John Benda - Photo Contest 2008
Hunting Pheasants with my Gordon Setter named “Idah” in Western Montana, north of Hot Springs, MT. My Setter is 3 1/2 years old and primarily hunts Mountain Grouse, but on occasion I put her in the field for pheasant hunting. I use a Mossberg Silver Reserve 12 ga over/under shot gun. She is a special animal to me and I love being in the field with her.
BY ANDREW MCKEAN
Late-season roosters require sneaky tactics, winter weather
Mid October to late
December are spanned by little more than 60 days, but for an upland bird hunter, it’s an eternity.
Early in the fall, when most upland bird seasons open, the weather is mild and naïve birds are distributed across the landscape of Montana. By the last few weeks of the season, though, rooster pheasants and hardy grouse have become savvy veterans, and hunting them can be as
challenging as any big-game hunt.
When you hold a December rooster, with its yard-long tail feathers and chalk-white pate, you’re holding a true trophy, a bird that probably survived plenty of assassination
attempts and learned to either flush wild or hold tight in the densest cover.
If you want to bag a limit of those savvy roosters, here’s what you need to know:
• Hunt Dense Cover: Prepare to hunt different habitats in December than you did back in September or October. Late-season sharptails tend to gang together in flocks of several dozen birds, and they’ll always have a few sentries watching your approach. Figure out which way they’ll flush and post up on these escape routes, then send someone to bust them up and pass-shoot grouse as they take wing. If they scatter in smaller groups, you can also hunt down those singles and pairs in denser cover. Pheasants, too, that may have been available in light grass or thin sagebrush earlier in the fall will tend to hold in dense olive thickets and impenetrable
cattails by December.
• Drive Roosters: Your early-season tactic of pushing cover or sending a pointing dog to range CRP won’t work as well in December. Those savvy birds have lived to Christmas by
running well ahead of the dogs. You can score on these veterans by
hunting with a crew, assigning some of the hunters to block the ends of fields or fencerows, and sending the others to walk the densest cover with rooster-rooting dogs. Chances are the blockers will get most of the action on these wild-flushing birds.
• Wait For Winter Weather: If you have the luxury of timing your upland trip, wait for a winter storm to roll through. Habitat that can seem vacant before a blizzard can suddenly seem thick with pheasants in dense cover that also features plenty to eat:
Russian olive groves, cattail sloughs adjacent to wheat fields, fresh CRP fields. Sharptails, too, will suddenly show up around food sources after a few days of winter weather. If you hunt during the storm itself, you can often walk right up on numbers of
tight-holding birds.
• Trust Your Dog: The late season is the domain of old dogs. These are the bird hounds that don’t range too
widely and seem to want to sleep all the time. They’re the wise elders of their breeds, and you should trust them. If you have a flushing dog, pay attention when their tails wag and they want to follow a trail. That’s a rooster running ahead and you should let your dog go, even if it means running to keep up with them. Same with
pointers that go staunch, then run,
then point again. They’re on the trail
of some smart, experienced bird, and those are the real trophies of the
(late) season.
MFWP
Pheasant hunting opportunities
will vary this year across the state Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials say. The general season ends Jan. 1, 2009.
“Statewide pheasant numbers are expected to range from below to above average,” said Rick Northrup, FWP game bird coordinator. Northrup said he is hearing reports of small and young broods in many parts of the state, particularly in areas affected by this spring’s cool wet weather.
FWP reminds hunters to be cautious of shooting hens that resemble young roosters with limited coloration particularly during the early part of the general season.
Most of Montana was affected by a series of moist cold fronts that moved through the state in late May through mid June. This weather likely caused poor chick survival among early pheasant hatches and late renesting
attempts by hens that were still laying or incubating. Grass cover is excellent across most areas of the state with the exception of portions of extreme
northeastern Montana.
Northrup reminded bird hunters to arrange for hunting access to private lands well in advance of their hunt, and if possible to bring along a well-trained hunting dog.
Here is a brief overview of pheasant hunting opportunities around the state.
