Getting Ready to Hit the Road to Oklahoma and Shoot Pheasants

The Big Trip to Oklahoma !

The Big Trip to Oklahoma !

The final week countdown is on and it is time to get my gear and spread it out in the extra bedroom and make sure I have just enough stuff for a successful European Pheasant Shoot.  A little too much is not bad unless you are traveling by air, bicycle or horseback and I am in my truck so I have plenty of room.  Here is a run down of a lot of good, guy gear I will be taking.

First thing is the Weather Forecast and Saturday is predicted to have a high of 49 with a low of 29 and a partly cloudy sky, NW wind at 5 mph and  I predict that by the time we start shooting the temp will be in the mid 30 heading up to the 40’s and that is almost perfection for a great morning of shooting.  So, that’s the weather now please make sure you go to the website for Quailridge and print the directions http://www.quailridgehunting.com/contact-directions/  and don’t be late since we need to be ready to go on Saturday the 22nd at 8:00 am. it is easy to get lost on the back roads leading in to Quail Ridge.

Of course the first piece of gear is my shotgun and a backup, both in 20 ga. with at least five boxes of shells 7 1/2 shot.  I will make sure I have fairly open chokes in my gun and it has been cleaned and it is ready to go.  I am going to take my field cleaning kit with a fresh can of Rem Oil, patches and rags so that I can clean and lube my gun when the shoot is over and if we do get a little mist or light rain a fast cleaning will prevent a lot of rust.

I use a shell pouch and a shooting vest so those will be set out next to my head gear, a stocking cap for cold and a hat with a brim if  the sun comes out.  See the cold weather gear on the previous entry for other cold weather clothing you might want to consider.  I will for sure have a nice soft warm pair of cloth gloves to wear when I am not shooting and I take off my right glove when the birds are flying so that I can reload faster.

Eye and ear protection are important for me since I am old and have to save what vision and hearing I have left at this time, if you decide you don’t need them don’t blame me when you are old, like I am, and have to buy hearing aids which I am doing this Wednesday and what did you say?  I can’t hear you.

I will also have bottles of water even though half way through the shoot everyone takes a break and they furnish soft drinks and water for the break.  As for the rest of your gear, make your own list and if you are going to stay in a cabin don’t forget to bring a sleeping bag and pillow and if you are sleeping within a hundred yards of Keith you might need hearing protection since it sounds as if he is sawing a cord or two of word with a chainsaw that needs oiling.

 

About the Author

Joe McElyea
I am an original member and founder of the esteemed High Plains Shooting and Dining Society which is dedicated to fellowship of bird hunters and shooters who also enjoy finding great local places to eat large, unhealthy portions of breaded and fried meats and gravies washed down with the appropriate libations. I am also a retired old man who enjoys fishing, shooting and my wonderful family.

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  1. Avatar Jill Nisbet says:

    Can one join the “Dining” part only? Hope Saturday is awesome!

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