What size shot are you all using for pheasant?

[Upland]

I am using 7 1/2 and can't seem to get the roosters that spook well before I can step on them. I am thinking about going to 4's or 5's? Any thoughts?

A little history of where I shoot. Predominatly ***** orchards, easy to spot now with snow on the ground. I jumped on yesterday and he spooked about 5 feet in front of me. I had to scramble around and through a set of ***** tress and by the time I had my gun up and shot down range he was already 30-40 yards. Very frustrating to say the least. I chased him up a hill to first hide out, to another and one more before I cursed him and went the abundant quail.

[Liberty or death Jr.]

Federal Heavy field load #4's in a mod choke, thats all I use. My dad uses an over under with a Mod first shot Full second.

We hunt pheasant over dogs and usually shoot anywhere from 20-50.

[CH/QuakerBoyProstaff]

Check out Remington Nitro Pheasant loads in #5 or #6. You'll let the birds get farther away so they are still edible!

[tucker301]

Shot a bunch of 'em last year with low brass 8's, but they'd only been released a few hours

[timb99]

Released birds in a game farm, 7-1/2's work OK.

Wild birds, I use 4, 5, or 6 shot.

Late season, I use 4 or 5 shot.

[Upland]

Awesome help guys, much appreciated. The state doesn't plant any pheasant in our neck of the woods, so wild and hinky are all we got. Thanks again, hopefully I will fair well this weekend.

[TMAC]

If these birds are running and flying far out on you better reach for some #4 or #5's and use a mod or full choke and prepare yourself for the 40-50 yard shots. I have been Pheasant hunting all month and since the snow came they got awefull spooky. The dog looks birdy but they are all way ahead of him, and if they bust they will be out there - so take what you can get. If you have a couple of guys you can block for each other.

Forget the 7 - 8 shot, like throwing sand in the air at longer distances. You will only give the birds an eduacation, and you come home empty handed.

[Matt D]

On wild birds, we use #6 shot unless the wind blowing above 15 mph, then switch to #4 shot. I haved used Rm Nito and Kent Upland both worked well.

[Novaking]

federalI has a upland game load I shoot. I shoot #5's and its a max dram 1 1/4 load. I don't know if you need that much but here in Illinois birds flush at 40 and 50 yards so I need that much.


novaking

[Upland]

Nova, same here especially with the snow they either run like their tails are on fire or bolt and fly inches over the ***** trees...