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Garrett
In Pheasant Hunting

Pheasant Hunting Gear Guide

Staff Gear Picks
Garrett Snow’s Picks

Early Season

Pheasant hunting in Utah in the fall can be a challenge at times, fighting the weather and the elements, which can range from too warm to very cold. When I plan on getting out in the fall, I try to prepare myself in different layers so that I can shed weight as needed. 

My favorite boots when I’m going to be doing a lot of walking in the fall are a pair of Danner boots. For doing a lot of walking they are a great comfortable boot that provides great support for your ankles when passing through rough terrain. The Pronghorn or Vital are both good models for this kind of hunting.

One of the most versatile items that most hunters have is a lightweight hoodie. It can be worn under a coat or vest, and can easily by shed when and if it gets too warm. I have a camo Browning hoodie that I’ve kept close in the fall, and it does great for those first cool, crisp mornings when you need something to keep you warm until the sun starts to make a big difference.

Later season

After the snow begins to come, I prefer a boot that is a pull on that protects your pant legs from the snow, so that it will keep you dry. One of the best boots I’ve had that met all those was the Lacrosse Alpha series. They have always kept my feet dry, and last longer than many other brands.

While hunting in the snow, it can be easy to get over heated while trying to pack your gun, shells, vest, water, and whatever else you may need. They best protection against those kind of conditions is a coat that you are able to slim down as the day gets warmer. A coat like the RedHead Silent Stalker Elite Parka is nice because you can shed the zip out liner if you get too warm, or you can use all of the pockets available to fit your phone, shells, keys, or anything else you need to pack with you.

Garrett
In Pheasant Hunting

Utah Pheasant Hunting

Nick’s Gear List

 

As a staff we thought it might be a good idea to share what we use and wear on a typical day hunt hear at Pleasant Valley. I decided to start us off, and we would love to hear from you all on what you prefer to use throughout the season. 

 

Early season (Sept, Oct, Nov)

 

I start off in the early season with just a pair of heavy jeans or canvas style pant. This allows me to stay cool and protect my leg from the variety of thorns and burns that can inhabit some of our hunting areas. 

From there I move onto either a lightweight long sleeve shirt with a light jacket or hoodie. I like the long sleeve because it allows UV protection. It is always a good idea to bring along a jacket or hoodie no matter how the weather looks. Layering up is always the best thing to do.

For boots I will wear a 6”-8” shaft lightweight hunting or hiking boots. I have enjoyed Danner boots in the past and I am hopeful to try a pair of Crispis this coming season. https://www.danner.com/men/work/vicious-8-brown.html. I also prefer to use a light wait over the calf gaiter. These allow for added water protection and protection from the brush. On days that I know will be wet I pack a pair of oilskin chaps for added protection against the wet brush. 

I carry my birds in a Filson tin cloth vest that was given to me. https://www.filson.com/hunting/apparel/vests/tin-game-bag.html#sku=11016017-fco-000000072. Before that I wore a Cabela’s upland bird vest that was very reliable. https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cabelas-upland-traditions-vest-for-men. When buying a vest I suggest going ½-1 size bigger than normal. This allows you to put it over a coat in the late season when weather is a little cooler. 

I have always shot a 20 gauge upland hunting and always will. I grew up on a single shot Rossi and to this day still love shooting that gun. It allows me to keep a keen eye and be quick to the trigger because I only have the one opportunity to bring down a bird. When I am not packing old reliable in the field a shoot a 20 gauge Italian off-brand over under that was given to me years ago by a great uncle during a North Dakota pheasant hunt. 

That pretty much sums up my gear list for the early season. A few personal tips of mine are to always carry water (enough for you and your dogs), sunscreen, bug spray, a good pair of sunglasses, and a multi-tool/pocket knife. A cooler for water, snacks, and your bagged birds is also a good idea. 

 

Late season (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb)

My gear list for later season hunts does not vary drastically from the earlier hunts, but here it is anyway.

