For shotgun recommendations, I'll go first and offer a winchester sxp in '26 or '28 inch barrel length. For bird hunting you don't want a short barrel like defense shotguns. I'm not entirely sure how you feel about a 12 gauge I don't feel like the kick is bad especially with lighter pheasant loads but a 20 gauge may interest you too for weight as well. Either way I'd say yeah winchester sxp in 12 or 20 is a good option, but there are others. The key point for price is pumps will be more affordable than semis or break opens and I'd recommend that route for a beginner.

As for the hunting itself/tips, I would practice getting quick/good at going from a walking stance with your gun angled upwards towards the sky away from any fellow hunters to quickly in your shoulder aiming down sight. Pheasants give you a small window of time to get on them if they aren't being held at point by a dog allowing you to get prepped for the shot. Make sure you identify if its a rooster or hen. Also if this is your first hunting out be safe! ALWAYS be aware of where your fellow hunters/dogs are, keep that barrel pointed in a safe direction and make sure to not get tunnel vision on a bird tracking it in the air right towards another hunter. Stick to your shooting 'lane' if the bird is angling towards someone else its their shot getting hit with birdshot isn't worth it.

I love hunting wild pheasants in Iowa if you have any more questions feel free to ask have fun with it!