How to Start in Pheasant Hunting

Pheasant hunting is a very rewarding experience for those involved, starting in the right places will save you much wasted money and time, and will get you connections that you will likely keep for your hunting career. This article will deal with the equipment you need, the lessons you should take, the dogs you should work with, and the clubs you should be associated with.

1. The First Step- Hunting permits in many states require you take a gun safety course, and no matter your experience in weaponry I recommend you do so. There is nothing wrong with learning more about gun safety, there is everything wrong with ignorance on the matter. Every year, too many people across this country give the anti- gun lobbyists and animal rights activists ammunition all their own, and at this very moment they are waging a very public war on our sporting and second amendment rights for hunting and protection. Do not contribute to this by ignorance, or the mistaken belief you already know everything about guns and hunting safety. Remember it is not the shotgun that will accidentally shoot someone, it is the person behind the trigger and if the worst happens the people waging war on our rights will use anything they can to their fullest advantage to strip us of our rights.

2. The second Step - Getting into a local club. I recommend a dog breed club for learning about hunting dogs, a clay shooting club for learning about shot guns, and a local upland game club for learning hunting skill. You should preferably be a member of all three, but if you must flit in and out of them as the need and opportunity arises. At the very least, if you are only able to join one club, join the local upland game club. They will help you get your start in the sport and can help you with information on all three topics. They will have invaluable info on where to hunt, how to hunt, and who to hunt with. They will know who breeds the best dogs in the area, who the best trainers are, often they will have a spare shotgun to sell that may get you started, and many are land owners who cultivate game to hunt. This group of friends will make this a great time you look forward to all year.

3. The Third Step- Getting the Equipment. The gun, the gear, the dog. That is why this is the last step, you will probably appreciate the help of the local clubs in making these decisions, I will tell you right now they will know locally the best way to go. My smoothbore is a Remington Wing Master twelve gauge 2 ¾ inch shell, I like it as it is not a thirty thousand dollar shotgun and is fairly easy to find. They are beautiful and reliable, as well as easy to clean. I like a pump, but over under and semi are also good ways to go. Twelve gauge is big enough to take goose if you feel so inclined. As far as gear goes, I like a Browning vest and cart hart double front jeans, you never know what kind of debris you will find on the field. Red Wings provide great comfortable foot wear that will hunt with you for years, especially with a Gortex lining. As for dogs, I hunt a Flat Coat Retriever; He will hunt anything with wings (including butterflies). They are easy to train and talented hunters with great noses and personalities.

If you need some more specifics on bird hunting check out this article on pheasant hunting or for some interesting reading on some elk you've probably not heard of check out Red Elk.

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