In the expansive fields at the Slough -- or anywhere else you decide to go pheasant hunting that is geographically large -- the birds can (and will) run on you. If you don't have a dog or use techniques like blocking and "pinching," it could make for a long day.

At this time, lead shot is allowed at Willow Slough, but the use of non-toxic shot (like steel) is gaining momentum, and the rules could change rather fast. Therefore, it is a good idea to have both types of shot (i.e., lead and non-toxic) with you.

For more information about Willow Slough, call (219) 285-2704.

PIGEON RIVER FWA
Pheasant hunters can harvest both released and wild birds at this large FWA, which is located in the northeast corner of the state in LaGrange and Steuben counties. FWAs in the northern part of the state often have wild pheasants mostly because of the weather; in the southern part of the state, it's too hot for pheasants to survive.

Within the boundaries of Pigeon River's 11,600 acres, pheasant hunters will find a lot of good pheasant-hunting opportunities. Every year, Pigeon River FWA harvest numbers indicate it is one of the most productive pheasant-hunting public properties in the entire state.

Not insignificantly, it is a great place to try cleanup pheasant hunting. Like the other FWAs in Indiana that participate in the Put-and-Take Program, a large number of pheasants are released at Pigeon River. It's very likely that a lot of cleanup birds will be available because of the large number of birds released.

Cleanup hunters should stay in touch with the office personnel at the property where they want to go hunting to find out when the supply of put-and-take birds will run out, and the cleanup hunts will begin.

For more information on Pigeon River FWA, call (260) 367-2164.

HUNTINGTON LAKE RESERVOIR (J. EDWARD ROUSH LAKE)
Huntington Lake Reservoir is the only DNR reservoir property that conducts put-and-take hunts. Located in Huntington County, near the town of the same name, Huntington Lake Reservoir is 8,217 acres in size.

Since Huntington Lake Reservoir is in the northern third of the state, it can produce some wild birds. This property is a participant in the put-and-take hunts, which includes cleanup hunting.

For more information on Huntington Lake Reservoir, call (260) 468-2165.

TWO WILD BIRD CHOICES
If you'd like to try your luck for wild birds, here are a couple of public-land choices.

Kankakee FWA
Kankakee FWA is noted for its excellent waterfowl hunting, but this 4,095-acre FWA in Starke County also has hundreds of acres for upland hunting. Areas L-4 and L-3 just south of state Route 8 are the places to try.

Check-in is by self-service and a self-service station is located at the parking lot by Area L-4. Kankakee is steel shot only. Call Kankakee at (574) 896-3522 for more information.

A valid hunting license and a game bird habitat stamp are required to legally hunt pheasants in Indiana. Pheasant hunters at Kankakee FWA, and elsewhere in Indiana, are also reminded that they must wear hunter (safety) orange as required by the regulations.

Round Lake Wetland Conservation Area (WCA)
At 140 acres, Round Lake WCA is pretty small, but it does contain the kind of habitat that both pheasants and quail like.

Round Lake WCA is in Starke County a few miles north of Winamac FWA. To find this WCA, be sure to use a map of the area. The atlas-type maps that contain topography information are excellent for finding spots like Round Lake. You can obtain these maps at just about any store that has outdoor sporting goods.

Work the area's fields and the edges around the lake and you're likely to stir up a pheasant or two. Contact Winamac FWA for more info at (574) 946-4422. Good hunting!