Upland Bird Hunting Information

Upland bird hunting is typically defined as the pursuit of pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, prairie chicken, chuckar partridge, Hungarian partridge, mountain grouse, snipe, quail, turkeys and woodcock. 

The most popular of the upland birds is probably the ring-necked pheasant, quail and ruffed grouse.  Upland bird hunting is one of the more literate hunting sports as more books and magazines have been written about this style of hunting than any other pursuit. 

Unlike big game hunting and a quiet stalk, one of the attractions of upland bird hunting is that it can be a social outing and friends and hunting partners can share memories afield.  Another popular aspect of upland bird hunting is working and hunting over a well trained dog.  No matter where a hunter may reside there is an opportunity to hunt upland birds somewhere in your State.

Upland Bird Behavior and Ecology for the Hunter

Upland birds depend on three critical biological requirements; adequate space for nesting, food and cover.  Agricultural farms and ranches often provide these types of habitat features. 

Most upland birds frequently flock and forage as a family group early in the fall hunting seasons and therefore provide upland bird hunters with numerous wing shooting opportunities following an encounter.  Upland birds also utilize cover during the day.  Hunters should focus their efforts on areas with a combination of cover and food.  During late fall and winter wetlands provide cover in the form of cattails.  Don’t overlook the cattails as you work your bird dog near a local wetland.

Do It Yourself (DIY) Public Land Upland Bird Hunts

Join an upland bird conservation organization such as Pheasants Forever or Quail Unlimited.  These groups have monthly publications with many DIY hunting tips.  Upland bird hunters can find great hunting on both private and public lands. 

Many states offer walk-in hunting areas on private lands.  In this case a landowner is often compensated with sportsman’s dollars from the fish and game department for providing public hunting access. 

There are also many public Waterfowl Production Areas and Wildlife Management Areas throughout the country that provide excellent upland bird hunting.  Lastly, do not overlook simply knocking on a farmer or rancher s door with a smiling face and asking for permission to hunt.  It could result in the hunt of a lifetime.

Guided Upland Bird Hunts

Outfitted and guided upland bird hunts are a means to treat yourself to the guilty pleasure of having someone provide meals and comfortable lodging during your bird hunt.  There are many lodges that are dedicated exclusively to pheasant and quail hunting. 

Throughout the northern Midwest in State’s like South and North Dakota, Montana and Nebraska pheasant hunting is big business in many rural economies.  Paying an access fee, although at times unpopular, is also an option to gain access on many outfitted or guided properties. 

Local hunt clubs in which several hunters band together and lease a property for exclusive use is also becoming more popular.  Be sure and check with your local rod and gun club or outfitters and guides association for names and contacts of property owners who offer guided hunts.

Upland Bird Hunting Equipment

There are many magazines that are solely devoted to upland bird hunting equipment.  Fancy side-by-side shotguns, upland bird hunting vests, bird hunting pants, dog training equipment and upland bird shot all can be found in the many catalogs that are available to upland bird hunters every fall.   Websites such as Orvis, Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops also offer upland bird hunting gear that is for sale. 

There are conservation organizations such as Pheasants Forever that also sell and promote quality hunting gear.  Do your research online from your personal computer for most types of hunting gear and clothing.  There is nothing easier than ordering something from the comfort of your own home.