‘25-‘26 Upland Bird Thread

All you double barrel people! I was thinking about posting on this thread after I shoot some birds this fall, but you folks would just laugh at my Bereatta 390. For the record, I think double barrels balance horribly compared to my gun. Ok, go ahead, you can now call me a hairy, Neanderthal knuckledragger.
 
All you double barrel people! I was thinking about posting on this thread after I shoot some birds this fall, but you folks would just laugh at my Bereatta 390. For the record, I think double barrels balance horribly compared to my gun. Ok, go ahead, you can now call me a hairy, Neanderthal knuckledragger.
My buddy hunted with his grandfather's 1968 Remington pump just as long as you like what your doing it doesnt matter, but you still might get made fun of, for just good fun through....
 
Sunday hunday. Went out noonish with a buddy, got up two coveys, and a hawk beat us to a third. Got 5 birds.

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But today’s morning misadventure- pheasants! Went to a spot I’d never been, thought it might hold a rooster or two. Turns out- it held two. Ellie’s first ever (and my first in Montana), and one that I got lazy on and was too far out when it flushed. She’s coming along, even if she’s a bit rough and/or stubborn.

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I'm not much of a bird hunter, but I went out on the opener Saturday to run my hounds and check roads getting ready for lion hunting. I got my first Hun and a chukar.

Went out today and got two chukar.

No bird dog, so just jump shooting, and when I find birds while out with my hounds.
 

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I grew up on the farm that’s been in my family since the 1860s. We had a few pheasants around when I was a kid and I could usually manage to kill 2 or 3 a year. Then a big operation started renting the land and tiled and tilled every inch. I didn’t kill a pheasant on the farm for 20+ years. Most years I wouldn’t even see one. I recently restored all the crop land to native grasses and forbs, restored a few wetlands, and put a conservation easement on it. I also started trapping coons and possums like crazy.

Saturday was pheasant opener. It was hot so the pup and I just went for a quick walk. Saw 2 roosters and got one. Today I grabbed him and went out after work. My wife said I had a half hour before supper. It took 10 minutes to get my limit. I saw 40-50 birds. It was crazy. We covered about 5 acres of our 150 acre farm.

It’s amazing what good habitat does. Killing roosters is fun. Seeing wildlife respond to all the work is incredible.
 

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I grew up on the farm that’s been in my family since the 1860s. We had a few pheasants around when I was a kid and I could usually manage to kill 2 or 3 a year. Then a big operation started renting the land and tiled and tilled every inch. I didn’t kill a pheasant on the farm for 20+ years. Most years I wouldn’t even see one. I recently restored all the crop land to native grasses and forbs, restored a few wetlands, and put a conservation easement on it. I also started trapping coons and possums like crazy.

Saturday was pheasant opener. It was hot so the pup and I just went for a quick walk. Saw 2 roosters and got one. Today I grabbed him and went out after work. My wife said I had a half hour before supper. It took 10 minutes to get my limit. I saw 40-50 birds. It was crazy. We covered about 5 acres of our 150 acre farm.

It’s amazing what good habitat does. Killing roosters is fun. Seeing wildlife respond to all the work is incredible.
Super cool. Got any more info on the habitat work? Pics? Start a thread if you want to tell a story and share pics. I love hearing about conservation restoration projects.
 
I grew up on the farm that’s been in my family since the 1860s. We had a few pheasants around when I was a kid and I could usually manage to kill 2 or 3 a year. Then a big operation started renting the land and tiled and tilled every inch. I didn’t kill a pheasant on the farm for 20+ years. Most years I wouldn’t even see one. I recently restored all the crop land to native grasses and forbs, restored a few wetlands, and put a conservation easement on it. I also started trapping coons and possums like crazy.

Saturday was pheasant opener. It was hot so the pup and I just went for a quick walk. Saw 2 roosters and got one. Today I grabbed him and went out after work. My wife said I had a half hour before supper. It took 10 minutes to get my limit. I saw 40-50 birds. It was crazy. We covered about 5 acres of our 150 acre farm.

It’s amazing what good habitat does. Killing roosters is fun. Seeing wildlife respond to all the work is incredible.
Yeah I’m in for hearing all about this. Projects like this, with family ties are awesome!
 
Penny's first opening day pheasant. She absolutely nailed the point. Whoa'd her after she hit the point I walked about 5 yards in front of her and didn't see a thing. One more step and the rooster exploded into a flush. Always trust your dog!
 

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