First time pheasant (questions)

[tex92]

I am really wanting to get in to pheasant hunting this upcoming hunting season. It's something I have never done befor. I have been hunting grouse and waterfowl for many many years. I have some questions regarding pheasant hunting and I hope you guys can help with them, so here they are:
1. Can I pheasant hunt without a dog? And have success?
2. I have been reading about the pheasant release sites, will I have the best luck at one? Or are these sites over hunted and like war zone?
3. I have every gauge from 10 to 410. What will work the best? And what size and kind of shot will work the best?
And any other info and helpful points you guys can think of will be great. Thanks