Second day hunting tomorrow

M

Mikekob

New member
Hey guys I guess I'll make an intro as well as a post. I kind of stumbled into hunting this year after going with a guy from work. He's a gunsmith in Littleton so I basically showed up and went for small game a while ago down south. Well needless to say I was hooked. I bought a Browning twelve Magnum and have been out a few more times. Last week I had my first hike for pheasant and it was just that a hike. We did manage to cross a bunch of WIA's off the map and will be getting out for a quick trip tomorrow before I work at 3pm.

We're planning on heading out around Last Chance since it snowed to try our luck. We have no dogs so well be 'hiking'. Any tips would be appreciated but at this point I'm just workin on my foot work and getting out there as much as possible.

Mike
 
If it were me I would get closer to where irrigation is. Corn circles with habitat around the edges. That will increase ur odds by quite a little. Could be birds around last chance but pretty dry area typically.
 
last chance

Mike , give your self a chance and drive another hr. for some good bird hunting.

btw, it always helps if you put where you are from , so we mit help on your hunts.
 
The worst day hunting is better than the best day at work!

There we go. I feel like such a newb.

We went out north of last chance and found a nice dried up creek bed. We pulled up and it looked about perfect. Walked for about a mile and got nothing. Didn't see a thing either but I thought I saw some tracks in the snow. Good thing it's better than work cause we basically just went on a hike.

Seems like our problem was region of the state today. Shoulda made the drive since as a beginner I would want all the advantages on my side. I work with a guy that does a mail route around Brush that we're gonna try. Maybe getting in some private land would help too? It's very strange being so bad at something, that every time is such a learning experience.

Thanks,
Mike
 
heck i wouldnt sweat it ive been bird huntin over 20 years learned lots on here been huntin quail 5,6 times this year and hav blanked each time in mo that is lol
 
Oh I don't feel so bad now... I'm gonna try again next friday up around the sterling areas and see what I can come up with.
 
Next purchase should be a bird dog. My skills and no doubt success would be similar to yours even after 40 years of hunting. Dog is the big equalizer. Now all I do is train the dogs, after that I follow the dogs, giving general course corections, the dogs take me to the birds. I might add that it's also at least 50% of the fun. Welcome aboard, always glad to have a new convert. if you get over to the Kansas City area, I'd be glad to take you out on some private ground with my reprobate dogs. Bird numbers are low, but we'll get some action, Meanwhile one of the Colorado birdog guys might take you along. It's refreshing to see a post where a new convert is actively applying time and effort at learning the game. Carry on, good luck.
 
Mikekob said:
Oh I don't feel so bad now... I'm gonna try again next friday up around the sterling areas and see what I can come up with.
Click to expand...

Brother i love your attitude! Don't give up. I have hunted pheasants for 35 years and have had plenty of " hikes" in my time. As o&n stated, try to get out with someone with a decent dog. Watching good dog work makes it worthwhile for me. Putting in your own time on this will make that first bird all the more special.
 
If a Boxer counts as a bird dog I have two. But last I checked they were no where close. My wife would kick my ass if I brought another dog home.

Next closest thing would be a guide. I'm gonna try to get out with one the beginning of Jan and try to get out by Sterling in a couple weeks.
 
I have heard that but am still a little nervous about bringing him out. I feel like Id have to get him a coat and booties first. He's not a fan of the cold at all.

We'll see what happens the 23rd. I might bring him out but I would hate for it to turn out to be a really short day for him, and maybe me then. I'd have to do some research first about how to do this. I'll keep you guys posted!!
 
Welcome...as a guy who has been training, hunting, raising and some breeding of labrador retrievers since 1992, I have a little bit of experience on hunting iwth a dog. I would advise against taking out your boxer.

I am not trying to be a butthead or anything, so please don't take what i am saying out of context.;):)

From Wikipedia "The Boxer is part of the Molosser dog group, developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the now extinct Bullenbeisser, a dog of Mastiff descent, and Bulldogs brought in from Great Britain. The Bullenbeisser had been working as a hunting dog for centuries, employed in the pursuit of bear, wild boar, and deer. Its task was to seize the prey and hold it until the hunters arrived. In later years, faster dogs were favored and a smaller Bullenbeisser was bred in Brabant, in northern Belgium.

I do not think they were bird dogs. However, I know some guys on here have said they have hunted with other non hunting/sporting breeds of dogs and done fine.

I guess I am just trying to let you know that unless you think your dog #1 knows what a pheasant is, #2 will bring the bird back if shot #3 will not eat the bird #4 is obedient and will not run away #5 will not go running all over and flush birds out of gun range

As you can see there are alot of factors that come into play while hunting in an "uncontrolled" environment. What I mean is that hunting "wild" pheasants is not the best way to introduce him right away. I would take him to a bird farm first.

Anyhow, I realize that it is your dog and you can do whatever you want, I just know how frustrating it can be if you are to busy to actually "hunt" because of the distractions of a dog in the field. It can create alot of stress....

Honestly, get out with some guys with good bird dogs, and see what it is all about. You can still find some birds without a dog, however it won't be easy.

Good luck, welcome, take care, and god bless,

Greg
 
The exact reasons I haven't taken him out. He's a good house dog. Amazing with the kids but bird hunting is completely different.

I'm gonna try to get out either this friday or some of the following either with a more experienced hunter and dogs or get a guide the first part of Jan.

Thanks for helping to solidify me keeping my dog at home.
 
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