In our Shooting 101 series, we’ve discussed many aspects of how to start shooting. Now, we’re considering hunting in its various aspects, including bird hunting.

Since there are many different types of hunting, we’re going to break it down to avoid confusion and let those looking to get into this exciting sport have the best opportunity possible for success. To be sure, hunting for different kinds of game animals varies depending on equipment needs and knowledge. From big-game hunting to predator hunting, waterfowl hunting, turkey hunting, hunting upland and migratory game birds, there’s a lot to know, depending on which quarry you choose to pursue. Today, we’ll look at the wonderful world of bird hunting.

Bird Hunting 101

For the purpose of this discussion, we’ll look at hunting birds except waterfowl and turkeys. Those two require largely different equipment needs and tactics. That leaves us with several species of upland game birds and a few migratory bird species like woodcock and doves.

Dogs & Doves

First, let’s talk about hunting dogs. Hunting the mourning dove, a migratory bird, is the only type of hunting for upland or migratory game birds that is easily successfully done by hunters without dogs. Sure, hunters pursuing other species can be successful without dogs, but a brace of good bird dogs turned loose in prime game bird country will lead to much more success and, I might add, enjoyment.

For hunting doves, you’ll need a shotgun (12, 20 or 28 gauge) with a fairly short barrel and open choke. Shotshells with number 7.5 or 8 shot are recommended, as they form a dense pattern and don’t tear up as much meat as shells with larger shot size. The other requirement for hunting migratory birds like doves is your shotgun must be plugged where it will hold no more than two shells in the magazine and chamber combined, per federal law. Possession of a HIP permit, free from the federal government, is also required for migratory bird hunting.

Doves are typically hunted coming into feed areas in the morning or coming to water in the evening. Most shooting is pass shooting, where you take aim at the fleet-flying little birds as they wing their way past. It’s challenging and fun, and a mess of doves can make a delicious wild game dinner.

American Woodcock

Even though the American woodcock is a migratory bird, I’m going to lump it in with the upland game birds because it is typically hunted in much the same way as those birds. In this section, we’ll also discuss ruffed grouse and other grouse species, ring-necked pheasant, several species of quail, prairie chickens, Hungarian partridge and chukar. The woodcock is often found in wet areas with fairly thick cover, from upper Michigan all the way down to southern Louisiana, depending on the time of year. As with doves, you must have your gun plugged for woodcock and purchase a HIP permit.

For woodcock and most of these other species to be discussed, the use of a good gun dog is the best, most effective way to hunt. That’s because the birds generally occur in tough cover, and simply walking through areas where they live in hopes of flushing one for a shot isn’t all that effective, although it can be done. 

Gun dogs range from pointers to flushers to retrievers. While all ply their trade differently, their purpose is to indicate to the hunter where the birds are, then fetch the bird to hand after the successful shot. 

For those interested in becoming bird hunters, rather than jump in with both feet and get a bird dog, it’s better to find an experienced hunter who already has dogs and ask if you can tag along on a trip or two. That’ll let you decide whether you are interested enough to take on all the responsibility of buying, raising and training a hunting dog.

Ruffed Grouse

The ruffed grouse, called the king of game birds by many, is found in the eastern part of the United States from northern Michigan southward. These birds live in very thick cover, and hunting them can be challenging. Grouse hunters typically use shotguns with a fairly open choke and small shot size since shots are often fairly close as the birds dart through the trees trying to escape after the flush.

Quail

Quail are also very popular birds to hunt, and several species of them provide different opportunities throughout the country, from east to west. The northern bobwhite, often referred to as Gentleman Bob, is perhaps the most popular. These birds live in small to large groups, called coveys, in fields, fencerows and creek edges somewhere near food sources and water. They, like all quail species, are best hunted with fairly open chokes (an improved cylinder is recommended) and small shot sizes from 7 to 8.

Other quail species that provide enjoyable hunting opportunities include the blue (or scaled) quail, mountain quail, California quail and Mearns quail. Wherever you live in the U.S., it’s likely there is a quail species for hunting within a day’s drive.

Upland Birds

The ring-necked pheasant is another popular game bird. Introduced from Asia, the bird took hold and has very good populations in some midwestern states, including Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota and Iowa. These birds are prized as table fare but expect a few scratches on both you and your gun if you dig into the heavy cover in pursuit of them.

Pheasants are a little tougher than most of the other game bird species and require more powerful shotshells with larger shot sizes, typically number 5 or 6. Hunters pursuing them often use shotguns with a little tighter choke, too—typically modified—since shots are often taken at a little longer distance.

Several upland game bird species, including prairie chickens, sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge, are found throughout many plains states. These birds are generally hunted behind pointing dogs with the same guns and loads used for quail or pheasants. 

Chukar

Lastly, the chukar is found in mountainous regions in the western part of the country. This tough import requires even tougher hunters to pursue it, as it lives in steep, rugged areas that will test both your boots and your conditioning.

Regardless of what species you choose to pursue, hunting them pretty much requires the same basic equipment. A shotgun, shells, a good pair of boots, a pair of brush buster pants and a quality hunting vest with a game bag will get you started in this exciting, challenging sport.

Find a place to hunt at FWS.gov.