My brother and I had a great time going after pheasants last weekend. My 12 gauge load is high brass #5 shot and modified choke. It works well when I do my part.
A friend and I went SD pheasant hunting a couple of years ago and had a blast. We camped, hunted public land and didn't have a dog, so it was definitely a lot of work for the birds we did get. I'd do it again (and hope to) in a heartbeat, though.