16 Ga. "O" Frame Pheasants
 

I had an opportunity this past week to hunt pheasants in Kansas. I traveled from Florida with 5 friends and met two more in Kansas. I was the only one who brought a SXS and very much wanted to add a pheasant or two to the list of birds taken with my Parker. The first day was very pleasant and warm and I had three birds fall to the Parker and RST 2 1/2" #6's. I was very pleased how both gun and shells performed and was looking forward to the second day with the parker; however it was not to be. The wind on the second day was blowing around 35mph and the birds were getting off the ground way ahead of the hunters and I switched to the Beretta 303 12 gauge. The Beretta felt like I was carrying an anvil compared to the Parker, but it was better suited to the conditions.

The Parker is a VH 16 gauge on an O frame and was made in 1919. It is in original condition and I am very proud to be the current care taker.

very nice phesant gun you got there..charlie

Byron...How was the bird numbers and cover? I hunt Kansas but the drought took a big toll on cover and birds. I hope to go back in 2015 See any quail? thanks SXS ohio

Our Kansas wild pheasant and quail season opens next weekend Nov 8 and runs through Jan 31, except for the special two day youth season Nov 1-2.

We have some birds this year but the drought of the last few years has been hard on wild birds. We'll be able to tell better after the opener. Most areas of Kansas had adequate rainfall this year but it will take several years of that to recharge ground water, refill reservoirs and rebuild the pheasant population.

On the up side I have seen more pheasant in the past two weeks than at any time during the past 3 or 4 years and this is not prime pheasant country here in North East Kansas. My bird spotter has been telling me of seeing more large coveys of quail in the past month also. I'll wait a couple of weeks to let the tourist hunters clear the area and get my little Setter out to blow the stink off.

Thanks Charlie!

Kenny, the birds were not as plentiful as last year and we really had to do some walking to get what we did. It was bone dry and the dust was extreme. Only one covey of quail was kicked up and it was down at the other end of the line and no birds were taken. Last year we got into several coveys and I believe 8 or nine birds were harvested.

We were hunting a preserve near Hayes, however they have not put out birds in several years and the are all but wild. The shoot has hosted the Governor's shoot in past years and has quite a lot of property. I am sure it is representative of the area as far as bird numbers.

As I am from Florida, it was sure pretty to see the hills and a different part of the country.

Byron...

Bryon-

Where were you hunting? I have an old family farm in western KS (Gove County).. I want to get back there sometime soon. Not getting any younger.

Hey Jeff,

We were hunting at the Seven 2 Bar Adventures, Goddard Ranch, near Hayes.

I hope you get an opportunity to go home. A very smart friend of mine told me years ago, don't put things off in life that you have a passion for; As you may not have another opportunity. I learned that a little less than two years ago when my 58 Y.O. brother had a severe stroke. Enjoy it while you can!

Byron...

Byron-

Thanks for the reply. I was born in Hays. The farm is about an hour an a half west.

I have serious prostate cancer and am very much aware of (my) mortality. I don't much believe in bucket lists but I do believe in following your heart or passion. I'll get there to hunt and spread the remainder of my mothers ashes.

Jeff

Hey Jeff,

It sure is pretty country where you are from. I hope you get the opportunity to get home soon.

Best wishes,

Byron...