FWP REGION 7—SOUTHEASTERN MONTANA
Generally good reports coming out of this part of the state in terms of bird abundance and brood observations. Excellent cover means the birds may be broadly distributed.
FWP REGION 6—NORTHEASTERN MONTANA
Generally pheasant populations are above average in the eastern portion of FWP Region 6. Many young broods of varying sizes suggest late hatches. Eastern portions of Sheridan, Richland, and Roosevelt counties were dry this summer but pheasant abundance is expected to be better than average, particularly outside the driest portions of these counties. Pheasant numbers in the western portion of Region 6 are expected to be closer to average with a mix of brood sizes and ages.
FWP REGION 5 —SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA
Cover for birds this year was
generally good. Pheasant abundance
appears to be better than last year with average or better abundance along the
Yellowstone River and its tributaries.
FWP REGION 4—NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA
Pheasant hunting opportunities are expected to be below average. The Lewistown area experienced multiple cold weather events with substantial moisture during the first half of June resulting in excellent grass growth but poor
pheasant production. The northern part of the region appears to have faired slightly better in some areas but pheasant numbers in the Conrad area are expected to be down from last year.
FWP REGION 3—SOUTHWESTERN MONTANA
Pheasant numbers appear to be slightly improved over last year. Again, reports of mixed ages and sizes of broods. Access to good pheasant hunting sites is challenging in this part of the state.
FWP REGION 2—WESTERN
MONTANA
The spring hatch appeared to be affected by cold moist weather. Anticipate pheasant numbers comparable to last year. The best pheasant habitat in western
Montana is often on private lands where
access may be limited. Hunters are encouraged to secure permission from landowners before heading out to pheasant hunt.
FWP REGION 1—NORTHWESTERN MONTANA
Kalispell, and the surrounding area, has experienced generally lower than average pheasant numbers in the past few years, including slightly smaller brood sizes being observed at the Ninepipe Wildlife Management area compared to last year.
PHEASANTS FOREVERPheasants Forever
We mean it as no slight to the other seasons, but there is just something about autumn. The changing of the seasons brings with it a beauty that keeps minds poetic and a crispness that keeps bodies comfortable. It can be argued that hunters spend two-thirds of the year preparing for this final third, the advent of “hunting season,” the opportunity to harvest fruits from the land. And because you’ve waited all year for this, Pheasants Forever has 10 final tips to ensure this upland hunting season is your best yet!
1. Get Buddy, Bella and Your Butt Moving. You shouldn’t take an out-of-shape dog into the field, and you shouldn’t take an out-of-shape “you” there either. Fit dogs equate to fuller game bags, not to mention healthier hunting companions. Find pre-season conditioning tips at Pheasants Forever’s Bird Dog Bonanza presented by Native performance dog food. Don’t take your own physical condition for granted, either. Even with most hunting seasons just weeks away, there’s still time to get a pre-hunt medical check-up and to start a daily walking or exercise regimen. If you’ve never learned CPR or taken a first aid course, now is a good time, and even if you have, a refresher in those areas is always beneficial.
2. Pre-Hunt Game Plan. It can be said for many things in life that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail, and pheasant hunting is no exception. So let’s hurry you up to speed. First, get some expectations for this season by checking out Pheasants Forever’s 2008 Pheasant Hunting Forecast. No matter what state you’re hunting in, be sure you’re familiar with that state’s hunting regulations at Pheasants Forever’s State Agency page. Finally, take an equipment inventory. Whether you’re missing anything, or just plain want something new, your upland gear connection is Pheasants Forever’s MarketPlace.
3. Post-Hunt Exam. The hunt is done, and hopefully you’ve managed to slide a rooster or two into your vest. But there is one more step before you’ve wrapped up your day’s work. Spending just a few minutes directly following the hunt to run your dog through a post-hunt exam can eliminate or alleviate problems later on. Look over the dog for obvious abrasions or bleeding. Then check the dog from head to toe. Start at the head and then check the mouth, tongue, nose, lips, eyes and ears. Next, look over the neck, chest and abdomen. Finally, check the feet and legs – typically the biggest problem area – for any abnormalities. Your bird dog can’t tell you what’s ailing, so you have to pay attention to their behavior and take the time to give them a good exam after every trip afield.
