So, you missed out last year? Maybe you got all the gear and got cold feet last year. Maybe that bum you call a friend didn’t show up on opening day with his dog like he promised. Perhaps you waited until you had every bit of gear and now you are actually ready to call yourself… an UPLAND HUNTER.
Maybe’s. Shoulda’s. Coulda’s. Woulda’s. Well, my friend. It’s a new season!
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2018/19 is promising to be a pretty decent upland hunting season. Will it be one of the best years? Maybe not. But it will be decent enough to give us some birds to hunt and shoot. If you have been planning this hunt since last season, you are probably all geared up and have started scouting about now. I do the majority of my scouting around August and September to get a good idea of where birds are hanging out. Pick up a BLM map for public land access or study up on onX Hunt Maps.
I hope you have all your essential gear and clothing by now… if not? Well, you know where this is going?
Ammo deals can be found around town, especially just before the Dove Season kicks off. 7.5’s and 8’s will be aplenty. Stay away from the 8’s if you are hunting wily-wild birds out in open spaces like I do. Do yourself a favor and pick up some 6’s if that is the case, otherwise you can get by with 7.5’s.
Practice at the range. (Safely) Dry fire practice at home. Handle your gun. Clean it. Get to know it. Get comfortable with it.
Prepare ahead. Make sure you make a list of all your gear. Set aside a case of water or two and plan what your meals will be like if you plan to go out a couple of days. I always pack way more food and water than I will actually use. You never know. And it’s a kind gesture to offer a drink or extra burrito to a fellow hunter you might meet in the field. Freeze Dried food and canned goods are easy to collect and set aside for the coming season.
Get in shape. Exercise and get your body ready for the rigors of climbing hills (unless you live in Flatland, USA) and putting in miles to chase birds. Be sure to start conditioning yourself. Take a hike wearing the gear you will be using and wearing. Early fall season will be warm and similar to hot days in summer. Be sure you are comfortable with what you are wearing now. Nothing is worse than finding out your vest or other gear is too heavy, hot, or gets hung up on opening day. It will make for a frustrating and potentially dangerous outing.
If you are noob Upland Hunter, I wish you all the luck and welcome you to this Cosa Nostra… we may not always agree on what the best shotgun is, Filson or Orvis, who the REAL king of the uplands is, what dog breed is the best… or if a dog is needed at all… but this thing we got here is special and we welcome you. Check out these other sources for great tips on getting your feet wet in Upland Hunting:
Beginner’s Guide To Upland Hunting –
Feel free to shoot me a message here or on social media for any questions!
And as always… God Bless and Happy Hunting!
-J.R.
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