If you're new to pheasant hunting, practice shooting with clay pigeons before hunting season starts. This will give you insight and practice into shooting ahead of your target.
Your state natural resource office will have information about the most recent pheasant surveys that will help you decide the best places to hunt. Scout out the likeliest areas on gravel roads. If you have plenty of bird sightings, request permission from the owners to hunt on their land when the season starts. Research the pheasant’s habits and preferred habitats. An informed hunter is a successful hunter.
You'll have much greater success if you use a good bird dog, which will flush the birds out of cover and possibly retrieve them for you. It may even be possible to rent one if you don't have one of your own. Bring an experienced friend or hire a guide your first few times out.
Don't be trigger-happy and wait to put your finger on the trigger until after you are aiming ahead of the bird. Always ensure the birds are above you parties’ heads. You'll have about two seconds to get your shot off. Don't worry if you miss your shot.
Walk around your chosen area in an "S" pattern so that you cover all the ground. Even without a good hunting dog, hunters in groups can have success, especially if one of you 'takes one for the team' by flushing out the birds for the others.
Remember to be very quiet. A slammed car door will alert every bird within a half-mile that hunters are in the area. Wear a hunter’s orange cap for your protection from other hunters in the area.
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