I too live in Kansas, and I know for a fact that it is illegal. We all know that hunters are thier own worst enemy when it comes to public opinion. Had it been me, I would have informed him of the law. I can't say that I can agree with how you handled the situation, but at the same time I understand that you are concerned about your job. A man has to eat...

There has only been one time I have ever witnessed a Pheasant shot on the ground... I was dating the daughter of a Kansas Conservation Officer at the time. Him, his son, and I were out in the field, when a rooster flew over my head. I immediately hit the deck and he shot it out of the air. Obviously wounded, he had only crippled it and it began to run. Then he shot it on the ground. I believe it wasn't out of sport, but respect for the rooster. It deserves a clean, quick kill instead of a slow death over a couple of days.

What is most important is that we all realize that I can't enforce the ethical and responsible hunting of another. That person is the only one who can do that. If you find yourself questioning your hunting methods, you should ask yourself one question, "Am I giving fair chase?". I'd like to suggest a book to everyone called "Beyond Fair Chase". It's not that expensive, only $12 at amazon.com. It talks about the ethics in hunting and may help you decide for yourself how you should hunt. If and when I ever decide to have children, they will read this before going to the field for the first time. It's up to them to make the right decision, I won't always be there to tell them what is right.

--Wing