This is a great introduction to the sport of pheasant hunting.  Information is presented in an easy reading format with occasional sidebars.  Although native to China and Korea, pheasants were introduced in 1881 to the Willamette Valley in Oregon.  Pheasants readily adapted to the changing environment of wilderness to farm land.  They are ground birds and need cover for nesting and nearby grain fields for feeding.  The book relates the physical traits, behaviors, and habitats as well as successful techniques and strategies for hunting this alert and sneaky game bird.  Two types of dogs are often used – flushers and pointers.  Good breeds for doing each job are mentioned.  Equipment and skills for hunting pheasants are rather unique.  Being able to shoot quickly and accurately is a must.  Hunters need to know local laws and firearm safety rules.  Photographs are informative, well captioned, with a good balance of both male and female hunters.  Also included are a map, diagram, index and glossary.  One item keeps me from giving this an R*.  Page 39 mentions the importance of “field dressing” a bird as soon as possible, yet that term is never explained.  Otherwise, this is a captivating and educational book.