[collim1]

I got invited on a free guided pheasant hunt in South Dakota this fall. Lodging and airline accommodations are included also. It’s a hunt sponsored by a charity. I’m not big on accepting charity, but I’m not turning this opportunity down.

I am a Sporting clays shooter and occasional dove hunter. I have never hunted pheasant. My only suitable shotgun is a 20g Remington 1187. I have IC, MOD, and full chokes available. I’d prefer to use my 20 and not purchase another shotgun to go with a 12.

Just curious if any pheasant hunters have suggestions. Shells other than cheap target loads are non-existent right now so I want to source my loads well ahead of time. I also plan to do some pattern testing and find a load that patterns really well so I have an idea of my ranges.

2.75” or 3”? # 4,5, or 6 shot?

Any advice from experienced hunters would be appreciated. Pheasant look huge compared to the doves I have shot. A single pellet of 7.5 will drop a dove. I don’t think that’s gonna be the case with a pheasant. They look pretty tough.

 

[badger3actual]

I’m a fan of 2.75 or 3 inch copper-plated #6 for pheasants. Works for me.
Enjoy yourself out there!

ETA: Sorry, I’m afraid I don’t have much experience with the 1100/1187, but my 20ga side by side runs IC/MOD.

 

[NYhunter518]

Copper plated #6’s, if a guided hunt I would imaging the shots will be pretty close so I would see what patterned best with the Im. Cyl. Or modified.


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[Samuel_Hoggson]

B&P 2.75" 15/16 to 1 oz. There's also a 3" 1.25 oz.

#6 and IC or Mod if shooting over pointer, #5 and Mod if over flushers. You can crush phez to 40 yds with their #6s and Mod.

#4 does not often pattern well in a 20.

Full brings little to the table with larger shot sizes in a 20. 12 ga is a different story.

Fiocchi makes a good shell, too.

 

[collim1]

B&P 2.75" 15/16 to 1 oz. There's also a 3" 1.25 oz.

#6 and IC or Mod if shooting over pointer, #5 and Mod if over flushers. You can crush phez to 40 yds with their #6s and Mod.

#4 does not often pattern well in a 20.

Full brings little to the table with larger shot sizes in a 20. 12 ga is a different story.

Fiocchi makes a good shell, too.

That’s some good info. Thanks.

I’m quite a fan of Rio shells myself. They have patterned really well for me. If I can find some high brass number 5 and 6’s I will probably try them first. I don’t know much about this hunt so I imagine I will rely on the MOD choke to try to keep patterns acceptable through as many distances as possible.

So far not much recommendation for 3” shells. I was expecting to hear a lot of people recommending a magnum shell in 20g.

 

[ReaPer105]

I have some Browning brand heavy 6's that pattern well. The Fiocchi copper plated 6's are excellent.

 

[835mag]

I have used 20g turkey loads for pheasant before. A 3” 20g turkey load pretty much duplicates a 12g pheasant load. 1 1/4 oz of #4,#5 or #6 shot at about 1200-1300 FPS. I’ve always had good luck with a modified choke for pheasant. Good luck, have fun!

 

[Samuel_Hoggson]

So far not much recommendation for 3” shells. I was expecting to hear a lot of people recommending a magnum shell in 20g.

Historically, non-buffered Pb shot 3" 20s did not offer much advantage. I've used the buffered loads, and they are an improvement, tending to pattern tighter than non-buffered. If tighter is what you want. Decent top barrel load.

But there's not much you can't do with a best quality 1 oz 20. And the law of diminishing returns was written for shotgunners.

 

[NYhunter518]

That’s some good info. Thanks.

I’m quite a fan of Rio shells myself. They have patterned really well for me. If I can find some high brass number 5 and 6’s I will probably try them first. I don’t know much about this hunt so I imagine I will rely on the MOD choke to try to keep patterns acceptable through as many distances as possible.

So far not much recommendation for 3” shells. I was expecting to hear a lot of people recommending a magnum shell in 20g.

The one guided pheasant hunt I’ve been on most shots we’re very close, under 15yds. Don’t over look a imp cylinder! Nothing worse than missing a bird inside of 15yds.


