Top 10 Dog Breeds for Pheasant Hunting

Pheasant hunting is a thrilling and challenging outdoor activity that requires both skill and preparation. One of the most important elements of a successful pheasant hunt is having the right dog by your side. A good pheasant hunting dog must have strong scenting abilities, excellent fieldwork skills, and the stamina to handle long hours in varied terrain. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a novice looking for your first hunting companion, choosing the right breed is crucial.

Here are the top 10 dog breeds best suited for pheasant hunting:

1. English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a classic hunting dog known for its versatility and intelligence. This breed excels at flushing out pheasants from dense cover and can retrieve both on land and in water. Their friendly, eager-to-please personality makes them easy to train, and they have plenty of energy to work in the field all day.

Key Traits:

• Great scenting ability
• Excellent flushing skills
• Enthusiastic and high-energy
• Great in both upland and waterfowl hunting

2. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular hunting dogs in the world, and for good reason. These dogs are known for their natural retrieving instincts, strong scenting ability, and calm demeanor. While they are most commonly associated with waterfowl hunting, they also make excellent upland bird hunters, including pheasants. Their stamina and drive make them ideal for long hunting sessions.

Key Traits:

• Exceptional retrieving instincts
• Strong scenting ability
• Versatile and adaptable in various hunting environments
• Friendly and loyal temperament

3. German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is a highly versatile hunting dog with a strong prey drive and excellent scenting ability. GSPs are well-known for their ability to track, point, and retrieve pheasants in the field. Their high energy and enthusiasm for hunting, combined with their intelligence, make them one of the top choices for pheasant hunters who need a hard-working and reliable companion.

Key Traits:

• Strong scenting and pointing ability
• High energy and endurance
• Smart and trainable
• Excellent on both upland and waterfowl hunts

4. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a versatile and hardy dog that excels in harsh environments. Known for its excellent scenting abilities and ability to work in thick cover, the Griffon is a superb choice for pheasant hunters. Its wiry coat offers protection in dense brush, and its tenacity ensures that it can work long hours in the field without tiring.

Key Traits:

• Strong scenting and pointing skills
• Durable, wiry coat for protection in dense cover
• Excellent stamina and work ethic
• Good in cold and wet conditions

5. Brittany Spaniel

The Brittany Spaniel (often just called a Brittany) is a high-energy, compact bird dog known for its exceptional fieldwork and pointing ability. Though it’s one of the smaller breeds, it has a huge heart and a tremendous drive to hunt. Its natural ability to find and flush pheasants in thick cover, coupled with its agility and stamina, makes it an ideal hunting companion.

Key Traits:

• Exceptional pointing instincts
• High energy and stamina
• Agile and fast in the field
• Very trainable and eager to please

6. Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is a highly skilled hunting dog with a sleek coat and powerful frame. Known for its excellent nose and ability to track down pheasants over long distances, the Weimaraner is a versatile dog that can handle both upland and waterfowl hunting. This breed's high energy and stamina make it well-suited to long, strenuous days in the field.

Key Traits:

• Strong scenting and tracking ability
• Fast and agile
• High energy and endurance
• Independent but trainable

7. Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel may be smaller than some other hunting breeds, but its determination and excellent scenting abilities make it a great choice for pheasant hunting. Cocker Spaniels are known for their ability to work in dense cover and for their natural talent as flushers. Their smaller size allows them to maneuver easily through thick brush, and their retrieving abilities make them a reliable choice for hunters.

Key Traits:

• Strong flushing instincts
• Small, agile, and adaptable in dense cover
• Easy to train and eager to please
• Excellent for hunters looking for a compact bird dog

8. Pointer (English or American)

Pointers, both English and American, are renowned for their exceptional pointing ability and strong prey drive. Their highly sensitive noses allow them to detect pheasants from long distances, and they are known for holding their point steady until the hunter gets close. Their lean, athletic build allows them to cover vast amounts of ground efficiently.

