Saturday Morning Tactics

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CelticSpringers

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I am originally from Maine, and we also have a active pheasant stocking program. While it is not as developed the PA program nor are nearly as many birds stocked, many hunters are drawn to the stocking areas. In order to maximize our potential for a good hunt we would usually arrive no later than 30 mins prior to shooting time, walk to our spot, and await shooting time before anybody else usually begins their trek to start the field. I am planning on hunting SGL 249 or 124. In your experiences, are many guys out to the fields before shooting time? Will I be fighting for space even by utilizing this early arrival tactic. Obviously, I'm not the first guy to think about this tactic, but wasn't sure how many people actually utilize it. Thanks for the help. Spent last weekend in Maine hunting pheasant, grouse, and woodcock and we had a blast and killed some birds. Safe hunting this weekend.
 
CelticSpringers said:
I am originally from Maine, and we also have a active pheasant stocking program. While it is not as developed the PA program nor are nearly as many birds stocked, many hunters are drawn to the stocking areas. In order to maximize our potential for a good hunt we would usually arrive no later than 30 mins prior to shooting time, walk to our spot, and await shooting time before anybody else usually begins their trek to start the field. I am planning on hunting SGL 249 or 124. In your experiences, are many guys out to the fields before shooting time? Will I be fighting for space even by utilizing this early arrival tactic. Obviously, I'm not the first guy to think about this tactic, but wasn't sure how many people actually utilize it. Thanks for the help. Spent last weekend in Maine hunting pheasant, grouse, and woodcock and we had a blast and killed some birds. Safe hunting this weekend.
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Hello, Great question, I will be following this. This will be my first opening day hunting as well. I see your not hunting very far from me at all I'll be just a bird shot away near the river east of you hunting. And I'm sure once these guys get their heads out of the map books to come up for air you'll get some great answers, I'm sorry I couldn't give you any.
 
Yep I get there early for two reasons it's a good time to get a spot. Then we let everyone start first because shooting hours for pheasant is not safe light to me. But also gives us time to slow down have some coffee and shoot the bull before a he!! Breaks loose,.:eek:
 
That's a good question that could have very serious consequences! There are SGL's that I would never head out in front of the crowd, the way they are setup would just be to dangerous. On the other hand if you were to leave early to reach an individual field that you knew was only going to be approached by the way you came in then it could make sense. Of course you would do this with unloaded guns and dogs on a lead. I would NOT RECOMEND this if a person was not familiar with the area and where the pressure comes from on opening day. The first year it would be better to do like 25ott6 suggests, let the crowds go, sit back and enjoy the moment . Try to take in where the pressure comes from, always thinking about your next move. Good luck and hunt safe, there are loads of birds out and I'm SURE you're going to have plenty of action this year. Hope this helps!
 
Some do..some don't. I would suggest you wait and follow 25ott6's advice. You really need to know the area your hunting to do otherwise because there will be large numbers of hunters moving in all directions. Good Luck!
 
I hunt sgl 249 but I avoid it opening day, at least in the morning. The hunters start going home close to lunch time and there are still plenty of birds around. By this time they are spread out pretty good and you will have more room for you and your dog. The one time I did hunt on opening day up there I waited until about 11:00 AM. I was the only hunter in the area I stopped at and I had two birds in less than 30 minutes. My advice would be not to rush it since you'll be coming from a good distance. Good luck.
 
BauerLine, When I scouted SGL 249 I parked at the access point on Game land Rd off of old Harrisburg rd. Is this mainly where other hunters park? If the whole crowd parks there, then I will try to utilize another access point for hunting next Saturday. Unfortunately, I won't have the time to start at 11 am as I have to get back to Virginia/Annapolis for the Navy vs Notre Dame game. Wouldn't want to put myself or the dog in danger, but have been upland hunting a long time, love it,and only get a few days to get after it this month. Any other thoughts or advise, always appreciated.
 
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I hope the picture attachment works. Pretty good morning. We were hunting by 7:30, done by 9:00. Flushed 4 birds, dropped the first, couldn't get a shot at the second, missed the third, and dropped the 4th. The wind was blowing hard and we hunted for the majority, down wind but also spent some time in a cross wind. Was pleased with how she handled the wind changes. Already excited for next weekend! how did everyone else make out?
 
Glad you had some action and love the picture! Thanks for sharing.

You gotta love them Springers on pheasants!

I think everyone has done really well EVERY time out!
 
CelticSpringers said:
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I hope the picture attachment works. Pretty good morning. We were hunting by 7:30, done by 9:00. Flushed 4 birds, dropped the first, couldn't get a shot at the second, missed the third, and dropped the 4th. The wind was blowing hard and we hunted for the majority, down wind but also spent some time in a cross wind. Was pleased with how she handled the wind changes. Already excited for next weekend! how did everyone else make out?
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Cool picture! We have been on birds every time out and will be headed up to camp at the end of this week!
 
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