Oct 21, 2017 4 min read

There are some people whose hair will stand up in anger when the long-gone pheasant population is mentioned. It is difficult for those under the age of 55 to truly understand just how common it was to watch a cockbird cross the lawn or to flush one from a local cornfield. Some dogs would be working in these cornfields with the hunter. You would see the pointer freeze, exposing the bird’s hiding spot, and the flush dog would be hot on the bird’s tail, only to watch it cackle and fly where it was safe from the annoying canine but exposed to the waiting shotgunner.

Two things happened last week that revived my memories of flying birds and the trusty side by side scattergun. First of all, to our astonishment, we watched a male Ringneck Pheasant casually stroll across our yard. We live a long way from any gamelands or, for that matter, cornfield. It jogged my memory back to when such a sight was common. That was before the bottom fell out. Everything from farming practices to disease have been blamed for the demise of the wild pheasant population, but it doesn’t really matter for the wild flocks are long gone.

Another reminder of the pheasant came from George Furda, who invited me to see the pheasant- and quail-raising operation done by the Westland Sportsmen Club. This was a reminder not only of the birds but of the individuals and clubs that sacrifice so much time and money improving all outdoor endeavors. Furda and Chet Krcil of Claysville are two who were there that day. Krcil is active in Pheasants Forever and President of the Washington County Sportsmen League. He works hard, along with this club, to improve habitat for these birds. Krcil does a lot of things toward this end, preparing for the yearly sports show at the mall, attending meetings in other counties and notifying other clubs of various goings on. These people do these jobs with no expectation of thanks.

I was thinking all of this as I entered a large fenced area that was the home of the Ring Neck Pheasant and the quail. While Chet and George talked of stocking locations I watched the birds scamper. The pheasant looked noble and the quail loveable. These birds would soon be released into the wild at appropriate locations. The question is, will they survive? I hope so, as do others. One thing is for sure, there are people like Furda and Krcil who are trying their best to re-establish both. Hatching and raising these birds to an age when they can be released in the wild is not easy and can be time-consuming. Like most wild critters, the key to release points is habitat, habitat and habitat. Both Krcil and Furda are to be commended for their efforts.

• A few weeks ago, I mentioned that it was not too early to get their rifle sighted. I have noticed the last couple of weeks that the benches at the local clubs are being used more and more. Here lies one of the problems to putting it off until the last minute. Much the same can be said about stocking up on ammo and reloading components. We have just gone through a spell where IMR 4350 powder couldn’t be found in local stores. While the re-loader can switch to another powder or bullet, changing anything in a familiar and successful load is something he or she hates to do.

Another group of outdoors people who should shop early are those who carry a rifle that is chambered for an odd or rarely used cartridge. An example would be the once-popular .32 Special or the .30-.40 Krag. I know they were top of the line and popular once-upon-a-time, but today’s dealer stocks are what sells. Shop early and you will have time for that box of odd cartridges to be ordered.

When you entered the gunsmith’s shop did you notice that he wasn’t his usual jovial self? Have pity on the poor creature who gets 12 months worth of work in two or three weeks and is supposed to get it done yesterday. I believe the word that best describes gun owners who wait until two days before the season starts to get the deer rifle repaired is a procrastinator. Don’t be surprised if the friendly gunsmith does 180 degrees and becomes just a bit grouchy gunsmith.

It’s just that time of the year.

George Block writes a weekly outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter.