Learn to Hunt gives local youth an opportunity to learn what the sport of pheasant hunting is all about.

On September 21 and 22 nd Conservation Warden Heather Gottschalk and Safety instructor Paul Mayer Coordinated the fourth annual Pheasant Learn to Hunt days.

Sixteen students to include one foreign exchange student from Germany participated in the two day Learn to Hunt, which was held at Royal Flush Game Farm. Each hunter was given four hours of instruction on Friday night. Speakers included Jeff Gaska from Pheasants Forever, Chris Cole from WI DNR, Paul Mayer and Marlin Spindler, Hunter Safety Instructors and Dodge County Conservation Warden Heather Gottschalk. During this educational portion topics such as hunter safety, gun handling, biology and habitat of the pheasant, rules and regulations, dog handling and training and support for the sport through local organization were discussed.

The hunt was held on Saturday at the Royal Flush Game Farm in Deforest. Keith Gilbertson, owner, graciously closed the facility for the day so the hunters could remain together as a group and experience their first pheasant hunt in controlled setting which caters to the sport. Forty birds, donated by the Poynette Game Farm, were stocked. The hunters were instructed that hens were off limits and daily bag limits applied. The hunters were then split into two groups. Each hunter had an experienced mentor and every two hunters hunt over one dog. The dogs wore blaze orange vests so they were easily seen. The pointers and flushers were put in separate fields so as to provide the best hunt for the kids by allowing the dogs to work without interference.

While one group was hunting the other watched and were later given a demonstration on how to care for pheasants they harvested. Of course there was a little teasing amongst the hunters during the break and after the hunt. In total 9 birds were harvested (one of which was to be mounted). More importantly everyone saw birds, had an opportunity to shoot and left the field safe and with a smile on their face. When the day was over they headed home knowing something they did not know when they arrived - what pheasant hunting is all about.

Ideally the program in Dodge County will get bigger each year. It’s a great opportunity; however, this program could not happen without the help of many volunteers or without generous donations from people and businesses. Royal Flush Game Farm provided their facility; Pheasants Forever donated blaze orange hats and vests, memberships to all the hunters as well as other financial support. The Wisconsin Trooper Association provided financial support. Rechek’s Food Pride, Columbus Sportsman Club, Poynette Game Farm and Precision Tires and Stripping all contributed to making this event possible.