Pheasant Hunting Season: Planted vs. Wild Hunts

Planted Hunts & Tower Shoots:

Planted pheasant hunts are a great choice for both beginners and experienced hunters in Colorado. In a planted hunt, pheasants are strategically released in specific areas to simulate a wild hunting experience while making it easier for hunters to spot and shoot birds. This method offers higher success rates since the pheasants are contained to certain locations, giving hunters plenty of shooting opportunities without the unpredictability of a completely wild hunt. For those looking to sharpen their skills or enjoy a guided experience, planted hunts at local ranches or hunting reserves make for a fantastic day out in the field.

At places like Longmeadow, planted hunts offer the chance to explore Colorado’s scenic landscapes, combining skill-building with plenty of action. Plus, these controlled environments often come with guides and well-trained hunting dogs to enhance the experience. As a result, hunters are set up for a high-quality, action-filled day with fewer variables than a purely wild hunt.

Tower hunts provide a more structured and fast-paced approach to pheasant hunting that’s gaining popularity across Colorado. In this type of hunt, hunters are positioned in a circle around a central tower, from which pheasants are released at intervals. This method allows for multiple hunters to take shots in rapid succession, creating a dynamic and competitive environment. The excitement builds as the birds fly out in different directions, requiring hunters to react quickly and test their marksmanship.

Ideal for groups, tower hunts can be a fun social experience, often followed by camaraderie around the campfire or drinks at the lodge. It’s an excellent option for hunters who are looking to shoot multiple birds in a shorter amount of time and enjoy a more challenging environment. Many Colorado hunting grounds, including Longmeadow, offer tower hunts that are perfect for corporate events, group gatherings, or hunters looking to experience something a little different.

Wild Hunts:

For hunters seeking the thrill of a truly authentic experience, wild pheasant hunting in Colorado offers an unparalleled adventure. Unlike planted or tower hunts, wild hunting takes place in open fields and grasslands, where pheasants are free-roaming and highly alert, making them challenging to track and shoot. The rolling plains of eastern Colorado, particularly in areas around Yuma, Logan, and Phillips counties, are prime locations for wild pheasant hunting, thanks to their mix of native grasslands, agricultural fields, and river bottoms that create an ideal habitat for pheasants to thrive.

Wild pheasant hunting demands skill, patience, and adaptability. Since wild pheasants are wary of humans, they’ll often run or flush early, forcing hunters to stay sharp and rely on strong teamwork with hunting dogs to flush birds out of cover. Hunters who take on the challenge of wild hunting in Colorado are rewarded with a deeply satisfying experience that tests their tracking skills, quick reactions, and knowledge of pheasant behavior.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department actively supports wild pheasant populations, and programs like the Walk-In Access Program allow hunters to access thousands of acres of private land across the eastern plains. This makes Colorado one of the top states in the West for wild pheasant hunting, especially when it comes to combining breathtaking scenery with the thrill of the hunt.