster I get w/ 1 shot. The third I didn't get a shot off due to not following my dog close enough. I should learn that she knows where they are better then me. Oh Well, it was a great hunt and the weather was awesome. I will be out again before the end of the year, its just so much fun with a good pointer!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went out for the last hunt of the season around Morris/Chokio today. We must have seen 200 birds over the course of the day. About 190 of them were 100 yards away, but it was really cool. They would get up one after another for 30 seconds straight. We ended up getting our limit, but worked pretty hard in the river bottoms and sloughs for them. Time to get the guns cleaned up and put away for the year. This was a pretty remarkable year when thinking about the pheasant hunt.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Been trying to get out to Kansas the last 2 weekends but keep getting hit by blizzards. The highway is closed again between here and there and probably will stay that way thru Sunday. At least the season runs till the end of January.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went out this a.m. for the last time. My one year old golden flushed 14 hens. No roosters. Would have been fun to shoot a couple more, but I has been an excellent season. This mild weather will definately help for a good crop of birds next year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • The Best Winter Fishing Destinations for Anglers Winter can be a great time for fishing, with fewer crowds and opportunities to catch a variety of cold-water fish species. However, choosing the right winter fishing destination can be challenging, as some areas are better suited for winter fishing than others. In this essay, we will explore some of the best winter fishing destinations for anglers, from frozen lakes to rivers and streams. Ice Fishing in Minnesota Minnesota is known for its world-class ice fishing, with thousands of frozen lakes and miles of rivers and streams to explore. Anglers can catch a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and panfish. Popular ice fishing destinations in Minnesota include Lake of the Woods, Mille Lacs Lake, and Upper Red Lake. Steelhead Fishing in the Great Lakes The Great Lakes region offers excellent winter steelhead fishing, with opportunities to catch these hard-fighting fish in the rivers and streams that feed into the lakes. Some of the best steelhead fishing destinations in the Great Lakes include the Niagara River in New York, the Pere Marquette River in Michigan, and the Salmon River in New York. Trout Fishing in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania is home to some of the best winter trout fishing in the country, with over 4,000 miles of stocked and wild trout streams to explore. The state's limestone streams offer excellent fishing opportunities for brown and rainbow trout, while the Lehigh River is known for its trophy-sized trout. Popular winter trout fishing destinations in Pennsylvania include Spring Creek, Penns Creek, and the Youghiogheny River. Salmon Fishing in Alaska Alaska is known for its incredible fishing opportunities, and winter is no exception. Winter salmon fishing in Alaska can be an unforgettable experience, with opportunities to catch king, coho, and chum salmon in the state's rivers and streams. Some of the best winter salmon fishing destinations in Alaska include the Kenai River, the Kasilof River, and the Situk River. Redfish Fishing in Louisiana Louisiana is a popular winter fishing destination for anglers looking to catch redfish. These hard-fighting fish can be found in the state's marshes, bayous, and estuaries, with the best fishing usually occurring in the winter months. Some of the top winter redfish fishing destinations in Louisiana include the Delacroix area, the Venice area, and the Lafitte area. Trout Fishing in Montana Montana is known for its world-class trout fishing, and winter is no exception. The state's rivers and streams offer excellent fishing opportunities for brown and rainbow trout, with some of the best winter fishing occurring on the Bighorn River and the Missouri River. Anglers can also try their luck on the state's frozen lakes, where they can catch trout and other cold-water fish species. Lastly, keeping yourself warm is a tricky task on cold fishing days. Bringing the rechargeable hand warmers would help you through some cold moments outdoors. Excellent brands like Ocoopa, products are so portable and easy to carry in a pocket or bag for fishing or hunting those long-time outdoor activities, which can provide heat for several hours. And some of their hand rechargeable hand warmers come with the additional ability to charge your phone or other devices, making them a perfect item for extended outdoor activities.
    • Grilled venny steak with taters fried in onions and butter with green beans!!
    • Chorizo pizza with refried beans.    
    • just like a fri-sat night up at the pub with guys struttin dere stuff!!!!!!!🤗🙄
    • A little early for these 2 to be chasing hens. There strutting for a big group of em' that are 50 yards away.      
    • I’m surprised you guys haven’t seen or heard any robins yet.  
    • no robin's here yet either
    • i havent seen a robin yet or any cranes. see swans, geese and ducks cause the sauk river is close. have a few birds at the feeders. still got 2 ft of snow in most my yard!!!!!!!!!🥴   and its still making ice!!!!!!
    • https://www.kare11.com/video/news/local/watch-minnesota-dnrs-nongame-wildlife-eaglecam-egg-has-hatched/89-a2755e4c-5a22-412e-80eb-4e5cc3d0dd6b
    • RV Camping in National Parks: What You Need to Know   RV camping in national parks can be a great way to experience the beauty of nature and explore some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Here are some things you need to know before RV camping in national parks:   Make Reservations: Most national parks require reservations for RV campsites, especially during peak season. Check the National Park Service website for availability and booking options.   Check RV Size Restrictions: National park campgrounds have size restrictions, so make sure your RV fits within the designated size limit. Check the park's website for information on size restrictions and available amenities.   Know the Rules: Every national park has different rules and regulations, so make sure to check the park's website or inquire at the visitor center about the rules and regulations before you arrive.   Pack for the Environment: Many national parks are fragile ecosystems, so it's important to pack in, pack out, and leave no trace. Make sure to bring eco-friendly products and dispose of your waste properly.   Be Bear Aware: Many national parks are home to bears and other wildlife, so it's important to be bear aware. Store your food in bear-resistant containers or bear lockers and never feed wildlife.   Respect Quiet Hours: Many national park campgrounds have designated quiet hours, so be sure to respect these hours and keep noise to a minimum during the night.   Plan for Limited Services: Some national park campgrounds have limited services, such as no electrical or water hookups. Be prepared to camp without these amenities and plan accordingly.   Know Your RV: Before heading to a national park, make sure to familiarize yourself with your RV's features and how to operate them. Practice setting up camp and operating your RV systems before you arrive.   Be prepared for the weather: Before you go RV camping, check the weather forecast for the area you'll be visiting. Bring appropriate clothing, gear, and supplies for the conditions you'll be facing.   Choose a suitable campsite: Look for a campsite that offers some protection from the elements, such as trees or a natural windbreak. Avoid campsites in low-lying areas where water can accumulate during heavy rain or snow.   Insulate your RV: Make sure your RV is well-insulated to keep the cold or heat out. You can add extra insulation to the walls, windows, and doors, and use draft stoppers to keep cold air from entering.   Use a portable hand warmer: If your RV doesn't have a built-in heating or cooling system, consider using a rechargeable hand warmer. Rechargeable hand warmers, such as the Ocoopa Union 2s, with four heat settings, they can be adjusted to suit changing temperatures. They also have a long battery life of over 8 hours on low, making them ideal for longer winter outdoor activities.    Keep your RV well-ventilated: Even in extreme weather conditions, it's important to keep your RV well-ventilated to prevent condensation and mold. Use a dehumidifier or open windows and vents to let in fresh air.   Use a weather radio: In case of severe weather, it's important to stay informed. A weather radio can provide you with up-to-date information about any weather warnings or alerts in your area.   Keep emergency supplies on hand: Be prepared for power outages or other emergencies by keeping emergency supplies on hand, such as extra food, water, batteries, and a first aid kit.   Know when to stay put: If you're facing extreme weather conditions, it's important to know when to stay put and wait it out. Don't try to drive in hazardous conditions, and avoid going outside if there's a risk of lightning or other dangerous weather.    
  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.