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Pheasant Hunting 101

Equipment needed for successful pheasant hunting is minimal compared to other shooting sports. Warm clothing, good walking boots and a shotgun are about all you really need. There is a lot of personal preference involved with selecting a pheasant gun. Many hunters use 12-gauge, full-choke shotguns and number #4 or #5 shot. Such hardware may be essential for long shots late in the season, but other hunters prefer an open-bore, 20-gauge with #6 to #7-1/2 loads for early-season roosters.

A wide variety of techniques can be used when hunting pheasants. This is probably one of the reason pheasant hunting appeals to so many people. A lone hunter can usually hunt field edges, fencerows and small weed patches. Many enjoy the solitude and easy pace of this type of hunting. Larger blocks of cover such as standing cornfields, cattail marshes, shelterbelts and large waterways may be difficult for one hunter to cover. Several hunters working together not only find more birds, but sharing the outdoor experience with good friends can be a very important part of the hunt. Larger hunting parties have found that they can bag more birds if they post "blockers" at the far end of the field, particularly if the birds seem prone to running or flushing wild. For many hunters, it just isn't a pheasant hunt unless you have a good bird dog along. A well-trained dog is a tremendous help in locating and retrieving crafty ring-necks. Selecting a good bird dog is again a matter of personal preference. English setters, Brittany spaniels, German shorthair/wirehair pointers and Labrador retrievers seem to be some of the most popular breeds among Iowa pheasant hunters.

If you are unable to locate a hunting spot on private lands, try public hunting opportunities. Public hunting areas often provide very good hunting late in the season after cold weather has concentrated the birds in heavy cover.

Once the bird has been bagged, it is essential to take good care of the meat, particularly if the weather is warm. Perhaps the best way is to dress and cool the meat immediately after the hunt. Almost any recipe calling for chicken will also work on pheasants.