Pheasant and Quail

When I hunted with a group we discovered that when got near the end of a pheasant drive through a big field, a covey of quail would come up, and when one shot was fired at them the pheasant which were way farther towards the end of the field would flush out of range. We who were trying to pheasant hunt tried to discourage others from shooting at the quail. That wasn't easy for Georgia boys, but it was true. Some would try to change loads quickly but it doesn't take a long time for mr. pheasant to git gone!

To answer your question not knowing the gauge you are shooting I can answer for me. When After pheasant I shoot twenty gauge with 3" mag #6 shot. I will occasionaly use 2&3/4" #6 shot. I figure shoot enough for the giggest game. I shoot quick usually. I prefer the 3" shells. I think sixes are a reasonable compromise. Many prefer larger shot for pheas.
 
I shoot either a 28 or 20 and I like a 7.5 backed up with a six either 3/4 or 1 oz depending on which gun. I know what some will say "you'll cripple to many" but I find this to be un true. A wild rooster in range will fold up dead with 3/4 oz of 7.5s.
 
My favorite 20ga load for years was a 3" 1.25oz 7.5 shot(lead) at around 1200 fps. It may be a little more then one needs for quail, IMO it's a good compromise. This would be for wild birds. Pen raised birds that would hold much better and shots closer, a 2.75" 1oz load of 7.5's would be plenty in a 20ga. 11/8oz load in 12 or 16 would do the trick also. IMO no need for super fast loads. In 28, I would go with 3/4oz load of 7.5's. The 3/4oz load in most cases patterns better then the 1oz load.
 
Upland4Ever said:
What shot should I shoot, If I am expecting to shoot pheasant and quail, with what Vol?
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If you're hunting with a double barrel as I do, carry both loads and just swap out the pheasant load when you encounter quail. Otherwise no. 6 through an IC is a good compromise load
 
shot size

I would go with a heavy load of #6. The heavy load would give you more pellets for a denser pattern and the size is big enough for longer shots at pheasants. If you are willing to pass up pheasants at longer ranges any load with at least 1oz of 7 1/2 would do.
 
I've done combined hunts like this where I know I'm going to see quail and pheasants. I carry my 20GA O/U with barrel selector one loaded for Cock 2 3/4 #5 and set to go off first and the 2nd with 2 3/4 in #7.5s. First barrel for Mr. Cock and the 2nd for Bob White but enough for a cock if close enough and 1st shot misses.

Lately though we've been passing all bobwhite up in pheasant territory. Where I live it's pretty delineated to be one or the other based on where we are. In that small area where I can see pheasant and quail it is the quail that are rarer usually.
 
AtTheMurph said:
I've done combined hunts like this where I know I'm going to see quail and pheasants. I carry my 20GA O/U with barrel selector one loaded for Cock 2 3/4 #5 and set to go off first and the 2nd with 2 3/4 in #7.5s. First barrel for Mr. Cock and the 2nd for Bob White but enough for a cock if close enough and 1st shot misses.

Lately though we've been passing all bobwhite up in pheasant territory. Where I live it's pretty delineated to be one or the other based on where we are. In that small area where I can see pheasant and quail it is the quail that are rarer usually.
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Around here its a no doubt, if you are in good pheasant country there will be quail there too. Last year I walked the edge of some rice stubble and put up a few hens and one rooster. Got to the end of the field and walked back on the ditch bank covered in berries and the dogs probably put up 100+ quail. I love spots like that.:cheers:
 
quail hound said:
Around here its a no doubt, if you are in good pheasant country there will be quail there too. Last year I walked the edge of some rice stubble and put up a few hens and one rooster. Got to the end of the field and walked back on the ditch bank covered in berries and the dogs probably put up 100+ quail. I love spots like that.:cheers:
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12 ga over and under, a good shoot for quail and pheasant if im hunting them both?
 
That will do just fine. I keep my 7.5s in my right pocket and my 6s in my left. If we jump a covey and go to chase singles I just pop in 2 shells from my right pocket.
 
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