Pheasant hunting requires less gear than other outdoor pursuits, and as a result, many hunters make the mistake of believing it doesn’t require as much strategy either.
In fact, most hunters think there are only a few rules to pheasant hunting—walk into the wind, follow the dog, don’t shoot hens. While it’s true these are the basics, underestimating the always-alert senses of today’s pheasants—especially educated birds that receive a lot of...

In the upland world, pheasants are regarded as the easiest bird to shoot. Their profile is larger than most upland quarry and their flight plan is measured and predictable. And because they prefer grass over trees, line of sight usually isn’t as much of an issue as with other winged game.
But hunters young and old still miss pheasants all the time. If you suck at connecting with roosters, your problems are likely rooted in flawed shooting...

Table scraps have defined our species’ close bond with dogs for millennia. I’d comfortably go so far as to suggest that handouts from early humans might have attracted those first curious canines to our encampments. In short order, they learned we’re messy eaters as well as hopeless suckers for the unmistakable look of self-pity and suffering from a dog that would really like a bite of your sandwich.
If sharing food with our canine companions has...

NFL quarterback Colt McCoy telling you “sweet catch” after scoring a touchdown is cool. NFL quarterback Colt McCoy telling you “sweet catch” after nabbing a flying quail is cooler.
In this week’s viral video, Matt Carter, a pastor from Texas, catches a flushed quail that flies right at him. Although many believe it’s fake, Carter and McCoy swear by its authenticity (but admit there was a bit of divine help...

Few hunts in North America can match the fast-paced action of wingshooting mourning doves. As one of the most popular game birds in the country (sorry, Michigan), there aren’t many secrets to a successful hunt, but that’s the beauty of targeting doves. You don’t need much gear and you don’t need an elaborate game plan to score a limit. However, if you want to put more dove jalapeño poppers on the table, here are a few tips to increase your...

Like bad company or political speeches, nothing lingers quite like the unmistakable scent of dog fur doused in skunk spray.
If you own bird dogs long enough, you’ll likely have to deal with a skunk encounter. While the striking white-on-black markings and raised tail evolved as an aposematic warning sign for predators, high-drive dogs are notorious for learning the hard way.
When that day comes, you’ll find yourself bombarded with home remedies...