Pheasant hunting at Grizzly?

[amishfarmer]

So I'm trying my hand at Pheasant hunting this year. Pretty much my first time. I know Grizzly Island is usually crowded with waterfowl hunters and whatnot. I'm gonna bring my dog( not trained for pheasant but will retrieve one if shot) and I have a hunters orange hat. Anything else I should know about or bring besides the standard stuff ( gun,ammo, type A pass, hunter license, upland stamp).
I'm heading out on Sunday I cant make the opener

[bigbossman]

Pheasant hunting at Grizzly......

If you do not have a trained dog, finding pheasants the traditional way will be difficult. But fear not - I have a nice, easy way for you to have a decent chance at success.

All the way in the back, there is a river/slough that separates Grizzly from the Bird's Landing private club. Many birds across the river are shot at and missed, and they often flee straight across the river to Grizzly Island. So bring your dog and a chair, sit yourself down on the dyke along the river bank, and wait for flyovers. You'll be out of the way of the duck hunters, you should get some opportunities, and you won't have to work hard for them.

You're welcome.

[amishfarmer]

Thanks for the advice. I knew about the club across the river, I hadnt thought about the birds that are missed. I will check that out

[amishfarmer]

I just realized I have fished in that same area. I might throw a line in the water while I'm at it

[jbk]

Don’t know if your dog has been shot over or not. Some dogs shut down with guns. If dog is ok with gun fire and you are walking it, keep dog close. Like within gun range. You don’t want dog running amuck, busting a bird 70 yds out.

[amishfarmer]

He has been shot over, I hunt dove with him all the time. I will keep him nearby thanks.

[NapalmCheese]

Anything else I should know about or bring besides the standard stuff ( gun,ammo, type A pass, hunter license, upland stamp).

DEET, Advantix, and tweazers.

[amishfarmer]

Yeah my dog is covered with anti-tick/flea/mosquito. I'll grab something for me out of my fishing gear or out of my truck

[amishfarmer]

I decided to increase my chances of going home not empty handed and got my CA and Fed water fowl stamps in case I jump or see any ducks worth trying to take.
I'm thinking 3in #3 should with my 12 ga should cover both ducks and pheasant. Unfortunately my barrel has no removable choke but I'm comfortable with spreads and ranges with this load since I've hunted duck before with this gun.
I'm not getting my hopes up for a big number of birds, but looking forward to being in the field.

Side note: if I perchance come across a dove I may take a shot depending on how close they are. I know #3 is overkill for dove

[Odd_Ball]

OP, you mentioned a blaze orange hunters hat, but I think you need a blaze orange vest as well. Good luck.

[amishfarmer]

Well I'm screwed cause I dont have a vest. Orange is not required according to the CDFW website. But I think grizzly requires one item.
Either way I'm hunting public land and I dont want to be shot.

[bigbossman]

Walmart has orange vests cheap.

[amishfarmer]

Vest was not required.
Walked 7 miles looking for pheasant. The club across the slough didnt seem to be pushing them across.
Jumped some ducks and a snow goose but they were flying away and I was being a little picky with my shots.
I ended up getting a coot, only because I didnt want to go empty and it flew towards me instead of away.
Plus, I figured I wont know if I like them till I try them. Got some recipes online that seem to be good. Seems the key is getting all the fat off the meat and not overcooking it

[bigbossman]

Thanks for posting the update. Let us know how that coot tastes.... I have recipes too, but never had the courage to actually try them out.

[Boarhuntor]

..... how that coot tastes.... I have recipes too, but never had the courage to actually try them out.