Key Traits:

• Excellent pointing and scenting abilities
• Steady and reliable in the field
• Great stamina and endurance
• Intelligent and responsive to training

9. Shorthair Pointer

The Shorthair Pointer (also known as the German Shorthaired Pointer) is a highly energetic and versatile hunting dog. This breed excels in a variety of terrains, from open fields to thick brush. With their strong scenting abilities and natural pointing instinct, Shorthair Pointers are often used by hunters looking for a dog that can both track and retrieve pheasants.

Key Traits:

• Superb pointing and retrieving abilities
• Strong scenting capability
• High endurance and energy levels
• Very versatile in upland hunting

10. Vizsla

The Vizsla is an elegant and athletic breed known for its natural pointing and retrieving skills. Their high energy and friendly temperament make them excellent companions for pheasant hunters. Vizslas have a strong nose for scenting and are equally comfortable in dense cover or open fields. This breed is also known for its loyalty and bond with its handler.

Key Traits:

• Excellent pointing and retrieving instincts
• Friendly and loyal
• Energetic and good stamina
• Very trainable and eager to please

Conclusion

When choosing the best dog breed for pheasant hunting, it’s important to consider factors such as scenting ability, fieldwork skills, stamina, and temperament. Each of these 10 breeds excels in different aspects of pheasant hunting, but they all share the drive and intelligence needed for a successful day in the field. Whether you're looking for a dog to flush birds from dense cover, point and track pheasants, or retrieve your game, one of these breeds is sure to be the perfect hunting companion.

When selecting your dog, consider your hunting style, preferred terrain, and the amount of training you’re prepared to invest. With the right breed, you’ll have a loyal and hardworking partner that will help you enjoy many successful hunting seasons ahead.

 

Pheasant Hunt Stewart MN November 17 2024

It had been just over a week since our nearly 7-year-old Val passed away after a hunt, and I wasn't quite ready to hunt again. However, our 12-year-old setter, Tasha, was tired of being cooped up at home. On a fairly nice day with 50-degree temperatures and a slight breeze, I loaded up Tasha and some water and headed into the field.

Tasha went on point almost immediately, but it turned out to be a hen. We worked the eastern end of the field, which bordered a picked soybean field, and had two more hen points. Turning south, Tasha locked up on a scent, and this time I flushed a nice rooster that I was able to bring down with a shot from my 12-gauge Beretta semi-auto with an improved choke and #6 shot.

We continued along the west side of the property, and about a quarter of the way, Tasha pointed again. I took two shots at the flushing rooster, but it flew off with a damaged leg. Despite a lengthy search, we were unable to locate it in the cattails and standing water. I switched to #5 shot after this incident.

As we worked around the cattails, we didn't move any more birds until we reached the west end and started working the grass again. We got three more hen points, but no additional roosters, before heading back to the truck.

 

It was a nice hunt that helped get Tasha back into the field, as she had been a bit lonely without her companion.

 

 

 

 

We hunted about 2 hours… Tasha was doing well at 1:45 but was tired from the extra 15 minutes.

The best public hunting areas for pheasants in Kansas

According to AI these are the best public hunting areas for pheasants in Kansas:

1. Northwest Kansas (generally highest pheasant numbers):

• Norton Wildlife Area (Norton County)
• Glen Elder Wildlife Area (Mitchell County)
• Jamestown Wildlife Area (Cloud/Republic Counties)
• Webster Wildlife Area (Rooks County)

2. Southwest Kansas:

• Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area (Barton County)
• Clark State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area (Clark County)
• Isabel Wildlife Area (Barber County)
• Texas Lake Wildlife Area (Meade County)

3. North Central Kansas:

• Ottawa State Fishing Lake (Ottawa County)
• Wilson Wildlife Area (Russell County)
• Lovewell Wildlife Area (Jewell County)

Key tips for Kansas hunting:

• Focus on Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) program lands - Kansas has one of the largest private land access programs in the country
• Check the annual upland bird forecast from KDWP
• Best hunting typically follows wheat harvest and after first frost
• Look for areas with a mix of CRP grasslands, plum thickets, and crop fields
• Northwest Kansas consistently produces the highest bird numbers
• Early season can be tough due to standing crops
• Public hunting areas near major cities (Wichita, Kansas City) get heavy pressure

Top Public Pheasant Hunting Areas In Iowa

Here are the best public areas for pheasant hunting in Iowa:

1. Northwest Iowa (typically highest pheasant numbers):

• Badger Lake Wildlife Area (Monona County)
• Elk Grove Wildlife Area (Guthrie County)
• Spring Run Complex (Dickinson County)
• Union Hills WMA (Cerro Gordo County)

2. North Central Iowa:

• Union Hills (Worth County)
• Rice Lake Wildlife Area (Worth/Winnebago Counties)
• Big Marsh Wildlife Area (Butler County) These areas combine grassland habitat with wetland edges.

3. Southwest Iowa:

• Mount Ayr Wildlife Area (Ringgold County)
• Sand Creek Wildlife Area (Decatur County)
• Forney Lake (Fremont County)

Key tips for Iowa hunting:

• Focus on IHAP (Iowa Habitat Access Program) lands - these are private lands opened to public hunting
• Look for areas combining CRP fields with food plots
• Most productive areas tend to be near the Minnesota and Missouri borders
• Check the DNR's August roadside survey for current pheasant populations by region
• Best hunting often comes after crop harvest
• Public land is more limited than Dakotas, so early season can be crowded
• Winter weather conditions greatly affect bird numbers year to year

by Tim Esse

According to AI These Are The Top Public Hunting Areas For Pheasants In Minnesota

Here are some of the best public land areas for pheasant hunting in Minnesota:

1. Southwest Region (prime pheasant territory):

• Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Madison
• Big Stone WMA near Ortonville
• Ruthton WMA in Pipestone County

2. West-Central Region:

• Ordway Prairie near Sedan
• Chippewa Prairie near Montevideo
• Habitat Corridor WMAs in Pope County

3. South-Central Minnesota:

• Swan Lake WMA in Nicollet County
• Talcot Lake WMA in Cottonwood County
• Vermillion Highlands near Rosemount

Key tips for MN pheasant hunting:

• Focus on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) with at least 100 acres
• Look for land enrolled in the Walk-In Access (WIA) program, especially in southwestern counties
• Use the DNR Recreation Compass online tool to find public hunting land
• The "Minnesota Pheasant Range" roughly follows I-94 south and west
• Best success is typically in the prairie portion of the state where there's a mix of grassland and agriculture

Many of the best areas are found in what's known as the "pheasant belt" - roughly from Worthington to Morris.

 

Top Public Hunting Areas For Pheasants In South Dakota According To AI

This is the advice one AI tool gave me.....

Some of the best public access areas include:

1. Walk-In Areas (WIAs) in central South Dakota, particularly in:

• Hughes County
• Lyman County
• Hand County These areas consistently have high pheasant populations and good habitat.

2. Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) in the northeastern region:

• Marshall County
• Day County These offer excellent cover and are well-maintained for wildlife.

3. Game Production Areas (GPAs):

• The Fort Pierre National Grassland (Hughes/Stanley counties)
• The Grand River National Grassland (Perkins County) Both offer vast tracts of public land with strong pheasant numbers.

Key tips:

• Focus on areas with a mix of grassland, cattails, and agricultural fields
• The James River Valley region generally has excellent pheasant habitat
• Check the annual pheasant brood survey reports from SD Game, Fish & Parks for current population trends
• Get a Public Hunting Atlas from SD GFP for detailed maps

Top Public Pheasant Hunting Areas In Colorado

According to AI these are the Top Public Pheasant Hunting Areas In Colorado:

1. Northeast Colorado:

• Tamarack State Wildlife Area (Yuma County)
• Bonny State Wildlife Area (Yuma County)
• Jumping Mouse State Wildlife Area (Logan County) This region has a good mix of CRP lands, crop fields, and wetlands that attract pheasants.