For colder hunts I start out with a mid to heavy weight base layer. Trust me when it comes to base layers spend the extra money and go with quality products like Under Armour, Kuiu, Sitka, FirstLite, etc. You will not regret it. 

For pants I will usually go for a waterproof or water resistant pant. These kinds of materials allow for less wind and water penetration from the snow. The dryer you are throughout the day the longer you will be willing to stay in the field.

For deep snow I wear a Lacrosse Alphaburly 1000gram boots. On top of this I will usually wear a pair of oilskin chaps to once again help keep me dry. The boots are heavy but I have yet to get wet or cold feet in them

For outer layers I layer up. I have the Sitka down mountain hoodie that I love to wear over a long sleeve shirt. From there I usually will put on a hooded down jacket or coat and then a vest if necessary. I am a firm believer in vests. They allow heat retention to your core while still allowing a range of mobility for your arms. 

Thin warm gloves are always necessary during colder hunts. Do your best to stay warm but do not go for something so bulky that you won’t be able to run your gun. 

That’s my suggestion when it comes to colder weather hunts. Even in the late season I make sure to have water enough for my dog and I, sunscreen, sunglasses, extra socks, extra gloves, a multi-tool, and cooler. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. Please let us know what it is you use doing your hunts at Pleasant Valley Hunting Preserve. Utah upland bird hunting is an exciting and fun way to get outdoors, and the beauty is that it does not take much to get started. Get a gun find a friend will a good dog and hit the trail!

Garrett
In Pheasant Hunting

Utah Bird Hunting – Dogs in the Off Season

What does your bird dog do in the off season?

We all know that man’s best friend and hunting partners are high energy animals that almost always have energy to burn. One question that I get from our hunters on a regular basis is how I keep my dogs busy in the off season? I have a 6 year old German shorthaired pointer who we call Rudy that is constantly on the go. When he isn’t chasing pheasants or quail for me during the fall and winter months I keep him busy as a family and farm dog.

Here at Pleasant Valley we cultivate the majority of our areas with different crops that are ideal for pheasant hunting and habitat. This requires a large amount of time and energy on our end and sometimes it is good to have a friend alongside you. Rudy is my right hand man when it comes to changing sprinklers and running equipment. He is with me almost on a daily basis as we cruse around the farm checking crops and changing water. 

When we’re not farming Rudy spends time with the family on the mountain fishing or in the spring looking for shed antlers. This kind of off season activity is perfect for both Rudy and I. Chasing birds all day can be extremely tasking on a both the hunter and the dog. By staying active in the summer and spring months we are ready and roaring to go by the time September and October roll around. It is also a great way to keep Rudy’s obedience training sharp as we work together on keeping him tuned up throughout the summer months. 

If you are looking for ways to keep your dog busy in the off season consider taking them hiking, fishing, or camping. These kinds of activities will keep you and your dog in shape and allow for plenty of opportunities for your dog to brush up on their obedience during the off season.

Don’t forget that if you’re looking for a place to keep your dog active in the summer or spring to give us a call. We allow you to come and run your dogs through some of Utah’s best pheasant hunting ground even in the offseason. 

