Hunting in lean years for those who pursue wild upland game

While some of the reports on various species of game birds this year may be somewhat down in expected bird numbers, there are areas with above average expectations… and so goes the life of a wild bird upland game hunter.  This requires some thought, hurried communications and last minute preparations if you plan to go where the wild birds are in abundance.

I suppose the one quandary that pursuing wild birds brings is that each and every year we potentially face finding a different place to go hunting.  The good news is that in this internet age of instant communication, many of us have a network of hunting friends literally scattered all over the world who are happy to report their bird numbers.  State and other government agencies who benefit from hunter dollars, publish their bird expectations as well.

Last minute changes always complicate things.  The thought of bird numbers being down at my honey hole almost makes me panic.  I have worked hard getting my old dogs in shape and getting my young dogs ready for their first season.  I would sure hate to see all my efforts go to waste.  Frantically seeking places with good numbers at the last minute makes me weary.  Connections with old friends who have good numbers in their area becomes priority.  It can be tough to land a good hunting spot for you and your bird dog at the last minute.

Here are some suggestions of what to do:

1. Consider states nearest to you with public hunting options that are reporting good bird numbers.  Figure that other folks are doing the same so plan mid-week hunts as opposed to weekends where public lands may be congested.
2. If your private land honey hole has decreased numbers, you might consider checking with local agencies to see if releasing birds to supplement your numbers is allowed or feasible if travel is out of the question for you.
3. Network with your hunting buddies.  This is the time to trade out some hunting.
4. Take that lifetime trip to an area that has good reports.  There are literally millions of acres out west that hold birds but folks don’t go because it’s so far away.   Here’s a footnote about that:  There is a learning curve when hunting new species in new areas so unless you have someone with you who has done it before, don’t expect to be overwhelmed with success.  You can ask any of my Montana hunters who return each year about this.  Afterall, it is hunting.
5. If in Texas, ‘day leasing’ has some popularity.  If you find something like this, you must question the day leaser if they rotate hunters regularly on large tracts of land.  It is possible that a day lease can be awful if not properly managed by the owner/leaser.
6. Barter.  If you know someone who has good hunting in their area, perhaps they would be willing to barter some goods for services?  You never know in the current economic climate.

Well it has been a while since I posted and todays lunch hour permitted it.  Hope you glean a piece of useful information out of this post.

Take care and give your dog a treat for me.  Tell ‘em “Dave says good dog!”

Dave