With most hunting seasons over, some of us like to find another avenue in which to go afield. What about trying a bird hunting preserve?
Bird hunting preserves are properties that are licensed to allow hunting of upland birds such as quail, pheasant, chukar and other species. They offer several services such as guided hunts, clay shooting and unguided hunts, as well as bird cleaning, dog training and shooting instruction depending on the preserve.
Off season hunting at preserves can scratch that itch we get when winter is hanging on and we still want to pull a trigger, experience the thrill of the hunt and watch some energetic dogs work. The bonus is the good eating of the birds afterwards.
So, how does a person choose a preserve to go hunt, and what questions should they ask? Cost, types of birds available, condition of fields/cover available, terrain, approximate time permitted to hunt for the price paid, and whether guides or unguided hunts are available are just some of the questions that should be asked.
Costs
Cost to hunt is the first question that should be asked. Each preserve will have various costs. Some are à la carte, and some are package deals. Some costs depend on the number of birds desired to be placed in the field. There are add on fees such as guide tips, cleaning fees for birds and clay shooting, and rental shotguns (if you do not have your own) may also apply. Depending on the desired hunt chosen will impact that total cost. Some preserves offer packages that mix up the bird species and some offer “buddy packages” where two hunters or even groups can come for a better price. Be sure to ask what license is required too. Some states have special licenses for preserve hunting.
What Kinds of Birds are Available?
Most bird hunting preserves will offer quail, chukar and pheasant hunts. Some may not have one of species or another, particularly at the end of the season which is often March or April. Some preserves may offer waterfowl hunts and yet others have a slew of exotic or big-game hunts that may go on after the season as well.
In my experience, mixed bag bird hunts are great. You get a variety of birds, and you never really know what the dog is going to flush until the last second. However, if your palate requires, getting a single species is most definitely available at most preserves.
Condition of the Fields and Cover?
Always ask about the condition of the fields and cover that will be hunted. There are several reasons for this. First, snow can push cover down and flatten it. Second, preserves are a commercial operation and with so many people using the property, cover can be beat down. That makes it harder to conceal birds and they are more apt to run or fly away before you can find them. Last, hunters should want to learn what cover the birds prefer, and they should also want to know what cover they will be walking or hiking through, which brings us to the next consideration.
Terrain
Terrain is important to be aware of because we are all in different physical conditions. Most preserves have access trails and roads leading to bird fields, and many allow hunters to drive to the fields vs. walking from afar, but it is still important to know what you are in for before heading out, particularly if you have an old injury, medical conditions such as a heart ailment or asthma or COPD. Walking the fields for birds for a few hours is good exercise. Ask if the fields are muddy or sloppy too. This may determine a better footwear choice.
Guided or Unguided
Knowing how long the hunts are planned to take is important so you know how long you will be hiking through waist high brush and how long you will be in the weather. Plus, knowing the time afield allows you to plan better for everything else.
Some hunters prefer a guided hunt so they can learn from the guide. Perhaps a hunter does not have a dog. They would definitely want a guide and dog. Others may have a dog and want to use this hunt to train their dog or just enjoy the fields to themselves. The pricing between the two is different so do make a point to ask. Remember, if you choose the guided hunt, your guide should be tipped. Most of the guides do this simply for the joy of working their dog and for dog food and vet expenses. The guides rarely make much, if anything, on the hunts. So, tip the guides appropriately as you would want to be tipped if they do a good job. Be sure to communicate with your guide how you want to hunt. If you feel you are being rushed, let them know. They are there to work the dogs and work for you.
Bird Condition
Some bird preserves have a great reputation for producing birds that fly well and are sporty or wild. Some places have a poor reputation for the way birds fly. No one wants to go on a hunt, pay the money and have to literally kick or pick up and throw their birds into the air to get them to fly. I have been on hunts like this, and it is not a positive experience. The time of year (birds molt and sometimes do not fly as well), the pen they are raised in and how well they are fed all factor in to how well they might fly. Ask the contact person at the preserve how well their birds fly and be direct about it. Make it clear you do not want to come if the birds are not flying well. Also, look at online reviews. Those can be very informative.
Tips for the Preserve Hunter
Practice shooting clays before going to the hunt if possible. If you are paying for birds (most guided hunts average $200 per person) you certainly do not want to miss and see your money continue flying away.
Dress appropriately for the hunt. Most hunts would call for some brush pants, blaze orange, and possibly waterproof boots that you can comfortably hunt in for four or five hours while walking.
Ask questions and learn while on the hunt. The guides are willing to share their knowledge about their dogs, the birds and biology and the cover and habitat created. Who knows, the networking may help you in other areas of hunting.
Take plenty of shells. It is far better to have a handful of extra shells vs. not having enough. Ask beforehand what shells choices are best.
Look at ratings online for the preserve before calling or visiting. If the preserve is not that far from your home, drive by one afternoon and scope it out!
This season when things wind down, treat yourself to something different and visit a local bird-hunting preserve. Take a friend an enjoy a leisurely hunt and some good eating too!
