Hi everyone. I'm really interested in getting into pheasant/waterfowl shooting this fall or next year. I'm taking the safety course in August. My only experience is going twice in the UK and limited to a private farm. Does anyone know of any groups in the Twin Cities or better yet in the south metro that would be open to a new (read: only been twice) person? I'm hoping to avoid the expensive businesses that organize trips. Thanks in advance!

For pheasant hunting, get a map from the DNR of wildlife management areas or waterfowl production areas, bone up on the laws and go hunting. There is no fee on these properties except for the hunting standard Minnesota hunting licenses and appropriate stamp.

Bets is to maybe check around where you work, there may be some upland bird hunters or waterfowlers that would take you along on a local hunting trip.

Thanks for the tips. The folks I work with are not the hunting type so it's difficult. I was hoping that there might be organized "shoots" as there are in England. That being said, I might just have to take the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and peace on my own.

Follow this link to a variety of pheasant hunts, clubs and preserves.

http://www.gamebirdhunts.com/us-hunting/Minnesota.asp

Anyone know if a carry permit is valid on the WPAs? I know they are good on state owned property (state parks, forests, WMAs) but WPAs are federal land aren't they?

http://www.fws.gov/refuges/faqs/WPAs.html



I'd guess your carry permit would work fine.

What we do here in the US would be considered rough shooting or walk-up shooting in England/Scotland. Here it is usually the individual, his dog, maybe friends and their dogs.

Two major type of upland bird hunting here. Pheasant and Ruffed Grouse. Ruffed Grouse is similar to partridge hunting. Pheasant hunters are more plentiful, but I enjoy Ruffed Grouse hunting more.

Unlike England our attire is much more casual. That being said you must wear blaze orange when in the field. This is especially important, and required, during firearm deer season. Most of the folks I hunt with use a blaze orange hat and hunting vest. Some will use a blaze orange shirt and a game bag.

Thanks Andrew & buffalo.

Buffalo -- Is it possible to get a bird to fly without a dog? Any tips? As you probably guessed, I'm used to the drives where lines of people (and their dogs) would rustle up the pheasants. I'm hoping to have a dog for the '08 season.