How to Hunt Upland Birds
Hunting upland birds, such as ruffed grouse or turkey, requires very little preparation, training or equipment compared to migratory waterfowl hunting. Upland birds are also active most of the day, unlike ducks, which require the hunter to wake up at the crack of dawn and muck through swamps or marshes. Upland birds are also better tasting and less gamy than waterfowl.
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Instructions
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Upland birds like high, dry land near streams or creeks with plenty of edible, low lying foliage. Berry thickets near small, open patches of land are also good places to find these birds. Avoid thick forests that lack clearings or groups of trees that form a canopy that prevents brush from growing freely.
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You will need a 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotgun with suitable game load shells and not target load shells, which are commonly used for shooting trap. Semiautomatic shotguns are better for high volume birds like grouse, whereas single shot or double barreled guns are adequate for turkey. The bigger the bird you are hunting, the more powerful the shell should be. If in doubt, check with your sporting goods dealer.
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A game bag that you can carry like a backpack will come in handy for collecting carcasses. Many come in hunter orange, which helps identify you if other hunters are in the same area. Even if your state doesn't require it, it's always a good idea to wear some hunter orange for safety's sake.
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Put on some sturdy hiking shoes and start foraging through brush and thickets, especially along the edges of paths or small clearings. When hunting grouse, the louder you are the better because your goal is to flush them out of hiding so they will fly a short while before landing nearby. Grouse are territorial and will return to their feeding or resting areas, so you can backtrack if you miss them. Turkeys, on the other hand, require great stealth and patience. They have unusually excellent eyesight, so wear camouflage while in pursuit. Move carefully, and avoid sudden motions.
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Having a trained hunting dog with you can save a lot of time and effort. Labrador retrievers make great flushing dogs because they tend to work in short perimeters around the hunter. However, they would be unproductive on a turkey hunt unless they can sit still, remain silent and hidden for long periods of time. Purchase an orange hunting vest for your dog so he isn't mistaken for game by other hunters.
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Tips & Warnings
Depending on your location and quota, be prepared to spend a long time in the field. Bring snacks and water. Even if you don't bag a bird, you should get plenty of good walking exercise. Joining a local sporting club that offers trap shooting is a good way to gain target practice and get some tips from other bird hunters.
Always check with your state's hunting bureau for license requirements and restrictions. Violations can be costly.
