Are there really pheasant in Colorado?

[KravJeff]

OK - I ask in jest - Kind of ...

As I said in a previous thread; I'm just getting re-acquainted with the sport. I haven't hunted since I was a teenager (about 25 years ago) until this year, but I made three trips this season (two this week and all in the last month) and have literally only seen maybe 10 birds, including zero today. Those close enough to take a shot at were hens ...

I've been to the Holyoke area twice and was out near Brush (southern Morgan and northern Washington counties today) and have been in Walk In Access areas on all trips ... Where are they hiding? I put the little knowledge I have to good use - Worked the terrain as best I could with a small group and a (untrained) dog, stayed upwind, picked up on a lot of track one trip, tried being quiet, tried being loud ... What the heck!?!?!?

Someone help me out - Is it too late in the season? Hit or miss in the areas I was in? Is it the WIA areas? Is it me? I can't imagine not getting at least a couple of good flushes walking as many miles as we did ...

Look forward to any and all input!!!

 

[chadsbritt]

Yeah, there are a few birds out east. You're just hunting during the most difficult of conditions. The weather is beautiful and birds have no reason to stay in heavy cover. They are spread out and enjoying the mild weather.

In addition, you're hunting birds that have been hunted for 2 1/2 months now. They're very educated and don't hang around to find out if you'll be flinging lead at them. Even a car stopping, or a door closing can send the birds to the other side of the field.

Don't be discouraged, it's just tough hunting this time of year. I was out earlier this week and three of us managed to bring home six birds, but we were lucky. My buddies hunted the same ground yesterday and they didn't bring down a single bird. For some reason, we were in the right spot at the right time, and the birds held just long enough for us to get off a few shots.

Next year get a start earlier in the season. You'll notice a big difference in the number of birds you see and you should have a few flush in range. Other than that, all I can say is keep after it, figure out what works best for you, and pray for a little luck.

 

[henhenROOSTER!!!]

How far out front does that "untrained" dog run??? How much do you have to "talk" to him to keep him somewhere in front & relatively nearby? If the answer to either question is not desirable, try leaving him at home next time until you can do some off-season training be4 next yr (late-season, W-I-L-D roosters is no time to be wingin-it)...

Other than that, when there is no fresh, QUIET snow - in late season a stiff 15-25 mph headwind for noise cover is a man's next best friend! :thumbsup: Crunchy-snow or pin-drop silence, might as well stay home this time of yr!

 

[keskam]

Well since i have been hunting Phez for almost 40 years you learn a few things along the way. And especially when it is late in the season.

First if it is silent and calm or even windy at this time of year, the birds know you are there.

You kinda have to trick them or confuse them.
I let Jake run big 100 to 150 yards, he points so if he gets on one i still have a chance, i keep 1 to 2 dogs back with me tight, jake will circle and hunt very wide, i try to work crosswind, this way Jake out front doesnt smell all the birdsmore times then not Jake will get on a bird and work back towards the other dogs, and go on point.

sometimes you get birds flushing way out there (but that is hunting) but more than a few times you catch birds in between the dog out front and the dogs by you , then you get shots, no different then using a blocker (just one with a nose....

Also when there are a few of us we dont hunt in a line we go were ever our dogs take us (creating confusion in the birds) they dont know which way to run so they sit tight.

Only been skunked once out there,, and i didnt have Jake. just had one dog,

 

[Wildflush]

OK - I ask in jest - Kind of ...

As I said in a previous thread; I'm just getting re-acquainted with the sport. I haven't hunted since I was a teenager (about 25 years ago) until this year, but I made three trips this season (two this week and all in the last month) and have literally only seen maybe 10 birds, including zero today. Those close enough to take a shot at were hens ...!!!

No !!! there are no birds in Colorado, Upland hunting sucks, I think you should stick with bowling or ice skating while you still have a bank account.