Pheasant are a extra source of money for a lot of farmers. Many rent out hunting rights for them just like I lease deer hunting rights. Some will let you hunt on their land some won't or you are stuck fndng and hunting state/public land if it has not been too over hunted. I understand some wish to hunt wild birds for free and if I did it every day it would cost too much to pay every day. As a vacation hunt fees are like gas, hotel and food expenses, part of the trip.
I like to knock on doors and ask farmers who post their land. I know others would rather get a root canal done than knock on a door to ask permission to hunt. But you meet a lot of interesting people that way. Some turn me down quickly, some offer hunting for a fee and a few will allow me to hunt for free.
As a land owner I understand their desire to know who is hunting their land and being able to put a name and face to who is on their land helps. I know you are a considerate guest on their land but I am sure they have had a few a-holes that were not as respectful over the years.
I stopped at one posted farm that leased his farm to the same group every year but told me it was a bad year for birds due to a hail storm hit them at the peak of the nesting season. He then called his brother in law and asked him if he had many birds. Set me up to hunt on his farm the next day with two of his nephews about 30 miles away. Had a great time, the dog worked well, it was fun hunting with young boys and for once we flushed more roosters than hens. It might have just been my dog who charmed him. She was the sweetest golden retriever I ever owned and was everyones best friend after about a minute. I miss that dog more than I miss my youth.
