Chinese ring-necked
pheasants are a favored upland game-bird.
The Chinese ring-necked pheasant is among the most popular of the upland game birds. The wing-shooting techniques used for hunting pheasants are essentially the same as those used for hunting any other game bird.
Early Season Loadout
Use a 12, 20 or 28 gauge shotgun -- loaded with No. 5 shot -- early in the season. The birds are not as jumpy as later in the season, and typically allow the hunter and dogs to draw closer before they flush. Use a modified or improved cylinder choke; these chokes are ideal for up-close shooting.
Late Season Loadout
Pheasants are more skittish -- and flush at greater distances -- as hunting season draws to a close; the birds often often fly wide in a number of directions. Hunting under these conditions requires a combination of a tight choke pattern coupled with superior knock-down power. Use a 12 gauge shotgun with a modified or full choke. Use No. 4 or No. 5 magnum loads.
Leading The Shot
Track the pheasant with the front sight or bead of your shotgun as the bird flies. Hold the bead just in front of the flight path of the bird as you pull the trigger. This is referred to as "leading the shot," and is an important technique in shooting moving targets. The required degree of lead depends on the distance of the target. Lead the shot further ahead of the bird at longer distances.
Determining Distance
Determine the distance of the bird by using the front sight or bead of your shotgun. Lead the target only slightly If the front sight appears to be about the same size of the bird's head. Lead the target twice as much If the bead appears to be the same size as the whole bird. Lead the shot significantly forward if the bead is larger than the bird.
Pheasant Flight Patterns
Pheasants are fast flyers, and have some of the most tricky flight patterns of any game bird. Pheasants often turn into the wind to gain rapid elevation. Another common pheasant tactic is to fly in a straight flight path before darting suddenly to the side. This tactic is identified by a slight lean as the bird flies.
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