-Nick Woodland, Hunting manager at Pleasant Valley Hunting Preserve

Garrett
In Pheasant Hunting

First Rooster Down

First Rooster Down
It was a crisp November evening. The sun sat lazily on the western sky as the glow of sunset started to cast shadows on its surroundings. I grew excited as I laced up my boots. I could hear what seemed to be the world’s biggest rooster pheasant crow somewhere in the wash behind my house. I looked up at my dad and his smile met mine. I had my boots on now and I couldn’t get off the back porch fast enough. Dad handed me the single shot 20 gauge before he crawled between the barbwire fence in our backyard. We were going on my first pheasant hunt. I was nine years old, and this single experience will have changed my life forever.
We walked in silence as we made our way across the hay field behind the house. Not much could be heard besides the jingle of the bell that hung around Copper’s neck. He was THE greatest bird dog a boy could ask for. Copper was large for a German short haired pointer. He carried a beautiful liver colored head that fit well with his liver speckled body. We rescued him from a breeder that was a little too unkind to the old boy. He always acted grateful for the way we treated him, and repaid our kindness by becoming one of my best friends.
We were getting closer to the edge of the mouth of the grease wood and Russian olive filled draw now, and Copper was beginning to get birdy. I was told to keep my eye on him and to watch closely to how he moved. I had seen Copper work several times before but something about this time was different. Maybe it was the fact that this would be my first time actually shooting over him that made my heart beat a little faster. I watched him like a hawk, studying his every move. He was starting to move slower as we approached the biggest Russian olive thicket there was. I looked at my dad and he nodded. It was time for me to take things with a little more seriousness.
All of the sudden Copper’s leg came up and what was left of a frost scarred tail stuck straight out. He was on point and my heart skipped a beat. I clicked my gun off safety and pulled back the hammer. Dad saw that I was ready, and at the slight sound of his “hissssst” Copper dove into the thicket. An explosion of cackle and bright red feathers broke through the sky as a giant ring neck rooster broke through the top of the thicket. I swung around and fired. The minute I hit the trigger that poor rooster ended up in the top of a Russian olive. That tree slowed him down enough for my untrained eye to put a bead on him and bring him down. As the feathers settled all was quite. My legs shook as I looked up to see dad’s face beaming as he exclaimed, “you got him, you got him! Great shot!” It was more the tree’s fault more than mine that the rooster lost his life that eventful day, but I couldn’t have been prouder of myself. Copper made a flawless retrieve, and we made our way home as the sun continued to set.
It took the walk home for my nerves to settle enough that I could actually speak. That night defined a little bit of who I am and will continue to impact my life. One rooster is all it took to define my career and life. I am now the hunting manager at Pleasant Valley Hunting Preserve and I strive to ensure that all that come and hunt at Pleasant Valley have every opportunity to build memories like mine.

-Nick Woodland

Nicks first pheasant

Garrett
In Pheasant Hunting

Shotgun Shot Size

4, 5, 6, and 7 1/2 shot

Each morning as we greet people and get them checked in, there is a list of typical questions that we ask. We might ask if their dogs are ready to go, or if they need a description of their area and its boundaries. One question we usually ask before they walk away though is if they have enough shells. That question, if answered with a yes, is followed with this question: Are they hunting loads? Many times, people look at us confused, because they didn’t stop to think if they needing something different from what they normally shoot.
We’d like to address that, and hopefully explain the reasoning behind it.
All shotgun loads, no matter the caliber, are loaded with different size of shot, or BB’s. The larger the number, the smaller the BB’s will be. All sizes of shot have different uses, and have times when they should (and should not!) be used. We aren’t going to go over all sizes of shot, but rather we will address the most common size of shells used for pheasant hunting.

7 ½ and 8 shot
These are some of the smallest shot we commonly see. It is the cheapest to buy, so some hunters buy it not realizing it is NOT what is recommended for bird hunting out here. Some use it for small birds, such as quail and doves, but when it comes to pheasants, it simply doesn’t cut it out here. Its best use will be up on our clay range for target practice on clay pigeons.
Best use: Target practice and skeet shooting

6 shot
The lightest of all the pheasant loads we sell, 6 shot is the next step up from the target loads. This lighter load is a good load to use in early fall, before first frosts have set in, when the birds have not fully feathered up. After they have fully feathered up, however, 6 shot is not as effective.
Best use: Early fall hunting

5 Shot
5 shot is the most common size of load for pheasant hunting. It is a great load that will carry you through the year. It be something that you can use from September, when are season starts, through the winter, and clear until the end of March when our season wraps up. It has good penetration on the pheasant and chukars’ layers of thick winter feathers, and will bring down whatever upland game you can hit.
Best use: Yearlong upland hunting

4 Shot
This is the heaviest load that we sell at PVHP. It is twice as heavy and as large as 8 shot, and has the weight to drop anything you may be shooting at. Because it is a bigger load, it can do more damage to the meat on your birds, so it should be used with that understanding. However, on windy and stormy days, 4 shot is a great load to cut through the bitter wind and still be able to bring your game down.
Best use: Cold winter and stormy weather hunting

Should you have any questions as to what load would be best for your hunt, any of us at PVHP would be glad to answer your question. We also stock all of the loads that have been named, so should you ever need some shells for hunting, you can pick them up here when you come out for a hunt.
We look forward to seeing you!

