Sportsmen learn rather quickly that words alone do not translate into birds. Scientific evidence is needed, and if counts are low, it’ s better for hunters to know ahead of time they may need to work a little harder or look for new locations. An optimistic prediction without real evidence to back it up results in pessimistic attitudes the next year, which should come as no shock to anyone. We can handle the truth, so tell us. |
Predators not a factor As an aside, the Nest Predator Bounty Program had and still has zero overall impact on pheasant numbers, and no one who sees more birds this fall should make the mistake of claiming the program is starting to show results. It never has worked, and never will. Habitat and weather are the only variables that make much difference, and the better the habitat, the less effect weather has. We can’ t control weather, but we can control how much quality habitat we have. The farm program has more impact on habitat than other factors, which is kind of sad.
As a landowner, I have an ethical obligation to ensure the management of my property takes wildlife and the protection of our environment
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into account. It only requires a short drive in the countryside to see not every landowner feels that same obligation. Farm Welfare Queens use USDA payments as their main, if not only factor in their decision making. Each acre of cropland shifts tax dollars from our pockets to theirs. While rules require good conservation techniques, in actual practice it doesn’ t always work that way. Drain tile and ditches, plowing of virgin soil, bulldozing tree belts designed to keep dirt where it belongs and pretty much every management practice that runs contrary to the philosophy of conservation and personal responsibility to the community are too often accepted by those who hand out checks.
Productive land managers To be clear, not every farm or ranch owner allows their soil to blow or pollutes surface and groundwater with hazardous chemicals. Not every farm or ranch operator mines the land, removing nutrients and destroying all diversity, rather than even attempting to understand the delicate balance required to work with nature without destroying it. I have a huge amount of respect for landowners who take their land management
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responsibilities seriously and consider the consequences of their actions beyond simply the size of their bank account. These men and women feed us and keep our environment healthy. I do not begrudge them receiving government checks to keep their family and future generations of farmers and ranchers on the land. They deserve our admiration and should be wearing the crowns given to welfare queens.
These conscientious landowners are also the ones who have pheasants, deer and other wildlife, even after crops are harvested. They don’ t need to buy pen-raised birds to have a decent hunt, or for that matter, hunt the neighbor’ s or public lands to find a bird. I personally think the best time to look for a good spot or general area to hunt is in spring.
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If all you see is black dirt, look elsewhere. It’ s harder to spot drained wetlands and lack of nesting cover in the fall. And of course, roosters are on the road during mating season, strutting around to impress hens hiding in the ditch. That alone tells you there’ s year-round habitat nearby.
Fall Fishing
For those who couldn’ t care less about pheasant hunting, or are just too old or crippled to stomp around fields or to wade through muck to set up waterfowl decoys( this would include me), we are fast approaching the time of year to get out on the water with a fishing pole. Whether you’ re looking for walleyes or anything with fins that will bite, fall fishing is hard to beat. Maybe fish are like bears. Both are looking
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