While preseason scouting will pay off any year, it's essential when bird numbers are known to be low. Even when things look darkest for your state's bird crop, there are always a few bright spots. Following an extreme winter, there should still be some birds left in places such as where thick shelterbelts border feedlots, giving the pheasants plenty of cover and food. Several seasons ago, most gunners in my native Kansas were struggling to find birds during a statewide drought. Rather than trying to keep up with these feathered track stars, it's sometimes best to have a gunner waiting for them at the end of the field.
Safety is always a concern when blockers are used.
All pheasant hunts should begin with an impromptu safety lecture by the person in charge of the hunt, covering zones of fire for that day's specific conditions. Quality eye protection and Blaze Orange are mandatory for all. For peak effectiveness on previously hunted birds, blockers should make use of the lay of the land to quietly sneak into position. The walkers shouldn't even show up at their end of the field until the blockers are in place. Dealing With Weather Warm, sunny days may be pleasant for hunting, but they're not ideal for shooting birds.