Getting Started

Pheasant hunting can be an incredibly rewarding experience when done the right way.

Pheasant hunting provides 2 million Americans with treasured memories each autumn. Here are a few ideas on how to get started.

Step 1: Take a Hunter's Education course to learn about gun safety and hunter ethics.

Step 2: Find a mentor. There's no substitute for going out a few times with an experienced pheasant hunter to show you the ropes.

Step 3: Get a good map and know your signage

Step 4: Gear up

Know your state laws in regards to wearing blaze orange. You should always wear at least a blaze orange cap and hunting vest so your party members can clearly see you at all times.
Invest in a good pair of boots. While hunting pheasants you will traverse a wide range of terrain that will put wear-and-tear on your feet if you're not properly prepared. Nothing will end a hunt more prematurely than blistered and sore feet.
Know the weather conditions in which you will be hunting and dress in layers that can be added or removed accordingly. Stay away from cotton products that will retain moisture. Instead, wear polypropylene and fleece clothing that will wick sweat and rain away while retaining heat.
Wear brush pants or field chaps. These durable leggings will keep you dry and free from stickers and thorns while traveling through thick cover.
Use a shotgun you are comfortable with. Anything from a .410 to a 12 gauge can be effective in bagging a rooster.
Be aware of where you'll be hunting in regards to the use of lead or steel shot. Some areas require that only steel shot be used. In both cases, Federal Premium Ammunition's Pheasants Forever loads are always a great choice.
Be sure to check out Pheasants Forever's MarketPlace for unbeatable deals on all of the gear you'll need to have a great day in the field!

Step 5: Knowing Where to Go

Pay attention to your state's roadside counts to know where the highest concentrations of birds are located.
Understand the different habitat needs of a pheasant and how seasonal changes can influence where the birds are located.
Get off the beaten path of interstate highways.
Join a Pheasants Forever chapter and make friends. More than likely, you'll get invited to hunt together come autumn.
Recognizing overlooked spots
- Ask permission of private landowners adjacent to public lands.

Step 6: Knowing How to Hunt

Be ready in the morning as soon as legal shooting hours begin.
Hunt the "Golden Hour" - last hour of the day; birds move out of crop fields and into grass for roosting.
Hunt after Thanksgiving. Late season hunting can be very productive and a lot of fun.
Quiet - don't slam doors, keep dogs from barking, and don't be yelling at your buddies.
Hunt with confidence and with purpose - have a strategy.
Respect other hunters who are enjoying our state lands - don't wreck a quality hunt for another party (and yourself) by walking in on them, find another public area or knock on a door - you'll be glad you did.
Dogs - gotta have one for pheasants.
FOLLOW THE DOG!

Step 7: Reading the Habitat

Not all land was created equal as habitat for pheasants, so find the good stuff before you burn all you and your pup's energy.
Edges - Read the contours of the land, looking for places where habitat changes; crops, trees, shrubs, cattails, ditches, fence lines.
When the snow flies, the game changes. Find the thermal cover - cattails and shelter belts.
Food plots - sure the birds have been there, but that's also where everyone goes first too.
Bring your hip boots or waders - if you cross water barriers that block most hunters, you may find your way to hunting utopia!
Get ready - ends, corners and openings.
Getting a shot at your limit is a good day. Make your shots count!

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