With the SD pheasant season running through January 31st, 2022, my thoughts on those guys/ gals who block at the end of fields is still relevant. As these folks tend to be the seniors in the hunting party, it is especially important to me.

Let’s first consider the birds. The flush of a rooster pheasant in close proximity is often unexpected. For certain it will be explosive and nerve rattling, and his loud cackling will add to the entire effect as will his brilliant colors. To the hunter with minimal experience, all else, including those blockers in front of him/her, will be completely forgotten. Regaining composure and getting one’s shotgun on that raucous target will be the only consideration. This is especially true when the birds are few and far between. I’m not exaggerating a rooster’s flush one bit.

I was struck by an errant shot on opening day, and I ended up in the doctor’s office having a pellet cut out of my neck. That bird was flying directly at me. I was wearing a hunter-orange hat as well as a hunter-orange vest, but that apparently didn’t matter.

On all hunts, especially large group hunts, a pre-hunt safety meeting or lecture should be held – especially if any of the hunters lack experience. On our recent opening day hunt, many of the hunters were out-of-staters, and I’m guessing that some of them were pheasant hunt rookies. My suggested safety meeting should emphasize that ample blue sky must separate the bird and the horizon before a shot is taken. This certainly includes the blockers! I am well aware that in spite of being a veteran of many hunts, I must constantly think safety.

As a blocker, I like to retreat and turn my back on the walkers when they approach within twenty yards of the end of the field. It is within this short space that driven birds will flush and all hell breaks loose. I’ll leave the shooting to the walkers as they did the work.

On October 19th, the Tuesday following opening day, I was invited to join a group of veteran hunters on some farm ground developed with pheasants in mind – ample water, cover, and numerous food plots. Walking is difficult for me because of the neuropathy in my legs, and I graciously agreed to be a blocker as I must lean on a pickup for balance.

I learned not to second guess myself that day. I especially wanted to shoot well in front of my peers, all of whom were excellent shots, and I deliberated that morning about which shotgun I should use: My 8+ pound 12 gauge CZ over & under, or my 5.5 pound 20 gauge Franchi over & under. Because of weight, I chose to tote the Franchi, and I felt pretty good about my decision.

My good feeling about my shotgun decision fell apart that morning as I listened to the guys discuss shotguns and ammo prior to the hunt. The guys carrying 20 gauge guns were shooting threeinch magnum shells that carried a quarter-ounce more shot than my puny 2-3/4 inch shells. Would I be under-gunned on this hunt? I began to feel foolish.

To paraphrase Will Rogers, “I don’t shoot as well as I used to, and I never did.” Rogers once said, “Schools ain’t as good as they used to be, and they never was.” – one of my favorite quotes as a one-time educator. Anyway, I didn’t embarrass myself that day. I learned that the quickness I gained with my 20 gauge far outweighed any advantage the 12 gauge might bring. There’s nothing quick about me, but the two-and-a-half pounds made a difference. For you senior shooters out there, if you are fortunate enough to have a choice as

I did, go with quickness.

I’m a funny guy. I always save a few bucks by drinking water in restaurants, Betsy cuts my hair, my wardrobe comes from Bomgaars , and I’ve worn the same pair of walking shoes for three years. I’ve sought and found ways to make affordable hunts and fishing trips. But when it comes to rifles and shotguns, I carry the best I can afford.

I drew my 2nd choice East River Deer license this past summer – a Charles Mix County “antlerless” tag. Though I immensely relish taking mature bucks as I have for the past four years, I’m happy to be a meat hunter this year with meat prices being what they are. I need antlers like I need forty more pounds sagging over my belt.

God willing, you’ll read about my affordable Wyoming elk hunt next week.

See you then.