Daughter wants to go hunt Pheasants

[thunderchicken]

Recently my daughter (19) has expressed an interest in giving pheasant hunting a try. I know there are public land put & take hunts, but those can be difficult without a dog. Also, based on precious experience, there are way too many hunters per area and too many knuckleheads shooting recklessly.
So, anyone have any recommendations for any hunting preserves here in IN?

 

[Mongo59]

Everyone around here goes to 'Lost River' in Orleans, and they rent dogs.

 

[J Galt]

I am fairly certain that Hillside shooting sports, at 7870 N Mayne Rd, Roanoke, IN 46783 does pheasant hunts. I'm not sure what the correct term for it is, but they do an organized hunt where you make a reservation, they release birds, and have a guide lead you on their land. I think they provide dogs as well, but I may not be remembering correctly about the dogs.

As an aside, they have a nice facility for general shooting as well. It's an easy drive to get up there.

 

[two70]

Everyone around here goes to 'Lost River' in Orleans, and they rent dogs.

Sugar Creek is good too and in the same area.

 

[openwell]

buy the bird stamps & licenses.
then apply for pheasant hunts @IDNR has.
these just started applictions online began 7-6 and ends early Aug.

these are fantastic hunts on incredible property in Benton & Newton counties.

you will get to hunt like the 1960's in South Dakota! if drawn.

otherwise you might schedule a trip to South Dakota. they have "road hunting" which is legal & excellent with or without a dog. check their regs.

Mitchel & Winner SD have excellent hunting & are not too far (12 hrs from Indy).

 

[craigkim]

Recently my daughter (19) has expressed an interest in giving pheasant hunting a try. I know there are public land put & take hunts, but those can be difficult without a dog. Also, based on precious experience, there are way too many hunters per area and too many knuckleheads shooting recklessly.
So, anyone have any recommendations for any hunting preserves here in IN?

Join Pheasants Forever and contact the central indiana chapter.

 

[thunderchicken]

Thanks for the info, I will check into the places mentioned within the state. Not interested in traveling out of state for birds at this time

 

[chevyguy]

Sandy Prairie Hunt Club between Francesville and Pulaski on 550 South n Pulaski County, they have pheasants.

 

[Huzrjim]

I will second Lost River near Orleans, especially for a new hunter. I visited last December and the guide we had was great, the dogs were awesome to watch while they worked and the pricing is in line with other preserves I've visited (namely Thorn Bottom in Ohio).

 

[mike4sigs]

OP i know you said you wanted to stay in the State of Indiana but i have hunted Over at Thorn Bottom Several times. Brad and Ann are good host. And the Guides Work Hard to show you the Birds you pay for.

https://thornbottom.com/node/1

 

[singlesix]

Whatever you chose I'd strongly recommend have good hunting dogs. I know I'd lost several birds after the shot if not for the dogs. Amazing how the birds blend into the ground cover.

 

[bradrob]

I suggest Fields Outdoor Adventures Pheasant Preserve near Rushville. I have been several times, and always enjoyed the guides and their dogs.

Fields Outdoor Shooting Preserve

 

[BigRed]

Another strong recommendation for Thorn Bottom.

The Brittany Spaniels are top notch to boot.

 

[thunderchicken]

Thanks guys, I will be looking at the calendar and will see about getting a date set up. Wherever we end up going, I will gladly pay a bit extra for their guide service.
I certainly understand the value of a good bird dog..or two

 

[Expat]

buy the bird stamps & licenses.
then apply for pheasant hunts @IDNR has.
these just started applictions online began 7-6 and ends early Aug.

these are fantastic hunts on incredible property in Benton & Newton counties.

I used to put in for the drawing every year when I had my Brittanies but never did win the lottery.

 

[BigRed]

Another strong recommendation for Thorn Bottom.

The Brittany Spaniels are top notch to boot.

Looking through the calendar... realized I have a visit coming up next month!

 

[mike4sigs]

8 of us went to Thorn Bottom last Saturday ( 2 groups of 4 ) paid for 40 Birds killed 46 .

 

[BigRed]

8 of us went to Thorn Bottom last Saturday ( 2 groups of 4 ) paid for 40 Birds killed 46 .

Was Keeper the pup working with you guys?

 

[mike4sigs]

Was Keeper the pup working with you guys?

My group hunted with Scott and i believe he had 2 of his Dogs. The other group hunted with Matt (Brad and Anns Son inlaw ).
It was raining in the Morning and the Birds was Running on the Dogs but by Mid Morning we had some good points.
i would post some pics but the only pics i have are on my phone

 

[Stubbleducker]

I ran my GSP for a coworker and his son & buddy (all newbies) at Royal Flush out near Rockville/Mecca the week before Christmas. All had a great time.

There's Buck Creek up near Muncie too - never been there, so can't comment on it.