Ringneck pheasant hunting is especially exciting for dog lovers. Unlike fishing or deer hunting, pheasant hunting relies on dogs. The chance to work as one with some really brilliant, well-trained pointers and retrievers is a big part of the appeal of pheasant hunting. Folks who are accustomed to hunting deer, elk, bear and moose are amazed by how much excitement and energy the dogs bring to the hunt.

Pheasant Hunting Costs

Of course, the very thing that makes pheasant hunting so exciting can also make it prohibitively expensive. A ringneck pheasant hunt will usually require the use of a kennel, a hunting guide, and possibly a dog handler. Some lodges charge one fee for use of the rooms and hunting preserve, and additional fees for the guide, the handler and the use of the dogs. Hunters who weren't counting on these additional costs can be pretty shocked by how quickly they add up.

Before booking a hunting trip at a lodge, find out which costs are included and which are not. Ideally, the price of your stay will include the guide and use of the dogs. That way, you'll know what the trip is going to cost before you commit to it, and you can more accurately determine how long you can afford to stay.

Some lodges can be rigid about the length of stays. They may require guests to stay for a full week. Other lodges are more flexible, and allow guests to stay for anywhere from three days to a full week. The Internet provides an easy way to view availability when booking your stay. If the lodge provides a calendar for availability, you'll be able to see exactly which days are or aren't available to a group your size.