I wondered about that also. Ofo course, on the preserves and hunt clubs you can shoot either sexed pheasant. Possibly so in NY on a State released bird arrangement. Many years ago (when I had Molly Behan O'Fallon- out of Mississippi Zev bloodlines) we had a MI State released pheasant program called "put and take". Back then I lived near a good deal of state land, but hunting the "Michigan Chickens" was not the same as native birds; pen fed and released just hours before sunrise, they flew like dirigibles and we no real sport to the gunner. Provided some good dog work however, and there were always partridges and woodcock around in the tag alders to miss as well!!
Now out in SD or MT where I have hunted native birds, a three or four Rooster per day limit is attainable, and the hens go unscathed to allow for future breeding. On the two clubs where I shoot here in MI, the hens on the tower shoots most often escape the barrage that "grasses" the roosters- smaller bird, faster perhaps- I can't say for sure. But I'm pushing 70 and grew up in the era where hens and quails were protected and a two bird/day Rooster limit in a 3 week open season. Hard to get used to taking hens, even preserve birds, for an "old dog" like me!!
Great fotos, and a very handsome male Setter indeed. Not Ryman or old Hemlock nick, what is his FDSB lineage if I may ask??
