Upland hunting facts for kids
Upland hunting is a type of hunting that takes place on dry land, away from large bodies of water. It's popular in America and focuses on catching specific kinds of birds called upland birds. These birds include quail, pheasant, grouse, woodcock, and partridge. Unlike birds that live in water, upland birds prefer to stay on land, often hiding in thick plants and bushes.
Because these birds are good at hiding, hunters usually work with specially trained gun dogs. These dogs help find the birds, make them fly out into the open, and then bring them back once they've been caught. A typical hunting group might have 2-4 hunters and 1-2 dogs. If there's only one dog, its owner usually handles it while the other hunters focus on shooting.
Some dogs, like pointers and setters, are trained to find the birds and show the hunter where they are. Other dogs, like spaniels, are trained to scare the birds so they fly up. When a bird is forced to fly out of its hiding spot, hunters try to shoot it while it's in the air. This is called wingshooting. Once a bird is shot down, it's usually retrieved by a dog (retrievers) or by the hunter.
Tools for Upland Hunting
Hunters use different types of shotguns for upland hunting. These can range from simple single-shot guns to semi-automatic ones. The size of the gun's barrel, called its caliber or gauge, can vary from a small .410 bore to a larger 12-gauge.
A classic shotgun for this type of hunting is a double-barrel shotgun in a smaller size like a 16-, 20-, or 28-gauge. These guns use small, round pellets called birdshot. Some of these upland hunting guns can be very expensive, costing thousands of dollars!
For safety, hunters in some parts of North America, like Alabama and Arkansas, are required to wear bright blaze orange clothing. This helps other hunters see them easily. Hunters also often wear special vests to carry the birds they catch. Lately, there's a trend towards using more advanced backpacks designed for tougher hunting trips in remote areas.
Hunting with Dogs
A big part of upland hunting involves working with specially trained gun dogs to find birds. Spaniels and pointing breeds are most commonly used. However, retrievers are also very successful, especially when hunting pheasant in many places.
Traditionally, upland hunters walk to find game. But in the southern states, where bobwhite quail can be spread out, hunters sometimes use buggies or vehicles. They might even use special hunting buggies to carry their gear and extra kennels for fresh dogs. On the other hand, hunters looking for chukar and grey partridge in the western regions often hike long distances, sometimes over 8 miles, up steep mountains with their dogs.
A strong partnership between the hunter and their dog is very important. The type of dog a hunter chooses should match their hunting style and the kind of bird they plan to hunt. This helps make the hunting trip successful for both of them.
Dog training can start when a puppy is about 4 months old. Training often helps the dog use its natural hunting instincts. Common training tools include dog whistles, long leashes, and sometimes shock collars. A puppy might be ready to go hunting within a year, but dogs usually reach their best hunting ability around 3 or 4 years old.
Where Upland Hunting Happens
Pheasant hunting is the most popular type of upland hunting. It mostly takes place in open fields that provide good hiding spots for the birds. Upland birds can be found in many different places, from deserts to high mountains. This wide variety of locations is one reason why upland hunting is so popular.
Some states, like South Dakota, earn a lot of money from upland hunters who travel there because the conditions are perfect for these birds. There are many pheasant hunting lodges, especially in the eastern part of South Dakota.
The location is key when deciding which type of upland bird you want to hunt. Upland birds live all over the United States and in many other parts of the world. However, upland hunting is most popular in the United States. Hunters can choose to hunt wild birds in less populated areas, especially in the Midwest, which is more challenging. Or, they can hunt farmed birds, which is often easier.
Here are some popular game birds found in different regions of the United States:
- Eastern/Northeast — forest grouse
- South/Southeast — bobwhite quail
- Midwest/Prairie — pheasants, prairie grouse
- North Central Tier — forest grouse
- Intermountain West — partridge, sage-grouse, prairie grouse
- West — partridge, quail
