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Started By
Message
Paging Wick: Making first wild pheasant hunt-DAY 1 FINISHED
Posted on 12/6/23 at 9:00 am
Posted on 12/6/23 at 9:00 am
Heading to Kansas next week and staying at a private farm with 10k acres of pretty good habitat. Going to get on some wild pheasant and quail. Going with 5 guys and 3 dogs, one of which is my wirehaired pointer who is 1
We have hunted own raised birds and such around here, but never wild birds. Seeing if there is any last minute must haves. Weather looking to be dry and in the 20s
So far besides the obvious (guns, shot, etc”
-danner lace up boots
- vest and jacket
-thermals
-garmin alpha gps
-squirt water bottle for dog
-brining a sXS and semi auto- will have modified or improved modified for semi auto choke and modified/full for sXs- Agree with that combo?
Any obvious things I’m missing?
Day 1
Killed 9(blew one up with a close shot). Flushed 14
4 men a 4 dogs
We have hunted own raised birds and such around here, but never wild birds. Seeing if there is any last minute must haves. Weather looking to be dry and in the 20s
So far besides the obvious (guns, shot, etc”
-danner lace up boots
- vest and jacket
-thermals
-garmin alpha gps
-squirt water bottle for dog
-brining a sXS and semi auto- will have modified or improved modified for semi auto choke and modified/full for sXs- Agree with that combo?
Any obvious things I’m missing?
Day 1
Killed 9(blew one up with a close shot). Flushed 14
4 men a 4 dogs
This post was edited on 12/16/23 at 5:41 pm
11
Posted on 12/6/23 at 9:42 am to lsupride87
If you are hunting w pointers than ic/mod in double gun will be good. Ic for semi. If its windy move up in chokes as shots will be longer. High brass 6s are my shell of choice.
Posted on 12/6/23 at 9:46 am to lsupride87
quote:
Any obvious things I’m missing?
Something to sew your dog up if he gets into a fight with a badger. Those are nasty mean critters.
Posted on 12/6/23 at 9:46 am to OntarioTiger
If hunting w flushing dogs than your chokes are fine.
Orange toque
Gloves. I wear mechanics gloves, bring a cpl of pr they may get wet
Chaps?
Merino socks, a cpl of prs and maybe spare boots (muck style if its wet)
Orange toque
Gloves. I wear mechanics gloves, bring a cpl of pr they may get wet
Chaps?
Merino socks, a cpl of prs and maybe spare boots (muck style if its wet)
Posted on 12/6/23 at 9:48 am to OntarioTiger
quote:They are pointers, but they are young pointers only having worked pen raised…..I’m seeing a lot of bumped birds trying to get to close which is why I have a longer choke plan
If hunting w flushing dogs than your chokes are fine.
Posted on 12/6/23 at 9:51 am to lsupride87
Some parts of Kansas have sand spurs, and a young dog's feet won't be very tough. The feet are the first thing to go. I would look into picking up some boots for the pup.
Also, you want clothing to cut the wind, the wind blows out there ALL THE TIME, if you cut the wind, you can take some pretty cold temps and be comfortable because you are walking.
What part of the state are you hunting?
Also, you want clothing to cut the wind, the wind blows out there ALL THE TIME, if you cut the wind, you can take some pretty cold temps and be comfortable because you are walking.
What part of the state are you hunting?
This post was edited on 12/6/23 at 9:53 am
Posted on 12/6/23 at 9:54 am to lsupride87
Will the quail and pheasant be separate hunts?
If so, I'd shoot a modified choke at Pheasant with high brass 2 3/4" 5's or 6's, and IC low brass 7.5's or 8's at quail.
If it's a pot luck type deal where you don't know what is going to rise, I'd go IC and 7.5's and shoot quick on any pheasant.
If so, I'd shoot a modified choke at Pheasant with high brass 2 3/4" 5's or 6's, and IC low brass 7.5's or 8's at quail.
If it's a pot luck type deal where you don't know what is going to rise, I'd go IC and 7.5's and shoot quick on any pheasant.
Posted on 12/6/23 at 9:56 am to lsupride87
He’s gonna have much more to add, but walkie-talkies were extremely helpful when we went.
Boot dryer, (can be a small fan) I know you said it was looking to be dry, but trust me you don’t want wet boots day two, I think I’m still recovering from 3 days of 5-6 miles in lacrosse boots.
Some type of water resistant pants or chaps.
Wear layers, I don’t remember being too cold while we hunted, but I do remember stripping off layers.
Dude wipes, self explanatory.
