pheasant hunting?
January 10, 2008 by blog100
Steve asked:
is it ok to shoot a pheasant that is still on the ground or does that defeat the purpose of the hunt
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6 Responses to “pheasant hunting?”
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Most pheasants are on the ground when you shoot them. Heck I shoot dove out of trees. Whatever gets the job done.
The only problem with shooting a pheasant on the ground is there is a good chance at hitting your dog if he/she seen or sniffed it first. Best to let the dog flush it first
(I go pheasant hunting with my brother in southern Ontario, it’s hard to find pheasant with out a dog)
I’ve shot grouse sitting on the trail with my .410. It’s really nice to shoot a couple grouse while rabbit hunting, it makes a great stew
Some sportsmen consider “ground sluicing” of pheasants unethical. I personally have no problem with it, but if you’re hunting with dogs, don’t do it. It’s too much chance of hitting the dog by accident, and especially don’t do it if you’re hunting over someone else’s dogs. Dogs can usually get the birds to fly anyway.
Don’t take a ground shot. That is too easy. Like someone else said you might hit your dog. Take a flying shot. If you can’t hit a pheasant in the fly you don’t need to be hunting.
That is considered Unsportsmanlike Conduct.* You have to be pretty desperate and not a True Hunter to do such a thing.* You also have violated the fair chase principle.*
Depends.
Wild birds? No, it’s not OK to shoot. Unless you’re really hungry and really want a bird to take home. To share with your dog, of course.
Wild birds but it’s the last day of the season and you’re empty handed and empty freezered as well? Sure. What the heck. Blast away. You’ve earned it.
Planted birds that you paid for, to assist in dog training? No. The training is much more valuable if the birds can (and do!) fly. Much better to wait for him/her to point it, even if you have to redirect your dog back to this bird.
Planted birds that you paid for but your dog is already passed out/in the truck/done for the day? Yeah…go for it!