New thoughts on bird numbers

S

sas

Member
Just wondering if any of you who took a youth hunting had any new thoughts on the bird count. Sometimes getting out in the field is the only way to get
a real feel for the numbers.

Even if you didn't get out if you have an opinion it would be interesting to post it.

Good luck in the season ahead.
 
Took my son out Saturday and Sunday. Went to an area where many think they'll be successful this year. We hunted WIHA exclusively as it's the best (and only) weekend to do so. At 14, my son is 6' and 165 lbs, and has no problem with the grass or walking, loves to bird hunt, so we really hit it hard. Here's what I found:

1) Bird numbers are down in what many think are going to be some of the best areas. Hunted some PRIME habitat with the dogs working as hard and as well as I've ever had them work, and simply didn't see the nearly the number of birds that we should see in even an average year.
2) The wind still blows in Kansas
3) Even when in the presence of youth, hunters/adults can still act stupid when it comes to courtesy/safety (insert imagination here)
4) Kansas is still one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
5) Nothing compares to dogs, birds, and guns, when mixed with family and friends.

Here's the scoop for those of you who are really wondering about the bird numbers. There's no reason to say how many birds were seen. Everybody has a different view of what a lot or a few birds is. I'll put it this way, if this were mid to late January (with regard to bird numbers), I'd say it was an average year at best. By the way, our hunting radius was roughly 45 miles.

Did we shoot birds? Yes, took three pheasants (saw two coveys of quail each had under 10 birds). Two were old birds one was from this year's hatch.

I hope everybody stays safe this coming weekend as I saw some really stupid/silly acts on Saturday.

Point!
 
Well, we didn't go to W KS, but we did hunt an area that usually produces a few hen flushes and we've come to expect to see at least a rooster or 2 running across the road. We didn't see a single pheasant this w/e. Of course my kid is just over 3ft tall and all of 50lbs after lunch, so we didn't walk the wooliest cover in KS (shouldn't need to when it is 60 degrees at 10am). We only saw 1 covey each day between 10-15 birds in each.

Those who have high hopes for KS this season will be disappointed. Those that hunt here for all the other reasons won't see what all the "low #'s"fuss was about:) The 24yo KB would be pissy considering the prospects of this season, but the much older, better looking, and wiser KB is gonna have a good time this season:D
 
Those who have high hopes for KS this season will be disappointed. Those that hunt here for all the other reasons won't see what all the "low #'s"fuss was about The 24yo KB would be pissy considering the prospects of this season, but the much older, better looking, and wiser KB is gonna have a good time this season
Click to expand...

VERY well said, KB.
 
kansasbrittany said:
Well, we didn't go to W KS, but we did hunt an area that usually produces a few hen flushes and we've come to expect to see at least a rooster or 2 running across the road. We didn't see a single pheasant this w/e. Of course my kid is just over 3ft tall and all of 50lbs after lunch, so we didn't walk the wooliest cover in KS (shouldn't need to when it is 60 degrees at 10am). We only saw 1 covey each day between 10-15 birds in each.

Those who have high hopes for KS this season will be disappointed. Those that hunt here for all the other reasons won't see what all the "low #'s"fuss was about:) The 24yo KB would be pissy considering the prospects of this season, but the much older, better looking, and wiser KB is gonna have a good time this season:D
Click to expand...

Oh how true! 10 years ago I would be pretty darn pissy myself about the upcoming year and the low bird numbers. It's funny how we mature as bird hunters and the different phases that a hunter goes through in life. Spoke to some kids today in gym class that went hunting last weekend. Numbers are down, but there's still a few around for those willing to work. Going to be an interesting year!
 
Went up near Webster and then near Wilson lake and saw a total of a dozen birds in a day and half of hunting. Only one shot and a miss but at least my daughter was hunting. Pretty dry and cover is thin.

zeepo
 
La Crosse #'s

Well I got word from by 3 buddies who hunted with the boys over a good britt this weekend out around La Crosse on both walkin and private land. They got 2 coveys up and shot ONE rooster. My farmer friend who farms a lot of land in Rush told me to bring the bow. Said I could shoot more deer than roosters:(
Still taking a my youngest for the 1st time. Hope he gets at least one shot at a rooster!

Good Luck All....I guess it will be hunting this year!
2 Boys
2 Britts
1 Lab
Lot's O Fun!!!!!!!!
 
wife saw a rooster in the yard yesterday- excited she pointed it out-
"can you and the dogs scare it so the crazy hunters won't see it and kill it"
 
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