Hunting Pheasants Without a Dog

Here are a few tips for those who might be hunting pheasants without a dog…

• Make sure to have good boots and socks

  • Be ready to run after wounded birds

  • Be prepared to hike the extra mile

• Hunt fields backwards

  • If a field is normally hunted east to west, hunt it west to east. Hunting backwards takes a lot more effort, and can really make a big difference

  • If hunting with blockers have the blockers set up before the walkers

  • Make sure blockers are ready before the walkers start

• When a bird is falling try to shoot it again to make sure it does not run

  • If a bird is running after it has been shot, make sure to take a safe clean headshot on it

  • If it does not fall after the first shot continue to shoot it in the head every time you have a safe clean shot

  • Carry a couple buckshot shells if allowed to shoot running pheasants with

• When walking be sure to go slower than you would with dogs, and walk in a zig zag pattern 

  • Walking in a zig zag will allow you cover more ground and flush more birds

  • Always remember safe shooting directions

• Hunt long and hard

• When hunting tree rows or shelter belts be sure to take extra time walking slow and stopping from time to time so the birds will settle back in

• When hunting cane or other tall food plots make sure to hunt with the wind in your face

  • Wind in your face will help to keep the birds nesting as long as possible 

  • Birds will fly slower against the wind

-Tim Berges, Fall Obsession Field Staff