Bird hunting in Maine is, indeed, a target-rich environment. So many choices: grouse, quail, woodcock, dove ducks, geese and, of course, there’s pheasant hunting. I respectfully nominate Pheasant Hunting in Maine as the Ultimate Bird Hunting Adventure. Here’s why:
Pheasants are multi-talented evaders
Your average Ruffed Grouse (pah-tridge in Maine speak) merely explode right out of your boots or just off your ear lobe as they burst from a tree limb, leaving a vapor trail behind and you, embarrassed and uncomfortable with damp pants. And no bird. Quail and woodcock are kinda the same except for Quail that do it 15 to 124 at a time; woodcock are just drunk drivers with wings.
Pleasants will occasionally flush like grouse but they can also run like Usain Bolt – and often do! For this reason alone, a good bird dog with a great nose is an excellent idea unless you have a long-standing love affair with Frustration.
Despite the Ringneck’s brilliant colors, he is the Guru of Camo, often hiding in plain sight or just behind a corn stalk. With more subdued plumage, the female makes herself damn near invisible. Good thing, too. Can’t have too many little pheasants on the way!
Pheasant hunting is more relaxing
What could be more enjoyable than a casual, cool, Maine autumn morning stroll across acres of big, empty corn fields with a couple of good dogs and some good friends? Would you rather be slogging through a marshy swamp, hoping to find a Dipsy-Doodle (cute slang for Woodcock; not recommended for use in the field)? Or trying to draw a bead on just one Quail from the 47 that just erupted in front of your face and are now all flying off in all different directions? Who needs that kind of aggravation?
Now Pheasants fly like a normal, sane bird in a nice straight line. Of course, you won’t know exactly what direction until he achieves lift-off. Considering size and weight, that could take a moment — but none of that FWI (Flying While Intoxcated) zig-zag stuff that Woodcocks do or Mach One speed like Grouse. With Pheasant, you just walk easy, maybe chat a little with your buds, watch the dog work, point, flush and…and Dinner! How great is that?
Pheasant are very tasty!
Speaking of dinner…Ever been to a fancy restaurant and see “Ruffed Grouse with Woodland Pilaff” on the menu? (Me neither; I had to Google it). “Quail”? Quail is usually “Quail Eggs”. Personally, I have never flushed a Quail Egg but they allegedly taste OK. But “Pheasant Under Glass”?!? Now that’s the sign of an epicurean dining establishment! You can even make it right at home! Here’s the recipe!
Pheasants make great trophies
The brilliant colored plumage of the male Ringneck pheasant (mentioned above) makes quite a handsome mounting for your office, den or Man Cave. I have a particularly large one I was fortunate to take in upstate New York. Despite the location, I named him “Larry Bird”. Just sayin….
No Closed Season
Actually, that’s not entirely true. Pheasant season in most states takes place in Autumn, generally September through December. Check the State season wherever you’re headed. But there is No Closed Season at Camp Katahdin in Patten, Maine because (a drum roll please…) Camp Katahdin is “a commercially zoned corporate entity”.
What does that mean for you? You don’t need a license! If you’re a Non-Resident, that saves you a cool $115! You can hunt 7 days a week at Camp Katahdin. And, they raise their own birds! They’ll even cook your birds for dinner or wrap ‘em up to take home! Pretty cool, huh? Read all about it here!
Ah, Yes! The Real Appeal of Pheasant Hunting: easy to do, socially acceptable, friendly people (and dogs), gorgeous Fall surroundings and tasty! …And Year ‘Round at Camp Katahdin.
Have questions? Call us at 800-621-8203
Here’s our free brochure available for immediate download or forwarding to your group:
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