I don't post alot here but I just wanted to air an opinion. I have been living in Kansas on and off for 20+ years since 1972 and retired here (spent 21 in military). I did not start pheasant hunting until 1998. I have driven many miles for many years all over the state just trying to learn it. I don't know any landowners and have hunted only WIHA and public land. I have taken a fair amount of birds but am still no expert by any means. I have hunted with just myself and 2 dogs 99% of the time, not because I am unsociable but because I don't have any family or friends who like to get out as much as I do (that goes for fishing as well). I read this forum quite a bit mainly to try to guess where to avoid the crouds and read some good stories. I respect private land owners and have never trespassed except when trying to get my dogs off of someones land when they strayed onto it. What I have noticed however on both the WIHA and public lands is how people can be such slobs, leaving there trash strowed about etc. I carry a bag and clean up what I see. I am sure everyone has seen it.
I have two 12 year old GSP's that still get around good for their age but can only last a short time. We don't get as many birds as we used too but that is not the only purpose. I believe hunting is a privelage not a competition and it's a time to be enjoyed just being out and watching dogs work and have a blast whether they are great hunters or not. Mine are pretty good hunters but I have seen better and worse. Also it is about success and failure because without failure how would one measure success as well as create the Great memories. Unfortunately there are those who don't care about conservation of the resources or stewardship of the land, here we need to use the law, but we cannot let them get the best of us and make us sour, or get the attitude that I am better than you etc. It will just ruin your hunting experience year after year. So for those who have any access at all to good private hunting grounds, be thankfull and enjoy it. Get license plate numbers and take photos, then report the violaters. Happy hunting and hope everyone has a memorable season.