2. Southeast Colorado:

• John Martin Reservoir State Wildlife Area (Bent County)
• Two Buttes State Wildlife Area (Baca County)
• Vilas State Wildlife Area (Baca County) The Arkansas River Valley in this area provides excellent pheasant habitat.

3. North-Central Colorado:

• Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area (Washington County)
• North Sterling State Wildlife Area (Logan County) These areas along the South Platte River corridor are known for good pheasant populations.

Key tips for Colorado:

• Focus on areas with a mix of grassy cover, crop fields, and riparian habitat along rivers/reservoirs
• Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife's annual small game reports for the latest pheasant population data
• More limited public land access compared to other Great Plains states
• Consider getting an on-demand small game access permit for some private lands
• Best hunting is typically mid-late season after crops are harvested
  

Best public access areas for pheasant hunting in Nebraska, according to AI

Here are the best public access areas for pheasant hunting in Nebraska:

1. Southwest Nebraska

• The McCook area, particularly:
  • Red Willow Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
  • Medicine Creek WMA
  • Swanson Reservoir WMA These areas have good CRP land and crop field edges.

2. South Central Region

• Rainwater Basin region, especially:
  • Sacramento-Wilcox WMA in Phelps County
  • Harvard WMA in Clay County
  • McMurtrey Marsh in Clay County These areas combine wetlands with upland habitat.

3. Northeast Nebraska:

• Knox County area:
  • Oak Valley WMA
  • Bohemia Prairie WMA
• The Lewis & Clark Lake area

Key tips for Nebraska hunting:

• Focus on edges between CRP grasslands and crop fields
• Look for Open Fields and Waters (OFW) Program lands, which are private lands opened to public hunting
• Public access is more limited than South Dakota, so consider the Nebraska Public Access Atlas essential
• Best hunting is often near water sources and thick cover
• Later season can be better as crops are harvested

Remember that pheasant populations in Nebraska are generally lower than South Dakota, but these areas consistently produce birds.

Albert Lea MN Pheasant Hunt Nov 2 2024

Made a run to the Albert Lea area for an afternoon hunt.  We had hunted here on opening weekend and got one bird.  We started the day with 8 hen points and then Val bumped a rooster at 120 yds.... she was working a tailwind so I wasn't too upset.

Val was working some scent a ways off as I was trying to get Tasha to move in her direction... it ended up being a hen.  We started to work our way back to the truck and Val went on point.  This time the rooster held until I could get there to flush it and was able to take it in one shot.

As we got closer to the road the dogs were both working areas of scent and a nice big rooster got up and another single shot dropped him.

It was a good hunt.  A bit warm @ 55 degs but sun and a nice breeze.

 

Pheasant Hunting: South Dakota’s Best Public Lands | onX Hunt | Video

 

The excitement of pheasant season is back! Whether you're gearing up for your first hunt of the season or just looking for some pre-hunt inspiration, this 2023 adventure will get you in the zone. Join Lake Pickle, Ben Brettingen, and special guest Sam Soholt as they team up with their dogs to hunt a variety of properties and bring down roosters. 

In this video, we also introduce the PATH program (Public Access To Habitat), our collaboration with Pheasants Forever and the state of South Dakota. This initiative is opening up more public land, boosting local economies, and creating quality habitat for birds. 

Watch the trio in action as they navigate thick brush, encounter surprises like a buck, swap dogs (for some well deserved rest), and check out new hunting spots using onX Hunt maps. This 2023 pheasant adventure is full of great moments that will have you ready for your own hunt! Don’t miss out—hit play and follow along with us this season! #PheasantOpener #PheasantHunt #SouthDakotaHunting #onXHunt #PATHProgram #PheasantsForever #PublicLand #HuntingDogs