Planning a Week-Long Pheasant Hunting Trip
Planning a Week-Long Pheasant Hunting Trip
Are you ready to hit the open road with human’s best friend for a week-long upland adventure? Well, you have found the right place for your go-to items and preparations for such a trip.
Over the last 4-5 years, I have been fortunate to have had the chance to chase many upland species across multiple states. Along many of these trips, I have learned that there is a basic list of items you will need and plans to make well before firing up the truck and heading out.
The very first step would be coming up with a destination and goal for your trip. Are you looking to just explore new ground? Are you targeting a new species or expanding your hunting options? Maybe you are considering hunting in a new state? Or, maybe you plan to meet up with friends? Lastly, perhaps you plan and do all of the above? This prep work can start as early as you want to, and can help when getting ready for fall.
Scout for Birds
Getting ready early will give you plenty of time to scout or e-scout if you are not nearby. Call and connect with the local wildlife agency to see what suggestions they have and maybe help confirm some preliminary research you’ve done. They are usually very helpful and sometimes can give you spots you may have overlooked. Then, lastly, most states have some form of bird count that will be released in early fall to help pinpoint areas that might be promising for hunting opportunities. They also have several apps out now that can help guide you to public access or private landowner info if you’re looking to get on private land. This is an exceptional tool in the field. Download maps ahead of time if you think cell service will be an issue. You can also use your Iowa Sportsman Atlas to find spots.
Once your destination has been chosen, you will need to look into your lodging options. Some states have BLM (Bureau of Land Management) grounds that you can camp on for free, while others require you to stay in a designated campground or location.
Some hunters book a hotel to come back and get a good night’s rest before going out again. If you plan to take your pets into the hotel, call ahead, as many hotels charge a fee per pet per night, which can run you approximately $25 on average per pet/ night. Roadside motels can be a great, cheaper route for lodging and usually are more lenient on dog policies and prices. If you are camping and power is limited, be sure to use the truck to charge collars, phones, etc., while driving between fields.
Prepare For Obstacles
Let’s face it, when we’re out in wild places with our dogs, things can and (if you do this enough) will happen. The best thing you can do is to stay calm and be prepared! A small first aid kit for dogs can help in the field and can be carried in your game bag. On-hand items such as tweezers, small scissors, a small travel tampon for impaled injury (if bad enough), and a to-go honey packet if your dog needs sugar, can be really helpful in the moment. Back at the truck, you can have your larger items like: gauze, staple gun, peroxide, eye flush, etc.
There are several companies that have great hunting dog first aid kits to keep on hand. It’s important to keep an eye on items in this kit for expiration and renew as needed. Lastly, get a list of local veterinarians in the area. This way, if things need immediate care, you have a plan in place. Call ahead to the vet office and get details on emergency contact info and hours. This can be critical, especially as some of these places we hunt have limited cell phone service. The last thing you want to do is to be stuck in a bad situation, trying to research a local emergency vet with no service or plan (been there).
Additional Supplies
Water and food are going to be very important to keep those four-legged machines hydrated and energized. Do some research ahead of time regarding how easily accessible water is for refills. One place that usually has water is a campground. Be aware that, depending on the season, some campgrounds may have the water turned off even if you can camp there. So plan ahead.
If there are not many water options, you may need to plan accordingly and haul more out with you rather than get it once you arrive. Bring plenty of your preferred dog food and maybe even some pumpkin filling or green beans if you have a finicky eater on the road. This will help encourage the dog to eat. I like to take extra dog food, as sometimes they can tend to eat more on these trips.
Hunter Essentials
Of course, you can’t leave home without the basic hunting essentials as well. Proper clothing, including legal blaze-orange, proper footwear, gun, ammunition, and food (if applicable). For your dog, you might bring a dog stake or tie out, dog bowls, a dog vest, e-collars, and chargers. Of course, you can add and subtract from this list depending on location and goals for the trip.
With this list (and any other items you prefer to have while traveling), you will be sure to help point you in the right direction for a successful trip.
By Nick Martin
October 2025
Here is some Dog Drills to make sure they are ready as well
Or if you are looking for the digital version of this months issue here it is below
Looking for the Cattle/Dairy side of things
