How to Go Pheasant Hunting

Pheasant hunting, like most other bird hunting, is a challenging experience. Pheasant hunting requires a steady aim, with good eye and hand coordination. Pheasant hunting is very physical and usually requires a lot of walking, in order to find pheasants. A good pheasant hunting dog is required, to have the best results.

Pheasant hunting requires extreme care and caution with firearms. In addition to safety, you can only go pheasant shooting during pheasant hunting season and you must follow the hunting regulations for your state. Proper licensing must be acquired, prior to pheasant hunting.

The following is some information and advice about going on a pheasant hunt and how to prepare for it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hunting dogs
• Shotgun
• Good aim and eye coordination
• Proper clothing and footwear
• Pheasant hunting license/permit
• Proper firearm license/permit

1. 
   Check hunting regulations for pheasant hunting.

   Get the get proper licensing or permit for pheasant hunting. Check online for the hunting regulations in your area. Be sure to also find out what type of licensing or card you‘ll need to carry a firearm, if you don‘t already have it. For pheasant hunting, a 12 gauge shotgun is recommended. Shotguns are good for most types of bird hunting and it will be easier to shoot pheasants with one.

2. 
   Find out when hunting season for pheasants takes place.

   Find out when pheasant hunting season takes place in your area. Pheasant hunting season is usually around October, but be sure to find out for sure. Fines for pheasant shooting out of season can be pretty expensive. Find out the bag limit for pheasants too. If you’re caught with more than you’re allowed, you can get some hefty fines.

3. 
   Use good hunting dogs.

   Use quality hunting dogs for pheasant hunting. Labs are really good hunting dogs. If you already have hunting dogs, make sure they’re trained and disciplined before going pheasant hunting. Good hunting dogs always retrieve pheasants and never run too far ahead.

4. 
   Plan out your pheasant hunting trip.

   Plan out your pheasant hunting trip. Pheasant shooting can be done on private farm land, or at farms where pheasants are raised and then released into the wild for hunting purposes. If you want to go pheasant hunting on private land, you'll need to get permission from the land owner. Find farmland areas that are known to have farmers who allow bird hunting on their land. Most land owners will allow you to hunt on their land, as long as you introduce yourself and get permission first.

5. Make hotel reservations in advance, before going pheasant hunting.

6. 
   Wear the right gear for pheasant hunting.

   Wear the proper attire for a pheasant hunting trip. Wear quality hunting boots and warm clothes, since you‘ll be outside all day and walking through mud. Bring gloves and wool socks. Wear a blaze orange hat, so you're easily seen by other pheasant hunters.

7. 
   Hunt for pheasants near brush.

   Hunt along creeks, rivers and ditches when you‘re pheasant hunting. Some other ideal areas are along tree edges and cornfields. Pheasants like to hide in the brush and tall grass. Hunting dogs should run through the brush ahead of the hunter, but not too far ahead.

8. 
   Pheasants fly very fast.

   Be ready to aim and fire at all times. Pheasant shooting is not easy and you only have a few seconds to make a good shot, before the pheasant is out of shooting range. You must also be able to quickly tell the difference between a male and female pheasant before shooting it. In most states, you’re not allowed to shoot a female pheasant. Females are tan and brown in color. Males pheasants are colored brown and red, with a white ring around the neck.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep hunting dogs nearby
• Get information from farmers about hot spots for pheasant hunting
• Follow all hunting regulations
• Do not go pheasant hunting on private land without permission
• Practice firearm safety at all times
• Wear a blaze orange hat or shirt when pheasant hunting

[ringgold]

on 8/27/2009 Pheasants are so pretty, and tasty too !!! I don't think I could shoot one !!! Great article for hunting pheasants !! 5*

[sonni57]

on 8/9/2009 Good article on pheasant hunting I've never done it.