Rooster from a hen-how do you know?

arizona hunter

arizona hunter

New member
I've taken deer, elk, bear, squirrel, rabbit, dove, quail, p-dogs and crows but never had the opportunity to shoot pheasant-how do you not shoot a hen when it explodes from cover and only shoot at roosters?

Next month I have an opportunity to hunt near Wray, and I figured I better ask those more knowledgable than me in this area, because I only want to get roosters and not look like an idiot.
 
The best way is to look for the ring on the neck. After that I look for color and long tails “the long tails can get you in trouble some hens have long tails”. If you are really lucky they will cackle when they get up.
 
arizona hunter said:
I've taken deer, elk, bear, squirrel, rabbit, dove, quail, p-dogs and crows but never had the opportunity to shoot pheasant-how do you not shoot a hen when it explodes from cover and only shoot at roosters?

Next month I have an opportunity to hunt near Wray, and I figured I better ask those more knowledgable than me in this area, because I only want to get roosters and not look like an idiot.
Click to expand...

I got a buddy started a few years back who had the same concerns. His first flush was a biggun', in a cattail slew in NC KS. He knew right away when a rooster popped up in front of him that it wasn't like the first couple hens he'd seen. The colors are vibrant. Either way, after about 5 hens and 2 roosters flushed, he was ready for the third rooster and POUNDED it from about 20' w/ a #4. He then quickly learned that they're much better eating when ya let 'em get out a bit further:rolleyes::D
 
It does help early in the morning to make sure the sun is at your back. That is the only time I have an issue really... It is good to be cautious, but it does end up being pretty easy.
 
I have little problem telling roosters from hens… Now, if I could just get my dog to work on properly identifying them so she points only roosters, I'd be set! :D
 
If you are hunting with some other "seasoned" pheasant hunters, then what we all do is yell "Rooster, Rooster" or "hen, hen"....that way everyone knows.

I will tell you that early, early morning with the shadows or late evening are tough. I listen and look. Not always, but alot of the time a rooster will cackle (laugh at you is what I call it because usually that means I have missed and he is cackling or laughing all the way to the next county)

The tail feathers, ring on the neck, larger body.....things like that.

It just takes experience and time.

If you have time go out to a game bird farm with controlled shoots and work on shooting only roosters and watching them get up and fly.

Good luck,

Greg
 
My favorite days to hunt (butt-freezing/eye-watering cold and/or snowing sideways) are hardest of all, it's dang near impossible sometimes. I have learned a neat trick that works like a charm for positive rooster I.D. under severely inclement conditions - yellow/amber SKI GOGGLES are magic!!! :D

Shooting sunglasses with multi-lenses for quickly changing-out with different hours of the day or overcast or sun-glaring/blaring conditions helps pick 'em out on fair-weather days too! The fairly nice pair I have only cost about $30-40... :thumbsup:
 
And I took that picture of hen, hen on that cold December day. Jhoch is right, you can (and should) pass on a shot if you're not sure. As Greg said, early mornings and evenings can be tough--especially if they flush dead ahead and head straight away. I've passed on many of those unless a partner like Roger who has a more sideways view calls out "rooster". It sure does help when they cackle.
Tom
 
And after passing on a couple of hens in SD I realized they were sharptails. Then you really have to look hard!:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top