Make The Most Out of Pheasant Season 2024

Make The Most Out of Pheasant Season 2024

By Jacob Dean

The crisp autumn air nipped at my nose as I slipped into my hunting vest, the weight of my shotgun comforting. Today was the day I’d been waiting for: the pheasant season opener. My hunting buddy, Jake, and his lab were already waiting in the field, their excitement palpable.

We’d scouted the area earlier that week, identifying a prime patch of CRP land with a mix of grasses, weeds, and a small creek running through it. As we made our way through the tall grass, Max’s nose twitched, his tail beginning its rhythmic wag. I knew we were close.

Suddenly, a flurry of feathers erupted from the cover. Pheasants, their iridescent plumage catching the morning sunlight, scattered in all directions. Jake’s shotgun barked, and a bird tumbled to the ground. I swung on another, feeling the familiar kick of the recoil as the shotgun roared. A second pheasant fell.

As we retrieved our birds, I couldn’t help but grin. The thrill of the hunt, the camaraderie of hunting with friends, and the beauty of the Iowa countryside had come together in a perfect moment. We spent the rest of the morning working our way through the field, flushing more pheasants and enjoying the camaraderie of the hunt. This year, Iowa’s youth pheasant season opens up October 19th, followed by the regular season opening up October 26th. For pheasant hunters, we look forward to opening day every year. Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the year that can help you make the most out of Pheasant Season 2024.

Prepare
One of the most critical aspects of successful pheasant hunting is scouting. By investing time in scouting, you can significantly increase your chances of encountering these elusive birds and maximizing your hunting experience. You can easily scout by utilizing two main tools: your vehicle and maps. There is no replacement to driving to an area and spending some time in the morning or evening listening for the cackle of a rooster. You also should keep your eyes peeled for pheasants feeding or ducking in and out of cover. Make a note of parking areas and if you observe others in the area. You might not want to waste your time on an over-hunted area.

The longer I hunt, the more I have come to understand that so much of a successful hunt is dependent on doing the background work and planning before I ever set foot on the hunting property. Incorporating some of these tips into your preseason plans will greatly improve your hunting experience. This fall when you pull up to the gate and the pups are howling, and roosters are cackling, don’t lose your grip on your well-designed approach. Carry your plan into the field and you will be carrying more roosters back to the truck.

Strategically Cover Fields
I find it best to hunt with a couple of friends to adequately cover large CRP fields. Breaking down large fields into smaller, more manageable sections can significantly increase your chances of encountering pheasants. One thing you can do is have your hunting partners spread out across the field, creating a wider hunting front. As you move forward, maintain a staggered formation to prevent birds from escaping through gaps. When there are enough guns and dogs to adequately cover a field of good habitat, this is probably the safest, and most thorough way to hunt the field.

Another approach can include breaking a large field into sections and hunting those particular sections. Keep the birds in front of you as you encourage your hunting companions to move at slightly different paces. This variation can disrupt pheasant coveys and force them to flush. You want to work your way toward natural features like creek beds or field edges where pheasants are more likely to congregate. Aim to drive birds towards these areas, increasing your chances of a flush. Remember, safety is paramount. Ensure that all hunters are aware of their surroundings and maintain proper gun safety at all times. Communication and coordination are essential for a successful hunt.

Understand Pheasant Habitat
Just because pheasant hunting is available in an area, doesn’t mean there will be pheasants there. First, you need to find pheasants, and look for promising habitat. Look for areas with a mix of tall grass, brush, and agricultural fields. These areas often provide the ideal combination of cover and food for pheasants. Pheasant habitat can vary throughout the year. During the breeding season, they may prefer more open areas, while in the winter, they may seek shelter in denser cover.

If you’re still looking for an area, you can consult with experienced hunters or wildlife biologists to identify the best pheasant hunting spots in your area. “The Iowa Sportsman’s Atlas” also lists the public hunting areas in Iowa along with access. This can be a good tool to use when scouting.

Choose the Right Gear
When it comes to gear, there is a plethora of different options. From vests, to hats, dog collars, and guns, you have a bunch of different options. First, you want to have a comfortable shotgun. For ammo, be mindful of the restrictions of the area you’re hunting. You may be limited from using lead loads. You also want to pattern your ammo with your choke and gun. Once you have your vest, gun, choke, and ammo set, you’ve got your most vital pieces ready to go. I also recommend a good pair of boots as you will be walking a lot. They should be broken in and comfortable. Lastly, you don’t have to hunt with a dog, but a well-trained hunting dog can greatly change your pheasant hunting experience.

Be Patient and Persistent
Pheasant hunting opened up last month. Several hunters hunt the first week or two before they’re done. However, the hunting keeps getting better and better. While most hunters retreat to their warm homes as the mercury drops, I embrace the frigid conditions. The crowds that overwhelm public hunting areas during the early season have thinned significantly by the time temperatures plummet.

It’s a trade-off, of course. The cold can be biting, and it requires extra preparation and layers of warmth. But the reward is undeniable: more hunting ground to explore and fewer competitors vying for the same birds. The biggest challenge is often finding a hunting buddy who’s willing to endure the cold with you. Most people prefer the comfort of their homes, but for those of us who crave the thrill of the hunt, the frigid temperatures are just another obstacle to overcome.

Pheasant hunting can be challenging, but it’s important to maintain a positive attitude. You won’t flush a myriad of birds every time you go out, that’s how hunting goes. However, keep some notes, and keep going out. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from experienced pheasant hunters. Remember, pheasant hunting is about more than just bagging birds. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature.