The running ability of a South Dakota pheasant makes the proverbial roadrunner seem like a turtle.
Normally, birds run and flush into the next county before a hunter can get his gun loaded. However, the recent arctic blasts have changed the normally elusive ringneck into a bird of opportunity.
Freshly fallen powder slows down their gait like a flat tire, allowing hunters to get into shotgun range before the birds flush. Also, the bad weather forces pheasants to seek shelter, often in cedar patches, choke cherries, and any batch of brush or woods that provides cover from the elements.
Tracking pheasants is not a normal tactic, yet their trails in the snow will give you a good idea where birds are working and perhaps provide a few extra seconds of get-ready time before the flush.
Cold, snowy conditions across the nation make this a great time to hunt pheasants, with or without a dog.
You’ll want to dress warmly for the elements, but think of insulation in terms of performance. You’ll need gloves, yet you must be able to work the safety easily and maintain a steady grip on the forend. Shooting glasses will help deal with the cold, biting wind and provide extra protection should you walk into a stick in heavy cover.
Be cautious about your muzzle in deep snow, as a trip or stumble can plug the barrel and cause a safety issue.
The weather is cold, but the wing shooting is hot.