Garrett
In Pheasant Hunting

PVHP Pheasant Recipes

Pheasant Hunting in Utah

Many people have tried and true recipes that they always go to when they get home from hunting. Over the years, we’ve had a few people share their favorites with us, and many times we’ve had people ask us for some recipes that we like to use.
Hopefully, these will work for you. Enjoy, and we’ll see you hunting!

 

Easy Pheasant L’orange (In a Crockpot)

Ingredients
• 1 Jar Orange Marmalade (approx. 16 oz.)
• 1 Packet Onion Soup Mix
• 1 Bottle Russian Salad dressing (approx. 16 oz.)
• 4-5 Pheasant Breasts
• 1 Tbls Oil

Directions
Brown pheasant in a pan in oil. Mix first three ingredients and set aside. Add pheasant to crockpot and pour sauce over meat. Cook on low for 10 hours or so. Serve with rice.

 

 

Pheasant Marsala

Ingredients
• 4 Pheasant Breasts Skinned and cut into pieces
• 1-1/2 Cups Seasoned flour (salt, pepper, and parsley flakes)
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 3 Cups dry bread crumbs
• 2 Tbls Oil
• 2 Tbls Butter
• ½ lb. fresh button mushrooms
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• ½ Cup Marsala wine
• 1 Cup Chicken stock or broth
• 4 Carrots cut into “French fry” sticks

Directions
Prepare the pheasant as indicated. Place the seasoned flour in a medium sized brown bag. Add the pheasant pieces, a few at a time, then shake to dust the pheasant. Dip each piece in the egg, and then roll in the bread crumbs. In a large fry pan or skillet heat the butter and oil over a medium high heat. Add the coated pheasant’s pieces and coat brown well on both sides. Remove the pheasant from the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and add the mushrooms and garlic. Sauté for one about a minute. Sprinkle 2 rounded tablespoons of seasoned flour over the pan and stir well. Add the Marsala, stock/broth and carrot sticks. Return the pheasant, cover and continue to cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serves 6-8.

Goes well with just about any side dish, especially boiled noodle and baked acorn squash.

 

Pheasant Enchiladas

Ingredients
• 1 pheasant, cleaned and prepared (legs and breasts)
• 1 C. Sour Cream
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• Small can of green chilis
• 1 C. Grated cheese
• Flour Taco Shells

Directions
Boil pheasant meat until tender. Cool and cut meat off bone, slice into strips. Place meat in large bowl. Add sour cream, cream of chicken soup, small can of green chilies, and grated cheese. Mix well with spoon. Fill soft flour taco shells with mix and place in a baking dish. After 1 layer, sprinkle top with cheese and spread some more mix on top. Repeat layers as desired. Bake at 350 degrees until warm.

 

 

Pheasant Parmesan

Ingredients
• 2 Cups chopped Broccoli (cooked)
• 3 Tbls Margarine or Butter
• 3 Tbls All-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp Pepper
• 1 Dash Nutmeg
• ¾ Cup light cream or milk
• ½ Cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 2 Tbls Dry white wine
• *1-1/2 Cups cooked pheasant breasts
• 3 Tbls grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 Dash Paprika
• *Broth

Directions
*Use broth from cooking pheasant. Cook Broccoli. Arrange cooked broccoli in a 10”x6”x2” dish. Melt Margarine or butter, stir in flour, pepper, nutmeg, and add cream or milk and chicken broth. Stir until thick and bubbly. Add cheese and stir until melted. Pour half of the sauce over broccoli, top with cooked pheasant, cover with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with parmesan and paprika. Bake 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.

