This year I have hunted pheasants more than all previous years combined, which still isn't necessarily huge. (I have my own business - so when I need a break, I grab my SG and do the `rounds'.) I have been surprised, however, that after I have `cleaned' an area out - pheasants, and even especially roosters, keep filtering back in. I think it's because 1) there are definite safe havens around, and 2) they are more mobile than I thought. They'll venture out of safe zones - and venture right back when harassed. Oh, and 3) there are a lot of birds around in general, for whatever reason(s).

But, as for your question ... I see the roosters in roo-groups, and alone. Earlier I was getting into roos and hens combined, but not lately. In fact, I am seeing few hens at all. It's like they go invisible this time of year. Bottom line - I don't think they are (as) interested in hens this time of year, and I don't see hens going after the roos earlier. I do see roos fighting - but doesn't appear to be over hens.

So, keep at it.

Update ... I spent some time on the road today ... I don't know what it is with northern Idaho around here, but I either see ONLY roosters, or roosters to hens at a ratio of say 3:1. I remember growing up in southern Idaho where it seemed like the roosters to hens ratio was about 1:50.