ToddBDS

Hunting in the rain is, in my book, one step above not hunting at all. In other words, I don't like doing either.

If you're hunting with dogs, walking a field just after a rain actually makes life easier. Due to the moisture on the ground, the dogs can pick up scent better. No dogs? Walk a zig-zag pattern along the edge cover; walk in and then out of the corn/milo/CRP field you're hunting. But if you find yourself trading in brush pants for waders due to the rain, pack up and head for the nearest cup of hot coffee. I prefer to leave the soaked boots, wet dogs, clinging pants and water-logged jackets for duck hunting.

Pheasants, like most game, don't move much during bad weather. They have a hard time hearing/seeing predators (both two- and four-legged) and usually opt to sit tight hoping you walk past them. They'll bury themselves in cover and you won't get them to flush unless you kick them up. Literally. One tip? You can't walk too slow. If you walk fast, you'll walk over more birds than you care to think about. Walk 15-20 yards, freeze and wait a few. Some birds, thinking they've been spotted, will run and/or fly to escape the perceived danger. That's when you shoulder, wait, lead and pull.

You mentioned something about "they're putting out 420 birds...". That means they're pen-raised. That also means they're somewhat stupid; they're not wild and can therefore be somewhat predictable. They may flush early regardless of weather. Maybe someone who's hunted pen-raised birds in the rain can enlighten both of us.