What's the latest report from the field?

chadsbritt

chadsbritt

New member
Well, how has everyone been making out lately? How are the crops coming? I was unable to get out this past weekend, but am going to get back in the saddle on Sunday.
 
The corn is really coming out! I was out yesterday and we managed to get three roosters. We should have had a couple more, but you know how that goes. We saw good numbers, both on private and walk-in. The wind really beat us up and didn't seem to blow under 20mph all day long. I'm glad I didn't stick around to watch the Bronco game.
 
A best friend from Elementary and I managed to get out last Friday and I am elated to say that we limited out by noon! It was a perfect morning and I couldn't believe the birds we saw. I borrowed my girlfriend's brother's 1 year old Golden Retriever that had never stepped foot in a field before. He behaved well (read: didn't run away) and by the third or fourth bird he actually figured out what was going on! We had a couple winged birds that he chased down which was a blast to watch!
 
winchester21 said:
A best friend from Elementary and I managed to get out last Friday and I am elated to say that we limited out by noon! It was a perfect morning and I couldn't believe the birds we saw. I borrowed my girlfriend's brother's 1 year old Golden Retriever that had never stepped foot in a field before. He behaved well (read: didn't run away) and by the third or fourth bird he actually figured out what was going on! We had a couple winged birds that he chased down which was a blast to watch!
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Wichester21, Sounds like you had a great hunt. The pictures are great. I was dying to get out last weekend, but just couldn't make it happen. I'm making my first ever trip to Kansas this weekend; hopefully we get into the birds.

Did you hunt private or walk-in? What was the general area were you were hunting?
 
Hey Chad- My name is Bridger- These birds were taken north of Yuma on a mix of private and walk-in. I knocked on a couple doors and had no problem getting permission.
That's awesome you're making it out to Kansas. I would love to hear how it goes and where you're headed because I'm trying to put together a trip out there myself.
 
Bridger,

Thanks for the information. I've had good luck this year around Holyoke.

I will definitely report the results of our kansas trip back to you. We are going to start in Colby, and probably work our way east from there. I talked to a guy back there that says the bird population is good, and will hopefully point us in the right direction. I know the further east you go, the more walk-in that is available.
 
Yeah those walk-ins north of Holyoke are pretty incredible this year. I haven't seen that much quality habitat in years. I'm really looking forward to some snow out there...it's gonna be good stuff!
 
Stoked!

Will be making my first pheasant hunt in Colorado on the weekend of the 20th. Grew up hunting in Missouri and Kansas and sure am excited to try out Colorado.

I have been watching the forums and getting a good feeling about Holyoke. I printed out the WIHA maps and trying to compare what I'm seeing to your advice on here. Looks to be a lot of grass cover just to the NW of Holyoke in between Paoli and even to the SW. Now I'm not here to steal your spots nor would I ever over-hunt an area but sure would aprreciate any advice that can be given. Would love to get on some birds that first day out.

As well, when you get out to this WIHA land is it just orange vest everywhere or do you have a good chance of not running into anyone.

Once again thank you for any advice you can give and I look forward to sharing my stories with you in the future.

Brian
 
I dont hunt wia's but have hunted around yuma for years. Most of the hunters are done by now and I see very few out there after thanksgiving weekend. You should have no problem finding birds out there, Dont be afraid to knock on some doors as permission is easy this time of year. Good luck
 
Hey Ringneck- Welcome and glad to hear that you're getting out there! Absolutely DO NOT feel like you're stealing anyone's spots! It's your privilege to hunt too. You'll do very well out north of Holyoke if you're shooting strait. Just look for any areas that are adjacent to either corn or wheat stubble particularly pivot corners (the corners that don't get watered by the circular sprinklers) and any heavy looking cover. Be very quiet when parking and getting out. It goes without saying to not slam your doors ;)

There are not very many Pheasant hunters in Colorado and to be honest we could use some more people out spending money on the WIA programs and in the towns out east. I doubt that you will run into anyone in a field because most hunters don't get into a field if someone else is in it. For the matter, you probably won't even see that many other hunters on the roads. Good luck and have fun.
 
Perfect

Exactly the kind of information I was looking for and thank you for the quick response. I sure wish it was this weekend because I can barely keep still thinking about going. Been a long time. You guys have a good one and keep in touch.

Brian
 
I was out in Holyoke this past week hunting, and i was actually impressed with both the quality of the WIA land, and the amount of birds! i never found an area around holyoke to have more birds than the other, they were all around town! the birds are very cautious now, so like its been said be quiet when you park and are in the field, and you should have no prblem getting in on some birds
 
I went out and hunted the Holyoke area on Friday and Saturday. 5 roosters and 3 quail. The quail were a nice bonus to say the least. The hunting was a little tougher than last time, and I think the weather hurt us. It was so cold Thursday and Friday that I think the birds were really bunched up. I found some of them, but wasn't able to find the motherload. When it did warm up, I think everything moved into the corn to feed. This was especially true Saturday, when temps warmed up to 50 degrees. I did find one pivot corner Saturday morning that held probably 40 birds. It was on private ground, and the birds didn't cooperate (flushed was too early), but we still managed to get 2 roosters.

Overall I was very pleased with the trip. The bird population still seems strong, but they are definitely wising up. Ringneck, if you have a small group, concentrate on small areas of heavy cover. Like the other guys have said, pivot corners are great, and be sure to be quiet. I usually park my big, loud diesel a few hundred yards down the road. I have found birds in every direction of Holyoke, and have heard Yuma is great as well.

Good luck!
 
Gettin Birdy!!

Whew this is all great news. I can barely stand the wait. We will not have any dog's with us on our trip but I do have 5 people going. If I can keep everyone quiet enough I think I can put us on birds. With as many people are going we can utilize blockers and see if we can pinch em.
 
Almost!

Just got the gear together. I am heading out tomorrow late morning about 10 to head up. Should be there about 1 so I plan to get a few hours in on Friday and then the big hunt on Saturday. I will keep everyone posted on what we see. From what I can see its supposed to be a cold nasty one Saturday so I'm hoping that will keep the birds tight since I'm not sure if a dog is coming or not.

You getting out this weekend Brit?
 
Man I wish I was getting out! This cold weather should be perfect. Both me and the dog are going crazy. We were supposed to have a christmas party Saturday, but its been cancelled. Maybe I can sneak out. If not this weekend, next weekend for sure!
 
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