UPLAND BIRD HUNTING

For many the epitome of autumn joy is coursing golden fields or polychromatic woodlands behind a stylish pointing dog in search of upland birds. Celebrated in art and literature, upland bird hunting verges on a sacramental act. Sure, there is the pragmatic reality of gathering delicious organic “chicken,” but that is soon overshadowed by the uplifting, invigorating thrill of finding and flushing those heart-stopping gallinaceous pheasants, partridges, grouse and quail. There are times when tactics and plotting become necessary, but more often an upland hunt is simply following your dog or your heart wherever promise or beauty lead. Gallinaceous birds are mostly ground dwelling with short wings used more for escape than daily living. While a chickadee or waxwing flits and flaps thither and yon, a bobwhite or pheasant walks. Unless a predator flushes them, they may not fly for days on end. This makes them the perfect prey for dogs that scent, trail, then point or flush. Watching those dogs work, training them and nurturing them and sharing the good, bad and ugly of what they do becomes half the fun of upland hunting.Join us here as we celebrate the adventures of upland bird hunting. We’ll offer advice, tips and tactics that have served us well during 45 years spent pursuing 18 species of North American upland game birds and several more around the world.