I don't know much about pheasants, but for a first timer on quail, I would suggest Coturnix Quail. They are easy to raise, quiet type quail, and more easily handled, compared to Bobwhites who are skittish, do not tolerate being touched and hard to deal with for the first timer.
As far as being good layers, Coturnix and Bobs lay equally well. Both are cold hardy birds.