The covey flushed. A whir of wings and a cloud of Valley Quail rose from the scrub oak into the clear and bright October sky. The shotgun raised instinctively and with a crack of the muzzle, one of the plump quail descended in a long arch back down to earth. Marking where the bird landed, … Continue reading How to be a Hip-Uplander – The Ultimate Guide to Being a Hipster in the Uplands
Hunting How-To
October Dreams
The anticipation for October begins weeks and months prior to October 1st. Spurred by a slight chill in the air and the smell of gun oil in the study, visions of game-birds cloud my mind. My attention shifts from sunny summer days on the beach, to long walks through golden grass. The feeling is familiar, … Continue reading October Dreams
Beginner’s Guide to Upland Hunting – Budget Gear
Believe it or not, on my first upland-hunting outing, I was not laden with Filson or Orvis gear. No. As a young adult living on Top-a-Ramen, those aspirations were from my mind. Plainly, I just couldn't afford the "best gear" out there at the time. But even in those early days, I learned rather quickly … Continue reading Beginner’s Guide to Upland Hunting – Budget Gear
Mentorship in the Uplands – An Unexpected Journey
Standing there on a brisk morning of the Southern California Quail Opener, I felt the butterflies in my belly flutter about. I always get the jitters before a hunt, especially on the opener, but this time it was different. More intense. Standing across from me in the dark was Omar and Kiara. They were both … Continue reading Mentorship in the Uplands – An Unexpected Journey
Choosing Non-Toxic Ammo for Upland Hunting
Whether you agree with it or not, Non-Toxic ammo restrictions are becoming a reality and are picking up steam. For instance, California has completely banned lead ammo, including shot for upland game. Believe it or not, MANY states already have some form of restriction on lead shot for pursuing many types of upland game species … Continue reading Choosing Non-Toxic Ammo for Upland Hunting