4. Steel a Few Boxes. While lead is still the mainstay for many upland hunters, it is not permitted everywhere. Thankfully, Federal Premium has expanded its Pheasants Forever royalty program with the introduction of Pheasants Forever Steel loads. Pick up a few boxes now, and save yourself the hassle later. Initially they will be available in 12 and 20 gauges 3”, #3 and #5 options. For more information on Pheasants Forever Steel loads, as well as the rest of the Federal Premium line-up, visit www.federalpremium.com.
5. Cast and Blast. Habitat across the pheasant range helps improve water quality and protects fish populations in many places as well. The crossover between hunting and fishing in the United States is quite high, as nearly 70 percent of hunters are also anglers. And fall – with great angling opportunities for walleye, pike, musky, bass and panfish across much of the pheasant range – is no time to put away the rod and reel and become a one-trick pony. For many anglers, the fall bite is can’t-miss, so bookend a day of fishing with morning and evening hunts, then enjoy your reward that evening: A combo platter.
6. Add Some Seasoning. All hunters have their favorite spots, honey holes they religiously return to year in and year out. With good reason, as these spots have proven to be productive – or else why come back? But do yourself a favor this year and try becoming less a creature of habit and more a creature of habitat…new habitat that is! Make it a point to trek some new ground this year. Do some sleuthing – or “sloughthing” if you’re waterfowling – and find a new tract of public land or knock on the doors of a few area landowners to open up some new opportunities for yourself. Variety is the spice of life, and makes a great seasoning for any hunter! If you do happen to gain permission, thank a landowner with a Gift Membership to Pheasants Forever.
7. Vote on November 4th. Okay, a trip to the ballot booth isn’t as exciting as one to the backwoods, but taking a few minutes to fulfill your civic duty goes a long way to ensuring continued support for the outdoors. Typically, there is strong voter turnout among sportsmen and women. But if you’re one who loves the outdoors and hasn’t drawn the direct correlation between casting a ballot and casting a line, time to wise up. Year in and year out, elected officials from all levels of government have hands in decisions affecting regulations and outdoor funding. Get to know the candidates and where they stand on issues related to conservation and the outdoors. And, if you are going to be “a traveling hunter” on November 4th, be sure to pick up an absentee ballot in advance.
8. Your Heir Apparent. By now its common knowledge that hunter and angler replacement numbers are not keeping up with the hunter and angler attrition rates. If you were gone, you’d like to know your family was taken care of. Wouldn’t you also like to ensure your outdoor legacy will continue long after you’ve hung up the hunting boots? Pheasants Forever’s No Child Left ™ initiative is meeting this challenge head on, as is our Grassroots Conservation Campaign.
9. Join Pheasants Forever. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reported in 2006 that hunters and anglers spend $76 billion each year (about $2,200 per person) on gear, travel, etc., yet only contribute $22 million in support for conservation group projects. The fact is the average sportsperson is spending $2,200 every year to enjoy hunting and fishing, and (excluding state and federal license fees and special tax fees) is giving back less than $2 every year to ensure hunting and fishing opportunities in the future. You can talk about the need for conservation, or you can do something about it. Log onto www.PheasantsForever.org today and join, donate, attend a local PF banquet, volunteer as a chapter officer, or pick up some PF merchandise! We need YOU and so do the roosters!10. National Pheasant Fest 2009 Presented by Cabela’s. Close your season in style by doing what any sensible outdoor enthusiast would do – get ready for next year! National Pheasant Fest 2009 Presented by Cabela’s will be held February 6-8, 2009, at Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information on the nation’s largest event for upland hunters, landowners, sport dog owners and wildlife habitat conservationists, log onto www.PheasantFest.org. Make your plans and book your hotel room today.
