Going out after pheasants this afternoon. They were turned loose Nov 1, and are as wild as March hares now. Last time out, some were getting up 100 yds in front of the dogs, and rarely flush a bird on initial point as they are running big time.
Young dog Fancy acts as if she is hurting, whining and yiping when I pick her up. Havent hunted her in 10 days, hopefully nothing, but will take to vet if she doesnt seem better tomorrow. Betty will get the call today.
Also, something new for me--flocks of sandhill cranes were flying over on Sunday while deer hunting--have never seen them around here before.
GH 16 will be carried today.

Well, red-tails aren't so much of a problem for the grouse where I hunt but barred owls, and goshawks do a number on them both day and night.






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Go Betty!

I had a similar experience as the OP but instead of a hawk it was a raven. The pheasant although wounded in the wing mounted an offensive and the raven left empty handed. Plucky bird but no match for a load of #4.

Red tail hawks are no match for a pheasant on the wing. The OP's red tail was a lucky opportunist. Up here it is the coopers, goshawks and great horned owls that my club is plagued with.

Where is "up here" David?





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Calgary, Alberta, CA -Goose season closed yesterday and club pheasants starts today and ends the end of March. Unfortunately my Parker is still in your country enjoying the spa and doing a facial.

Wouldn't it be nice if there were a special dispensation allowed to folks who simply send their C&R guns back and forth across the border for repairs only?





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We have a lot of bald eagles in our area, our property has two nests bringing out two new ones each year. While duck hunting, it's not uncommon for eagles to come after daylight, perch in dead trees and wait for action from the blind. Dead and crippled birds are often picked up by eagles before they can be retrieved.

We have many bald eagles here in western NY. They patrol our marsh daily. I have had them come into my decoy spread looking for a meal.