With fall right around the corner in much of the country, pheasant season is quickly approaching. Seasoned hunters are already getting excited to don their favorite outerwear and head out into the fields in search of this hearty game bird. But being overly enthusiastic can cause even experienced marksmen to make mistakes. Use this brief guide to help you avoid a few of the most common ones.
3 Common Pheasant Hunting Mistakes to Avoid
1. Being Noisy
You might be filled to the brim with excitement over getting out into the beautiful grasslands that pheasants call home and hunting them down, and you might not be thinking about how much noise you're making. But too much noise can put you at a disadvantage right from the start. Even closing your car door too hard is enough to put these canny birds on alert. It's recommended that you park a few minutes away from where you want to hunt and walk the remaining distance. Also be sure to keep the chatter to a minimum.
2. Hunting in the Wrong Spot
One of the most important aspects of pheasant hunting is intuiting where the birds will be throughout the day and picking an appropriate spot to catch them by surprise. You may be tempted to head straight to a known roost, but if you don't arrive first thing in the morning, chances are that the birds will already have awoken and left to find food. During the day, you're most likely to find pheasants gorging themselves on grains. Find a field with lots of food, and be patient as you wait for the birds to reveal themselves to you.
3. Overdressing
You may be tempted to put on your warmest outerwear first thing in the morning to combat the cold, but don't forget that you'll be walking for a good portion of the day and may end up in the sun for extended periods of time. If you overdress, you're sure to overheat, and that can lead to disastrous consequences for your hunt. Instead, dress lighter than you expect you'll need to, and bring a backup coat in the truck.
If you're gearing up for your first hunt of the season and need extra outerwear, reach out to Over Under Clothing in Jacksonville, FL. This clothing and accessory store has everything you need to make your trip a success.They ship across the country and offer free shipping on orders over $50. Learn more about their products online, and call (904) 619-0577 to inquire about their stock.