I spent the weekend in the Sauk Centre area at pheasant camp. Billy, Chad, Chris, Steve, John, Matt, and I shared stories, venison sticks, snores, laughs, and dumplings during a memorable Minnesota pheasant opener.
Like other hunters I've talked to in the last 72 hours, we found the going tough. A pair of conservation officers checking my license at the end of Saturday's hunt confirmed the tough opener, indicating that not a single hunting party they'd stopped had their pheasant limit.
It was cold, windy, and the standing crops continue to provide ample cover for Minnesota's wily ringnecks. In fact, only two roosters found their way into our vests after two hard days of hunting public Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) in central Minnesota.
Despite the hard walking and lack of shooting, there was a smile on every face as the day ended on Sunday. Our group of seven guys and five dogs had shared a lot of hard miles, retold jokes, and strengthened friendships. Like deer camp or duck camp, the camaraderie was as enjoyable as the hunt. Which led me to question; "Why aren't there more pheasant hunting camps?"
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
