Toll Free: 1-866-684-HUNT
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BE
THE FIRST IN THE FIELD THIS FALL!
Three-day
opening weekend hunt may be available for 2008!
October 18th - October 20th.
Call for group size requirements, rates, and availability
for opening weekend dates.
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Our
Season:
The 3rd Saturday of October
through the 1st week in January.
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FOR
MORE INFORMATION:
AAA
SOUTH DAKOTA PHEASANT HUNTING
Koby
Mahrt -
1000 South Main St.-
Suite #2
P.O. Box 996
Mitchell, SD 57301
1-866-684-HUNT (Toll-Free)
(605)-292-4868 (Business)
(605)-292-0597 (Fax)
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> Articles
PHEASANT
HUNTING IN TALL GRASSES
Most tall grass fields in pheasant country are a result
of federal land-retirement programs. These programs are
intended to reduce crop production and combat soil
erosion. These areas help local farmers by annual
payments they receive, in return for a multi-year
contract. These areas are ideal nesting and roosting
areas for nearly all species.
The C.R.P. program is similar to the Soil Bank program
which established in 1957, and continued through 1963.
During this time, the soil bank program was credited
with greatly improving wild pheasant numbers. Both of
these federal programs are greatly needed from year to
year to help many species survive the sometimes harsh
Midwest winters, and cold, wet springtime.
C.R.P. fields make better pheasant habitat and pheasant
hunting areas, than hay fields. They provide ideal
nesting and roosting cover and, unlike hay fields, are
not allowed to be mowed during nesting time. The
government may grant permission to mow C.R.P. fields,
however, only in cases of serve drought conditions. Then
the mowed areas are baled and usually used for cattle
feed.
Within two hours after sunrise, pheasants will fly out
of these grassy areas, in search of a food source. They
return mid to late afternoon after their feeding is
complete. Spending time watching these C.R.P. fields
from a vehicle can result in knowing the pheasant’s
schedule.
Dog work in grassy cover is best on humid or slightly
damp days. This allows the scent of the pheasant to
dissipate through the grasses, which is easily picked up
by a hunting dog. These grassy areas can be very
frustrating to a pointing dog, since the wild pheasant
is more comfortable running and running, than he is
holding still for a good point.
With a large group of pheasant hunters, you can drive a
large grass field with-out much effort, much like a row
crop field is driven. These areas of C.R.P. can be quit
large, so taking long, sections at one time is
necessary. Blockers should be placed at the opposite
ends of the fields, and the drivers should work the
grass slowly, allowing the dogs to use their noses
constantly. Occasionally, you should allow your dogs to
venture back behind your group, many wise ring neck
pheasants will actually double back behind the group
silently, hoping you will not notice.
Another effective way to hunt tall grass, especially for
one or two hunters, is to start on the downwind side and
follow your dog. Don’t try to tell the dog where to go;
allow time to work out every scent trail. Make sure,
however, to work the edges, especially those adjacent to
crop fields and along fence lines.
If you don’t have a dog, the only real option is to hunt
very, very slow. You may also want to stop periodically
to make the pheasants nervous. On silent days, you may
be able to hear the pheasants moving through the grass.
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