Just getting going with pheasant hunting. Dog is doing ok, but these state-stocked birds seem to simply run to the thickets, etc. Only one of the 5 birds we've run across actually flushed up to fly. Any tips on strategy or tactics, especially when we see birds in the open, but very close to cover that they can run into?
Runners
- Thread starter Otony
- Start date
Nick
Active member
Let me know if I'm wrong, but I think you are saying that you are new to pheasant hunting. The behavior you describe is very common. They will run whenever they can, and they will certainly almost always run into cover versus flushing in the open.
So what you need is someone to dizzy them and put them in the grass where you can flush them
Sorry… couldn’t help myself…. That is
what happens in those videos
Change your direction of approach. Come through the thickets from the backside and push them to the open cover.
Alaskan swamp collies
Active member
That is what they do. Be thankful that your state raises decent birds. They run and they avoid predators by running and hiding. Wild birds will run the legs off of you.
Wind River
Well-known member
Limit their escape options, think like Patton and pinch them.
Winchester30
Active member
What kind of dog pointer or flusher?
birddude
Well-known member
Good flying birds has a lot to do with who raises them. All pheasants run, but poorly flight conditioned birds will run more. Also, flight conditioned or not, they won't like to fly when it's wet out. My local put and take state operation does a good job. I don't know where they buy the birds, but most fly pretty well. After a few days of being hunted if they are not killed, they get pretty close to the real thing. If your pointer/beagle doesn't hold point try to keep him close and watch him closely. If he has any instinct at all he will let you know when he smells a bird. When you see it get close and enjoy the show. He will put it in the air or catch it. whichever happens praise him he's learning...
Quailnerd
Active member
With a beagle nose he might have pointed from the truck!
Drew
Member
II have never known a pheasant not to run as far and fast as possible. I do have a couple of tips
1. Always have a blocker, at the end of the cover.
2. Always hunt towards a good break in cover, not toward infinite cover or toward property that you can't pinch them at a break
3. Never, never give up until the very last of the cover has been well gone through, and even then keep an eye on your dog
1. Always have a blocker, at the end of the cover.
2. Always hunt towards a good break in cover, not toward infinite cover or toward property that you can't pinch them at a break
3. Never, never give up until the very last of the cover has been well gone through, and even then keep an eye on your dog
Birdman2
Well-known member
Great Advice...
Drew
Member
Oh, I forgot the #1 most important tip that I see hunters mess up time and time again, is to run stealthy. Quietly close you truck doors, don't chit chat when you leave the truck, minimize your encouragement or communication with you dog and let your dog inform you as to what the birds are doing and follow their lead......Always!
Birdman2
Well-known member
100% agree.