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[collim1]

The one guided pheasant hunt I’ve been on most shots we’re very close, under 15yds. Don’t over look a imp cylinder! Nothing worse than missing a bird inside of 15yds.


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I will definitely be bringing an IC cylinder choke. I’m a huge pattern testing nerd. Like hanging old bed sheets up to use for pattern testing.

I grew with a copy of Bob Brister’s Shotgunning: The Art & the Science[/]. I’ve read it a couple dozen times, and still read it through every few years. That stuff still holds up today, even with all the super full turkey chokes and new shells designed to pattern tightly.

People often do not believe me that a high quality shell will often pattern better through a CYL choke than a cheap shell will through a FULL.

I have have the best patterns with Flite-control loads through a CYL or IMP.

I watched a few videos today of hunting pheasant in South Dakota with dogs. You were right, most shots were very close.

I think I’m looking for a plated 2.75” shell in number 6. Probably stick with a MOD choke to give me the most versatile pattern. But only some pattern testing will tell.

I love breaking out a huge piece of cardboard and testing loads. I don’t think the wife had any bed sheets she’s willing to let me shoot up haha.

Thanks for advice.

Now the real question is what to wear. It’s short sleeves, jeans, and mosquitos down here for the first half of dove season.

I don’t what to expect weather wise in October in South Dakota.

I’m trying to source some Fiocchi Golden Pheasant. It seems to have a solid reputation.

 

[Samuel_Hoggson]

I don’t what to expect weather wise in October in South Dakota. I’m trying to source some Fiocchi Golden Pheasant. It seems to have a solid reputation.

Fio GP is good stuff. Rest of what you posted is good. Most people don't pattern, think what's stamped on the tube is what they'll get. Wrong, often. A good 20 ga shell like B&P #6 can get you to 30 yds through just 3 thou. And a 10 thou LM can get you to 40.

Distances will depend on dogs, how you hunt, cover, and whether birds are supplemented vs all wild. A bird that's been out even 2 months is essentially wild, in terms of behavior. I've taken planted beach balls with a .410 on a calm day with one steady dog. Couple months later in swirling winds used a 16 ga, B&Ps, and 21 thou - all of it - shortest shot 35 yds, taking them to 50 yds. You just don't know till you're on the ground. So be prepared to switch to IC.

Don't know if you bird hunt so forgive me for saying what follows. Even good clays shooters will lift their heads to see, so once it's on the gun stay there. Also, cuz they're bigger than clays people tend to give too much allowance. Hard focus on the head (not the entire phez) helps alot. See the eye or beak as you're triggering. Especially since the rear half is not vital. Clays guys are also used to taking just one shot. If you make a hit that doesn't fold it, keep shooting. Your guide (well, his dogs) will thank you.

Make sure the bird is clear of his dogs. Far better to let a low bird by than to hurt a dog. Been on both sides of this as beginner, later guiding.

Clothing: layer. Preferred a strap vest, base that wicks, stuff extra down vest in the bird vest. More than anything make sure your socks and boots are comfortable, all day. Have a water bottle and some snacks.

Have fun!

 

[papershoot]

Your trip sounds like a treat. I love watching the dog work the birds.

Clothes: Some sturdy leather hunting boots that are comfortable to walk in. I buy them with a Gore-tex liner. I have one pair insulated and another uninsulated. A pair of Carhartt pants or bibs in the heavy duck material would be good for walking through thick stuff and give you some protection from the wind. I would buy a size up so you could wear them over long underwear or another pair of pants, if you need to. A blaze orange hat at a minimum and a jacket or vest with blaze orange to be extra safe. Don't know what is required in SD for blaze. I would guess that you won't have to carry the dead birds on a guided hunt, or I would recommend a vest. You don't want to dress too warm because you will be mostly walking.

Carhartt Men's Washed Duck Work Dungaree : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

Buy Carhartt Men's Washed Duck Work Dungaree: Shop top fashion brands Pants at Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY and Returns possible on eligible purchases

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High brass #6 is what we used, but good luck finding copper plated right now. There are more options for shotgun shells in 12 gauge. The Federal shells in the link below are $12 a box on Federal's site, but not available.