We brought lead and steel shot, but that might not be a concern for where you’re going.
Boot dryer, (can be a small fan) I know you said it was looking to be dry, but trust me you don’t want wet boots day two, I think I’m still recovering from 3 days of 5-6 miles in lacrosse boots.
Some type of water resistant pants or chaps.
Wear layers, I don’t remember being too cold while we hunted, but I do remember stripping off layers.
Dude wipes, self explanatory.
We brought lead and steel shot, but that might not be a concern for where you’re going.
Posted on 12/6/23 at 9:58 am to wickowick
quote:North Central, about 20 miles north of Salina
What part of the state are you hunting?
Posted on 12/6/23 at 10:08 am to lsupride87
We have hunted just to the west of that area before. That is mainly open ground. Layer your clothing, look at booting the pup or at least having boots with you.
You will probably find both quail and pheasants in the same places. Carry the SxS gun, #6 shot, skeet and modified if you have them for chokes. Unless you are a damn good shot, you probably aren't killing a pheasant that has gotten up to full speed at 40+ yards flying away or crossing in front of you. Save your shots for high-percentage closer options.
Let the dogs work, let the birds teach them. As long as he isn't running off give him time to learn, he will bust birds, that is ok. IT might be good to take him out alone and work some property with just you and him without distractions.
You will probably find both quail and pheasants in the same places. Carry the SxS gun, #6 shot, skeet and modified if you have them for chokes. Unless you are a damn good shot, you probably aren't killing a pheasant that has gotten up to full speed at 40+ yards flying away or crossing in front of you. Save your shots for high-percentage closer options.
Let the dogs work, let the birds teach them. As long as he isn't running off give him time to learn, he will bust birds, that is ok. IT might be good to take him out alone and work some property with just you and him without distractions.
Posted on 12/6/23 at 10:13 am to wickowick
For the sXS I have C,IC, M, IM, F
I have 5 shot I bought already as well, and some 7.5 shot target loads. From what the land owner told us, for the most part, we should have areas where it’s pheasants or quail, not both. Key word should
Here is pheasant loads I bought
As far as shots, I’m above average. My dad was a national competitor shooter, so I’ve shot more than most. However, he could shoot the tick off a bird. Multiple times in competition went 1,000 plus clays before missing a single target, he is who we are counting on to bring down the long shots When we dove hunt he brings 20 shells and he has left over after his limit…..Tough when your near 70 year old dad whips your arse in wing shooting
I’ll get boots for the dog, and to others yes I have brush pants
I have 5 shot I bought already as well, and some 7.5 shot target loads. From what the land owner told us, for the most part, we should have areas where it’s pheasants or quail, not both. Key word should
Here is pheasant loads I bought
As far as shots, I’m above average. My dad was a national competitor shooter, so I’ve shot more than most. However, he could shoot the tick off a bird. Multiple times in competition went 1,000 plus clays before missing a single target, he is who we are counting on to bring down the long shots
When we dove hunt he brings 20 shells and he has left over after his limit…..Tough when your near 70 year old dad whips your arse in wing shooting I’ll get boots for the dog, and to others yes I have brush pants
This post was edited on 12/6/23 at 10:16 am
Posted on 12/6/23 at 10:22 am to lsupride87
Keep all the chokes with you, sounds like you are experienced enough to let close birds get out a little bit and can hit stuff at a distance (this isn't common 
) I would probably shoot M and F on pheasant ( that is what my 16 gauge fixed choke fox is choked), probably c & m on quail but you will be seasoned enough to adjust as needed.
These are late-season birds that have seen plenty of hunters. When you roll up to hunt, you need to be ready to go, you need the wind in your face, talk very quietly, don't slam truck doors etc. Those birds will take off running (their first choice is to run and not fly) and you will never see them or see them where they ran 500 yards and flew at the end of the CRP lane. Use the wind to your advantage and surprise them
) I would probably shoot M and F on pheasant ( that is what my 16 gauge fixed choke fox is choked), probably c & m on quail but you will be seasoned enough to adjust as needed. These are late-season birds that have seen plenty of hunters. When you roll up to hunt, you need to be ready to go, you need the wind in your face, talk very quietly, don't slam truck doors etc. Those birds will take off running (their first choice is to run and not fly) and you will never see them or see them where they ran 500 yards and flew at the end of the CRP lane. Use the wind to your advantage and surprise them
Posted on 12/6/23 at 10:41 am to wickowick
What wick says about being quiet... gd birds run like track stars, since you have 5 ppl, you may want to place blockers for some hunts. Close door quietly i have seen roosters run or flush w a door closing. You may not want to run all the dogs at once based on terrain etc.
