2008-Kansas Opener

The Hunt for Pheasants was tough this year. South Western Kansas experienced early drought, followed by record rains in October- 4.94", thus causing a later than usual harvest. Late harvest means that the birds where hiding in the corn and milo vice the CRP.

Opening morning started at the WIHA. Air temps where in the high 30's with no wind. I repeat no wind in the second windiest place in the CONUS. There where two dogs this year, Sadie and Gus. Without those dogs I don't think we would have been able to get the two birds we did. Tango Victor.

By the end on the first morning the group had a total of 3 birds. The afternoon proved better with the invoking of the strategy to push through corn rows on the "B"s, thus resulting in 7 more birds.

Day two proved better with 16 roosters and a competition for the coveted title of "HEN-CHESTER" After stiff competition Herman came out on top of the wall of shame.

2007 - Kansas Opener

The weekend opener turned out to be a great time by all. Alan did his usual stellar job at finding places for the group to hunt. Birds numbers where good overall, but a lot of cover. Day 1 started out at the WIHA. Air temperature was a cool 22 degrees, but later got up to 62. We had one dog in the group in this year. Saddie did a great job. Total bird counts for opener is as follows:

Day 1: 24 Birds
Day 2: 26 Birds

Day 3: 13 Birds- Alan, Mr. E, Dave, Joe, and yours truly. Best part of this mini hunt was seeing Dave shoot three birds in three shots, within 5 seconds. Gotta love that Benelli.

Notable items to remember is Alex mounting a gun backwards on B-2, big Gary from KC falling in a hole, and some hunters with intestinal challenges after a night at Kings.

Another great year, with Tyson still retaining the title of "HEN-CHESTER"

2006 - Kansas Opener

This was the last year that Mr & Mrs Eaton ran the opener out of the Red Barn. Mr & Mrs Eaton moved into town (Dodge City). The opener was tough, only 20 birds were taken after two days of hunting. Despite the low bird count, everyone had a great time. We had one dog with the group that year, Sadie.



















The low bird count made people appreciate the years that had better numbers. The two openers prior had the following bird counts.



2005- Kansas Opener- 72 Birds. Three dogs that year- Spinner, Sadie, and Dutch

2004- Kansas Opener- 64 Birds. Three dogs hunted- Spinner, Sadie, and Dutch. This was my first year hunting with the group. I must say that I have learned a lot and look forward to pheasant hunting each year.