Not meaning to fill this forum with new posts, but any information would be greatly appreciated. I haven't done much pheasant hunting in Colorado and I'm looking to get out and get to know some areas. That being said, distance not being an issue, where would you go? Not asking for secret spots, just a general starting point, a town or a group of WIAs. Thanks in advance.
General Direction
- Thread starter FredB
- Start date
Scoelki
Member
Welcome! I would say to start in the Yuma area. Don't be afraid to burn up some boot leather and gas 
. I find time of day to be everything for locating birds and what habitat they use. Doesn't hurt to stop in and chat with some farmers in the area. You never know....Good Luck!
Cheers,
Scott
. I find time of day to be everything for locating birds and what habitat they use. Doesn't hurt to stop in and chat with some farmers in the area. You never know....Good Luck!Cheers,
Scott
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If you are going to hunt public ground, after Thanksgiving during mid week is your best bet. Especially if you are flexible enough to get out right after a weather front. WIA in Yuma and south of Holyoke can be good if you are the first ones thru them. I can't remember the last time I shot a rooster before 9 am on public land so some times it can be better if you are not there at first light, just my opinion. The best thing to do is hunt cover that birds will be using depending on time of day and weather. i.e. I don't hunt corn for first light and I don't hunt a grass field during feeding times. If is windy depressions in landscape help and heavy cover ( I personally like windy best cause birds hold for my dog better and don't hear us sneaking up on them if we are down wind.) Good Luck.
Holyoke Birds
I have been hunting out in Philips and Yuma counties for the last 3 seasons. Plenty of birds up there! I just recently returned from Holyoke last Monday and saw plenty of birds. We limited out, and should have been down in 1hr. as I had 2 birds and missed another one the first 60 minutes. Flushed most birds out of switch grass areas that bordered wheat and corn. In fact, all birds but one flushed on the peripheral edges, only one in the cover was flushed. Saw four roosters that morning and 20 hens but that was enough for my dog and I.
This is the first year I haven't seen coveys of birds up there. It might be that it is early in the season OR the fact that bird numbers are down. Still plenty of them out there though!
Only saw 2 other hunters that morning. Farmers were still getting the crops out so it might behoove you to wait another week or so and then hit it when there is snow on the ground. In my opinion, that is when you need to get the dog and yourself out there. The scent is great, plus; you can follow those rascally ringnecks.
I have been hunting out in Philips and Yuma counties for the last 3 seasons. Plenty of birds up there! I just recently returned from Holyoke last Monday and saw plenty of birds. We limited out, and should have been down in 1hr. as I had 2 birds and missed another one the first 60 minutes. Flushed most birds out of switch grass areas that bordered wheat and corn. In fact, all birds but one flushed on the peripheral edges, only one in the cover was flushed. Saw four roosters that morning and 20 hens but that was enough for my dog and I.
This is the first year I haven't seen coveys of birds up there. It might be that it is early in the season OR the fact that bird numbers are down. Still plenty of them out there though!
Only saw 2 other hunters that morning. Farmers were still getting the crops out so it might behoove you to wait another week or so and then hit it when there is snow on the ground. In my opinion, that is when you need to get the dog and yourself out there. The scent is great, plus; you can follow those rascally ringnecks.
I figured I'd give a mid day update. My God, I've never seen anything like it! They're everywhere! Walk into a field at daybreak and I couldn't reload fast enough. Most were hens however, the cocks appear to know how to avoid me. Maybe this evening will bag me my first bird. Thanks all of you for the sagely advice!
BUSTA WOOSTER
New member
Musta crossed that state line and hit Kansas.........Hope you have the right license!
Glad to hear, hope you find success tonight
Glad to hear, hope you find success tonight