Federal 20 Gauge 2.75″ 7/8oz #6 “Game-Shok” Game Load Lead Shotshells H200 6 20Ga – Kosher Surplus – Unique Ammunition and Night Vision Optics

www.koshersurplus.com

 

[collim1]

Your trip sounds like a treat. I love watching the dog work the birds.

Clothes: Some sturdy leather hunting boots that are comfortable to walk in. I buy them with a Gore-tex liner. I have one pair insulated and another uninsulated. A pair of Carhartt pants or bibs in the heavy duck material would be good for walking through thick stuff and give you some protection from the wind. I would buy a size up so you could wear them over long underwear or another pair of pants, if you need to. A blaze orange hat at a minimum and a jacket or vest with blaze orange to be extra safe. Don't know what is required in SD for blaze. I would guess that you won't have to carry the dead birds on a guided hunt, or I would recommend a vest. You don't want to dress too warm because you will be mostly walking.

Carhartt Men's Washed Duck Work Dungaree : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

Buy Carhartt Men's Washed Duck Work Dungaree: Shop top fashion brands Pants at Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY and Returns possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

High brass #6 is what we used, but good luck finding copper plated right now. There are more options for shotgun shells in 12 gauge. The Federal shells in the link below are $12 a box on Federal's site, but not available.

Federal 20 Gauge 2.75″ 7/8oz #6 “Game-Shok” Game Load Lead Shotshells H200 6 20Ga – Kosher Surplus – Unique Ammunition and Night Vision Optics

www.koshersurplus.com

Yea shells are a problem right now. I will be looking out for any decent shells that I can buy starting now.

I have plenty of light 7/8 oz 7.5 and 8’s. Perfect for dove and clays. 20g game shells are non-existent right now. Just cheap target loads available and even those are in short supply. I’m hoping in the next month or so the ammo companies will switch production to game loads for the upcoming season, but that is no guarantee with the way things are right now.

 

[CanyonMan]

I've never been on a guided hunt, except for the ones 'I guided....' ha.

I like 12ga. However, the 20 ga, with good 4/5/6 shot, and in mod choke, or full, works fine on Pheasant, turkey doves quail ducks... etc. Been there and done that a million times with folks using a 20ga. My late son, when he was little, started on a 20ga, and has taken turkey and doves and you name it here on the ranch...

If all ya got is a 20ga. Use the right ammo, and go have fun.. No problem. If you can hunt/shoot, your GTG...


CanyonMan
🐴

 

[BobinNC]

15/16ths oz #5 or #6 shot loads in a 20 gauge has always worked fine for pheasants. I favored B&P F2 shot shells

 

[Glock Commander]

2.75” or 3”? # 4,5, or 6 shot?

Any advice from experienced hunters would be appreciated. Pheasant look huge compared to the doves I have shot. A single pellet of 7.5 will drop a dove. I don’t think that’s gonna be the case with a pheasant. They look pretty tough.

2 3/4 inch shells will be fine. I like #6 lead at the start of the season. #4 lead towards the end of the season and on windy days.

A favorite recipe Honey Roasted Pheasant

 

[naughtymoose]

Apologize in advance for sarcasm.. I lived there and saw it. Your grandfather's old leadshot #5 were considered gold that were used and not talked about vs newer technology loads. Double bonus for 16 and 28 ga from the same era.

 

[alittlefishy]

The one guided pheasant hunt I’ve been on most shots we’re very close, under 15yds. Don’t over look a imp cylinder! Nothing worse than missing a bird inside of 15yds.


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I would go with the imp cylinder with close flushing birds for sure don’t have to wait for them to fly farther away where their harder to knock down anyway

 

[Sharpshooter97]

I've killed piles of pheasants with federal 2 3/4 in 1oz 4 shot lead. Have fun on your hunt and enjoy the great meals that will follow.

 

[collim1]

Finding shells has still be a problem. I have found nothing since creating this thread.