Wing Shooting

It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a game bird farm, almost fifteen years I think.  I don’t think things have changed much in that time but I did forget how fun it can be to spend a day with family and friends watching a good dog work a field.  You might say, “Well that’s cheating”.  I would say that sometime in the very near future I’m going to be eating chicken anyway so why not eat a pheasant or a Chukar.  There are some very good reasons to visit a game bird farm and some things to keep in mind before planning your hunt.  

Dog Work 

If you have a bird dog there is no better way to train the dog or get in some regular work.  There is nothing better than watching a good dog work a field and come to a solid point.  

Better Wing Shot 

Shooting birds isn’t easy, the more you practice the better you become.  The farms are a great place to get some guaranteed practice under real hunting situations.  You can haunt the sporting clay range if you like but you won’t get the racing heart, the flushing bird, other hunters on your shoulder, or dog lunging at the bird.  Want to be a better and safer wing shot?  The farms can do that for you. 

Good fun and good eating.

Good Eating 

If you have never eaten birds like pheasant, Chukar, ruffed grouse, or woodcock you don’t know what you are missing.  Pheasant is typically mild and tender white meat.  Grouse and Chukar are also white meat but a touch more gamey.  Woodcock is dark and rich with a hint of liver flavor.  If you like good eats the farm almost guarantees you will have something to grill at the end of the hunt. 

Some things to consider before planning your hunt: 

Cover 

Game bird farm seasons are typically longer than the regular bird hunting seasons.  So the cover in the fields can take a beating from hunters, dogs, and weather (especially winter snows).  The cover is better in the late fall and early winter compared to the spring.

Birds 

Pheasants hold better in the morning.  As conditions dry out and the sun gets higher they like to run.  Have a game plan for getting those running birds.  Keep in mind that you pay for the birds regardless  if you shot them.  It’s like watching a twenty dollar bill walk out of your life forever.  We found that Chukars will run but not very far before they start to hold again.  They hold very nice for the dog but fly a little faster than the pheasants.  

Frisky 

All the birds like to run more in the spring.  They are a little frisky and ready for breeding; another reason to visit in the late fall or early winter.

The farms are not cheap, as I mentioned watching a pheasant walk away is like watching a twenty dollar bill walk away.  But even if you have to pinch and save a little to book a hunt; between the dog work, the gun work, the exercise, the flat out fun you will have, and the eats that come after you’ll find it well worth it.