Quick Answer
Late season pheasants tend to favor feeding at sunrise, particularly when temperatures drop below 25°F (-4°C) and snow cover is present, making the ground a bit harder to walk on and increasing their reliance on these morning feeding areas.
Late Season Pheasant Behavior
Late season pheasants often concentrate in areas where they can easily find food, particularly if snow cover has made other food sources inaccessible. These areas tend to be near water sources, particularly where the ground is warmer and less affected by the cold temperatures. In general, these areas can be 1-2 miles from water sources, and the birds tend to move into these feeding areas at sunrise when temperatures are below 25°F (-4°C).
Sunrise Feeding Areas
When searching for late season pheasants, it’s essential to focus on areas where the sun hits the ground first. This typically occurs in south-facing slopes, draws, and creek beds, where the ground is more exposed to the early morning sun. Pheasants tend to move into these areas to take advantage of the warmth and the insects and seeds that are more active in these warmer spots. When walking through these areas, use a zig-zag pattern to cover more ground and use the wind to your advantage by keeping it in your face to reduce the likelihood of spooking birds.
Hunting Techniques for Late Season Pheasants
When hunting late season pheasants, it’s crucial to move quietly and use the terrain to your advantage. Use a group push technique to move through the terrain, with the hunters moving in a line, spaced 10-15 yards apart, to avoid spooking the birds. When you come across a likely feeding area, take a moment to observe the birds and determine their movement patterns before making a shot. Use the cover of the terrain to get as close as possible to the birds before taking your shot, and be prepared to move quickly to get into position.
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