Upland game birds techniques

Through TPWD turkey restocking programs and good habitat management, turkeys are expanding their range into non-traditional habitats in the brush country. The chachalaca, is also limited in distribution to distinct habitats in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. This tropical-forest bird is at home in the taller trees of the dense Tamaulipan Thornshrub vegetation limited to extreme southern Texas.

Short of heading to Old Mexico, Texas is the only place in the U. Chachalacas, secretive by nature, make for a challenging and unique hunting opportunity. Whether land manager, bird enthusiast or bird hunter the brush country is a great place to enjoy a variety of upland game birds. Good range and wildlife management techniques will help conserve the habitats upon which these bird species depend. Management for a diversity of birds can yield economic benefits for landowners wishing to attract hunters, birdwatchers and other nature tourists.

Since I began hunting four years ago, my hunting circle has continued to grow. My theory is, the more you do what you love, the more you find people who love it also.

That, or you share your passion with someone new and get them just as hooked as you are. We have found that getting a fresh bird dog on wild birds has a way of motivating the whole group into getting dirt on our boots.

Keep in mind, hunting by yourself is one of the most peaceful, rewarding experiences; one where you learn to hunt in a very different, focused way. While having a hunting buddy or group provides the above-noted help, if at all possible, please try to find a way to get out on your own.

Truthfully, this usually is my No. When my American Brittany, Charlie, has been cooped up, he will dig through my hunting stuff, pull out my orange hunting beanie and bring it to me with the most soulful look in his eyes.

It works every time. Not to mention, non-exercised pups become wound-up hellions. My other pup, Hayward, our French Brittany, has a particular affinity for chewing small holes in the very center of our coziest blankets when he has pent-up energy.

Another option is to run drills with your dog. It quells a touch of that bird hunting need, for the both of you; especially on those days when all you can manage is a quick trip to the local park. Keeps them sharp, if you will. There are three ways to do this: set a date, make a vacation out of, and rearrange your schedule when you can. About once a week during upland season, my husband, Tanner, and I sit down to compare schedules. If we have a block of more than four hours open together, they get designated as bird hunting time.

Sometimes it ends up where only one of us has time to hunt. Sometimes it means a super-fast one- to two-hour hunt close to home. The point here is to plan for it. That includes those solo hunts. Additionally, try to make a vacation out of upland hunting at least once a year. Even if it is just a day or two during the entire season, take them off to run dogs and shoot at birds.

I highly recommend taking time off in the middle of the week. Trust me. Likewise, meeting up with out-of-town friends for a long weekend is the best fun you can have.

Add bird hunting to it and there is just nothing better. We typically plan one trip during the early season where friends from western, central, and eastern Oregon, as well as eastern Idaho, meet us to hunt together. The last tip I have for making time to hunt is to alter your schedule, where you can. However, if possible, decreasing other time commitments or changing your schedule during bird season can mean a substantial increase in available hunting hours.

Truthfully, there is no way to recommend a one-size-fits-all suggestion to rearrange your schedule, so, I will share two examples of how I have personally implemented this one.

Pheasants Forever is a c 3 charitable organization. Your donation is tax deductible under the fullest extent of the law. Header Secondary Navigation. Search for: Search Site. Donate Renew Join Facebook. Pheasants Forever. Got rooster fever? Pick and choose from these shooting tips, then settle in and drop the bird. By Tom Carpenter Pheasants make me crazy. The day I am cool and collected and workmanlike at the shot is the day the excitement is gone.

That said, the excitement can also come at a price — namely, missed shots. Pick and choose the ones you think will help now.