All good suggestions, good one on boot dryers, i have some that plug in and warm up a little and dry boots overnight.
Have fun post some pics when you get back
All good suggestions, good one on boot dryers, i have some that plug in and warm up a little and dry boots overnight.
Have fun post some pics when you get back
Posted on 12/6/23 at 12:32 pm to lsupride87
That area won’t have many sand burrs, they would only be present around disturbed areas like edges of roads and possibly edges of crop fields, places like that. I’ve hunted KS from one corner to the next and the only area I have booted dogs due to burrs is the extreme Western reaches. A dog having soft pads would be the main reason to boot. If you do for some reason find a lot of burrs, you can make a boot out of duck tape that is disposable and works fine, it’s my boot of choice. Lewis boots are too heavy and clunky and not necessary for that area.
That is not a generally great part of the state for pheasants. Pheasants are present, but that is generally a better region for quail with some mixed bag opportunities. If I’m hunting a place that could have both species, I’m shooting 20 gauge 2-3/4” 1oz high brass 6’s. For quail I would just go with high brass 7.5’s. I have shot many many pheasants with an ounce of 7.5’s out of a 20 gauge. Just remember that if the bird is in good range, almost any load will do the trick. Im not saying shoot 7.5’s in a place that is more likely to produce pheasants, but super heavy 3” pheasant loads are generally not needed.
Good luck, bird numbers in that state are spotty. Keep extra clothes in the truck in case you have a morning with heavy moisture on the grass, you can get pretty wet on those early walks. Park as far away as you can stand to walk from the ground you plan on hunting and try to stay as quiet as you can while hunting. Be careful with the roads, that area has gotten some moisture recently.
That is not a generally great part of the state for pheasants. Pheasants are present, but that is generally a better region for quail with some mixed bag opportunities. If I’m hunting a place that could have both species, I’m shooting 20 gauge 2-3/4” 1oz high brass 6’s. For quail I would just go with high brass 7.5’s. I have shot many many pheasants with an ounce of 7.5’s out of a 20 gauge. Just remember that if the bird is in good range, almost any load will do the trick. Im not saying shoot 7.5’s in a place that is more likely to produce pheasants, but super heavy 3” pheasant loads are generally not needed.
Good luck, bird numbers in that state are spotty. Keep extra clothes in the truck in case you have a morning with heavy moisture on the grass, you can get pretty wet on those early walks. Park as far away as you can stand to walk from the ground you plan on hunting and try to stay as quiet as you can while hunting. Be careful with the roads, that area has gotten some moisture recently.
Posted on 12/6/23 at 12:58 pm to Canard Gris
Talking to the land owner, pheasant looks good for his farm. The area has had a drought which hurts pheasant numbers of course, BUT, his property has three creeks that converge in it so the pheasants have stuck around him for water. We will see We will be the first pheasant hunters all year on his 10k acres, which should help us as well
This post was edited on 12/6/23 at 12:59 pm
Posted on 12/6/23 at 1:05 pm to lsupride87
A farmer with unpressured habitat is a very nice find, but make no mistake about it, birds have been shot at from the roads on this property. Water and cover and you should have birds.
Posted on 12/6/23 at 1:24 pm to wickowick
Yeh I almost put “hasn’t been hunted” in quotes As far as he knows
As far as he knows 
Posted on 12/6/23 at 3:43 pm to wickowick
Also a product called “skunk away “ trust me.
Posted on 12/6/23 at 4:23 pm to lsupride87
Skunk kit, first aid kit, lots of water.
I just took my 1.5 yr Drahthaar to Kansas. Private and public land. Birds are skiddish and sparse but he got plenty of encounters.
Mine had been on pigeons and planted pen birds and is steady to flush and shot on those. Wild birds have him a run for his money for the first 2 days before he got cautious enough to give a few good points.
Have fun!
I just took my 1.5 yr Drahthaar to Kansas. Private and public land. Birds are skiddish and sparse but he got plenty of encounters.
Mine had been on pigeons and planted pen birds and is steady to flush and shot on those. Wild birds have him a run for his money for the first 2 days before he got cautious enough to give a few good points.
Have fun!
This post was edited on 12/6/23 at 4:25 pm
Posted on 12/6/23 at 6:05 pm to Britlab
If this dude gets sprayed by a skunk im so screwed. Look at the hair
This post was edited on 12/6/23 at 6:06 pm
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