Well, got back late last night from our annual pheasant hunt in Spearman. Consistent with most of the reports in Texas, I am sorry to say that hunting was tough and bird numbers are way down. Way down. Still, compared to some others in the area we did pretty well.
A group of 9 hunting a day and half and we saw maybe 30-35 birds total, mostly hens. Our group took I think 11 roosters total (we didn't let many get away). All but 1 came on Saturday, and most all those from one field. We covered several fields and hunted hard with LOTS of walking.
Normally we see between 150-200 birds for the weekend, so this was way low. I think we all got very discouraged when two of our consistent honey hole spots that normally we flush 30-40 birds each failed to hold a single bird. You could feel the enthusiam ebb from the group from that point.
Our friend and landowner was talking to a group of 4 other landowners that were supposed to be going to Austin this week to talk to TP&W about plans for recovery and next year. It wouldn't surprise me if Texas had no pheasant season next year.
Still, great landowner and group of friends and a nice way to spend the weekend.
For me, I got an extra bonus. Got an invite for some deer hunting in Memphis, so I stopped by and hunted an evening on my way up to Spearman. Saw some HUGE mulies - there are some BIG bodied deer there. I had a 150+" class buck within range, but was across a fence that I was not sure belong to the guy who invited me (first time hunting with him and the area) - so I passed (probably for the best because I was shaking so hard -LOL ). Come to find out it would have been OK. He invited to stop on my way back Sunday and see if he showed up again. I did just that, but that big boy didn't show. I did, however, take a huge bodied, old, tiny-rack 8pt cull at his request. The deer was well over 250 lbs!
Anyway, here are some pics for your enjoyment:
Freezing Fog Saturday Morning:
Lining up for a walk:
Looking for a downed runner:
Found him!
Part of the haul:
Pretty Pic:
Not so pretty pic:
