This October I am headed to South Dakota for my first Pheasant hunt. Being a Rookie with this game, I was wondering if I could get some advice. I was thinking about taking by 74 year old Model 21, 12 guage F/M… Any recommendations on shot configuration?
Les,
As twotriggers alluded, the shot sizes used by experienced SD pheasant hunters tend to get larger later in the season, along with tighter chokes being favored. There's always the exception, but that's a trend that occurs. Like he said, shots tend to be longer, later in the season. In early October, with good weather, a IC/Mod gun with #6 shot can produce a good bag. In late November, tight chokes and #4 shot seems to be popular, although I have to admit to not having been to SD for late season hunts.
No matter whether early or late season, when the wind blows hard, you'll wish for heavy loads of big shot.