 

 

Succulent Baked Pheasant

Yield: 6-8 Servings
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 1/2 hours

Ingredients:
Sauce
• 2 Tbls Butter
• 2 Tbls Flour
• 1 C Light Cream
• 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 2 Tbls Chopped Fresh Parsley
• 1/4 tsp Paprika
• 1/2 C Sherry

Breading
• 3/4 C Flour
• 1 Tbls. Lemon Pepper
• 6-8 Pheasant Breasts
• 3 Tbls Vegetable Oil
• 4 Tbls Butter or Margarine

Directions:
In a medium size sauce pan, melt butter. Add flour gradually and cook for 2 minutes without browning. Add cream and stir until thick. Add soup, Parsley, Paprika, and sherry. Set aside and keep warm.
Mix flour with lemon pepper. Roll breasts in seasoned flour. Pan brown in oil. Place breasts in a 9×13 casserole with a dot of butter or margarine under each breast. Pour Warmed sauce over breasts covering each one completely. Cover casserole and bake 1 to 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees.

 

 

Mushroom Pheasant

Ingredients
• 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1/2 C Sour Cream
• 1/2 C Milk
• 1/2 C Flour
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Pepper
• 4 Pheasant Breasts, Cubed
• 1/4 C Vegetable Oil
• 8 oz Whole Mushrooms
• 1 Medium onion, cut into 8
• 1/4 tsp Thyme

Directions
Heat oven to 300 degrees. In a small mixing bowl, blend soup, sour cream, and milk; set aside. In a large plastic food storage bag combine flour, salt, and pepper; shake to mix. Add pheasant pieces; brown pheasant in vegetable oil on all sides. Place pheasant in a casserole pan. Add Mushrooms, onion, thyme, and soup mixture. Cover and bake until pheasant is tender, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

 

 

Grilled Pheasant Soy Sauce Marinade

Ingredients
• 1 C. Soy Sauce
• 1 C. Vegetable oil
• 1 Can 7up/Sprite
• 1 Tbls Garlic Salt
• 4-5 Pheasant breasts

Directions
Combine Soy Sauce, Oil, 7UP, and salt in a 1 gallon Ziploc bag, and shake thoroughly. Add pheasant breasts, and shake for a few seconds more. Leave in fridge minimum of 4-5 hours, or can be left up overnight. Grill until cooked through.

David Danley
In Pheasant Hunting

Hunting has been perfect – weather, cover, dogs and birds!

The thrill of a rooster bursting into flight with his raucous cackle will stay with you long after the hunt is over. Get out now and enjoy the fall weather and the “wild hunts” PVHP is famous for. To supplement the wild bird population, we pride ourselves in raising strong, colorful, high-flying pheasants and chukars in huge flight pens. Your birds are liberated into the dense habitat early to ensure the wildest hunt you have ever experienced. Your hunt is set up and ready when you leave the clubhouse. 
Come see for yourself call today. 435 646 3194

Bag more birds:

  • Slow down… walk at a slow pace, let the dogs work the cover.
  • Stop every 15 to 20 yards and wait. Nervous birds will panic and take flight when they are not sure where you are or what you are doing.
  • Hunt into the wind. Give the dogs every advantage to pick up the scent of the birds.
  • Work the hunt area from the outside in. Keep the birds trapped in your hunt area.
  • In some locations, you can hunt towards natural barriers or open spaces and use these as “blockers”.
David Danley
In Pheasant Hunting

Spectacular Habitat = Spectacular Hunting

Pleasant Valley Hunting

You know, we cultivate our farmlands and manage our wild terrain specifically for great pheasant and chukar habitat. Open fields of grain deep draws with running water, sagebrush flats and rocky hillsides, thickets of Russian olive and cottonwood trees, thick sunflower and bindweed patches, cattail and bull rush marshes and grassy pastures are all here on the private hunting preserve.