Heading to Smith Center

G

guyndog

Banned
heading to Smith Center in Dec. and staying at Walnut Creek Lodge. Would appreciate any info on the Pheasant hunting in the area thanks..
 
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Hit and miss is the best I can give you. I don't think it's been that great the past few years. I've hunted a county over every year and it seems the pheasant #'s just haven't been that good. I have no idea what the nesting conditions have been like in that area this spring though....surely it's in better shape than SW KS right now:rolleyes:
 
You'll likely be hunting pen-raised birds on controlled shooting areas as is typical of Kansas hunting lodges. As KansasBrittany pointed out, the wild population in that part of Kansas is down. By December some birds released by the lodge may survive and be essentially wild, giving you more challenging hunting. In addition, you will have no bag/possession limits except as imposed by the lodge, you can shoot hens, and you may have other released species to hunt too such as quail and chukar. A great thing about such a hunt is that it is ideal for fine tuning your dog if you have one. Have a great time and let us know how it went.
 
Smith Center

thanks for reply but this isnt an official "hunting lodge" and all birds are wild...they plant none...we are just hunting their property and staying in a house on it. they rent mostly for deer hunters but looks like a nice camp at reasonable price and near walk-ins. its first time to Kansas so its a chance. I welcome suggestions for better area..thanks for thread
 
The last 3 or 4 years the numbers have been down. Previously it was as good a mixed bag, quail and pheasants, as was available anywhere. With the drought, south and west, heavy snow cover across the northest, may be as good as any. I have hunted that area, Harlan, Phelps, Franklin, Nuckols county Neb. and Phillips, Smith, Jewell counties in Kansas for 33 years. Usually lots of cover, and birds can be hard to move. Even if the hunting is slow, you'll have a good time.
 
Just talked to friends who have hunted that area and they say the further west you go from there the better it gets,with norton and oberlin areas being pretty good.Just being there is what counts ,and with good dogs you're going to find birds.Enjoy!
 
Smith center

Planning on the trip then, as long as
My hunting partner doesn't back out because
Of the weather. He's already watching the
Weather forecast 6 months out!
 
I would bet it will be colder than it is today.:eek: Also with a better chance of snow.
 
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