Pheasant Report

SDJIM

SDJIM

New member
If yesterday was any indication then this fall could be a return to OUTSTANDING hunting in my part of the state (south central). I did a morning scouting trip and a late evening watch of a good CRP project. I was truly surprised by the number of pheasants I saw. The morning drive around showed that there was a very good number of birds and they were spread over the entire area I looked at. The evening watch was a little hard to believe as nearly 60 pheasants flew or walked into a 35 acre patch of CRP and they came from everywhere--the best part was the number of hens I saw all day, the ratio was about 5 or 6 hens for every rooster.

Now all that is needed is for the weather to normal and we could have one of those years. :10sign::10sign::10sign::thumbsup:
 
SDJIM,
I wish I could have been there as I am sure it was an inspiring sight and an uplifting sight ass well. Thanks for the great report, settle down old heart, still 3 months away.
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I spoke to my farmer friend in SD and he had much of the same to report. He said as they were planting wheat and oats this spring they saw a bunch of birds. Many more than last year and similar to year before last when the hunting was outstanding. He also says they are seeing a lot of birds on the roads. They have been getting decent moisture and the temps have been better than last year. Keeping my fingers crossed for this fall.
 
I agree, I am in the middle of calving now so I am in a pasture setting morning and evening. I see alot of pheasants and ducks out there. I am suprised that I see as many as I do because there is CRP close in three different locations that they could be using. Any way if we can just have a good hatch.
 
Jim, that is AWESOME news! I had such a good time out there last year that I've decided I'm coming back this fall. This time my wife and older dog are coming along too, and I'm happy about that. Had to do a little bartering to have her come along, but it will give our older dog her first chance at a wild bird and my wife will get to see some of the things I told her about. The pheasants are a bonus, but it's great to hear of good early reports like yours. :thumbsup:
 
I was in Aberdeen over the holiday week-end, and went for a drive on Saturday morning (checking some areas my brother and I have hunted). I counted 39 roosters. I probably saw half that number of hens which I took to be a good sign - all of the the other hens had to be on nests, right? It was great to see that many pheasants, and it definitely got me excited about this fall!
 
This is all great news i am taking my first trip to S.D. this november i can't wait. We wil be north of Huron near Carpenter.
 
its still very early...any hens washed off the nest should have time to re nest again, we saw that last year too.
 
Out spot spraying THISTLE and put up 3 groups of young pheasants--it was strange as they were of 3 different age groups--from ones that could hardly fly to ones about half of full size. good to see and all on a single 30 acre habitat project. I'm liking it a lot.:10sign::cheers:
 
SDJIM said:
Out spot spraying THISTLE and put up 3 groups of young pheasants--it was strange as they were of 3 different age groups--from ones that could hardly fly to ones about half of full size. good to see and all on a single 30 acre habitat project. I'm liking it a lot.:10sign::cheers:
Click to expand...

keep up the good work Jim!
 
SDJIM said:
Out spot spraying THISTLE and put up 3 groups of young pheasants--it was strange as they were of 3 different age groups--from ones that could hardly fly to ones about half of full size. good to see and all on a single 30 acre habitat project. I'm liking it a lot.:10sign::cheers:
Click to expand...

Jim, funny you should mention. how'd you like to spot spray 200 acres of CRP on an ATV? No complaints. This year I did not have to clip it twice like last year. Came in beautiful.

Last brood I saw looked like they had just hatched. Flushed the hen and could just see some blades of grass moving and got down there and spread grass apart and little buggers could barely get out of their own way.

the nesting CRP mixes really produce birds. Of all kinds actually.

I too am surprised at the variety of bird sizes seen throughout the month of June. I think we are in for a really good hatch this year.
 
david0311

UGUIDE said:
Jim, funny you should mention. how'd you like to spot spray 200 acres of CRP on an ATV? No complaints. This year I did not have to clip it twice like last year. Came in beautiful.

Last brood I saw looked like they had just hatched. Flushed the hen and could just see some blades of grass moving and got down there and spread grass apart and little buggers could barely get out of their own way.

the nesting CRP mixes really produce birds. Of all kinds actually.

I too am surprised at the variety of bird sizes seen throughout the month of June. I think we are in for a really good hatch this year.
Click to expand...

Chris and Jim--and all who keep us updated

Thanks for the reports--greatly appreciated--

Chris--PM sent
 
The other comment I will make that I really noticed over last year or the year before is how many people (farmers, locals) are seeing birds. More birds than last year or two. This is consistent feedback over most parts of the states that are historically good pheasant areas. Let's hope that translates to a productive nesting season and productive fall hunting season.
 
My 5 days out exploring pheasant country certainly showed better numbers and hatch then last year. :thumbsup:
 
I'm pretty excited to hear of the potential for this season. I go to Miner County every year and have had some good success. I look forward to reading more!

Hey Uguide I like the new header of your webpage! It looks good.
 
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