As Pheasant opener has come and gone, the preferred destinations that many hunters flocked to early in the season are now left barren. Many people over look the excellent opportunity of chasing roosters in December presents. With temperatures hovering around freezing or below, pheasants tend to group up during this time period. Crops have been harvested and most areas in the country have received a blanket of snow, pushing pheasants to reside to other areas with better cover. This means a well thought out game plan before hitting the field should be put in place. From the opening of the season, pheasants receive heavy pressure and gunfire, meaning a vast amount of pheasants has been harvested.  There are still plenty of roosters to be had, but a different approach needs to be taken as many of the uneducated birds have fell wayside to gun shot leaving the clever and battle scared birds as survivors. This means you need to be smart when chasing roosters in December.  It is in my years of experience that I have found to be more successful when hunting in a smaller group of hunters. Hunting in a large group presents a number of challenges, such as miscommunication and pushing pheasants in the wrong direction. When I talk about a small group, I am talking about 4 to 5 hunters accompanied by a dog as it allows for a stealthy approach, increasing your chances of being fruitful by days end. Other considerations to keep in mind are keeping noise to a minimum. Make a lot of noise and you will find the birds are long gone. By learning to utilize hand signals in your hunting party you increase your odds of being successful. Another consideration is do not rush. Be patient and take note of what the birds are doing around you. By locating escape routes and patterns you can better coordinate with your hunting group where to set your blockers. Before you step foot  afield to chase roosters this December, come up with a concrete game plan that your entire hunting party understands. Cold weather might require you to bundle up and add an extra layer, but the adrenaline rush you get from flushing bunched up roosters will leave you shaking in excitement, not from the cold. Get out there today and be greeted with fewer hunters and more pheasants. Good Hunting.