Bird Hunting
commonly hunted bird species Whether you’re a first time bird hunter or a veteran, the variety of bird species populating the continent should be enough to keep you entertained, challenged and satisfied with the results of your hunt adventures. It’s generally accepted that bird hunting isn’t all about the kill – it’s more about accurate marksmanship, precision and sportsmanship. Duck One of the most popular things people hunt is the duck – they’re plentiful, come in lots of shapes and sizes and are tasty into the bargain. For most duck hunters, the most common breeds brought in are the mallard, teal, gadwall and widgeon – the mallard being the most prized species. Other ducks frequenting the flyways include northern shovelers, wood ducks, buffleheads, ringnecks and bluebills. Pheasant The pheasant is one of North America’s favorite birds to hunt for sport. The bird was introduced to the continent in droves – and there are between 30 and 50 different species of pheasant running around the hills and valleys today, depending on who you ask. There are three ‘common’ pheasant varieties found across the continent: the Chinese ringneck, the Melanistic Mutant and the Manchurian Ringneck Cross. It’s important to remember that there are dozens of pheasant species out there, but for the most part the birds exhibit similar behavior. They’re ground nesting, fast flying birds with long tails that have a dramatic point. Goose A favorite for the most traditional of Christmas dinners, goose is another popular game bird with hunters. There are five big names in the North American goose game – the black brant, Ross’s goose, the snow goose, the white-fronted goose and, of course, the Canada goose. A couple other common species worth noting are the barnacle goose and the emperor goose – both of which appear in the northern regions during winter. Turkey Once the favored bird to become the national icon for the USA, today the turkey is as popular as ever with hunters across North America. The leading turkey species is we’re concerned with is the North American Wild Turkey. Central America and South America have the Ocellated Turkey, which is similar. The average weight of an adult male is around 18 pounds, with females weighing in about ten pounds lighter. Wild turkeys can, and do, fly with considerable agility – though the birds are known for sticking close to the ground, they can reach speeds of around 50 miles per hour. Other popular birds There are scores of birds it’s popular to hunt that haven’t been included here. Partridge, Quail, though among the smallest of game birds, is also quite popular with the hunting crowd. Doves and pigeons, which are distinct birds with a number of similarities, are also popular options for those seeking a real challenge. But be warned, these smaller birds are tricky things – hit one right and you’ll need to hit a fair few more before you’ve got enough for a decent meal. Hit one wrong and you can forget about it, unless you really like the taste of shot. appropriate WEapons for bird hunting Because the birds we hunt are so variable, it should come as no surprise that the recommended weapon for going after one species isn’t necessarily the best thing to go after another with. However, the most important recommendation we can make to anyone interested in hunting for birds is: check the regulations where you intend to hunt. Even if it’s an area you’ve hunted in year after year, the regulations can have subtle changes, and ignorance of the law isn’t the best defense if you’re caught. The only other piece of universal advice we can give is that you should always use the smallest caliber round that will effectively do the job, and you will be happier with the results. There’s no point going after a pheasant with a .338, unless you don’t mind scraping up the pieces of your catch, of course. Essential gear for bird hunters There are a number of useful tools all bird hunters can benefit from getting to grips with. Among these are calls, decoys, first aid kits, suitable weapons, extra ammo, snacks and drinks, and bird bags. Some hunts have special requirements – and to get the most of your time out there, you’ll need special gear. For example, when you’re after upland birds such as pheasant and quail, you’ll want to be sure your boots and other attire fit well and are comfortable enough to go the distance. If it’s waterfowl you seek, you’ll benefit from packing some hand warmers in your pockets to keep those fingers flexible, and some hot coffee and warm snacks wouldn’t go amiss. Additionally, when hunting the water birds, you’ll want to invest in a good pair of waders to wear in the blind – and if you’re doing any boat hunting, you’ll need a life jacket. Planning a successful bird hunt Like every other hunt we’ve discussed, you have to be prepared if you expect to succeed hunting birds. Because there are plenty of hunting grounds for birds around the continent, you don’t have to fret too much about finding a spot that’s right for you. Regardless of whether you’re hunting ducks in your own back yard or going after North America’s only ‘big game bird’, the iconic wild turkey somewhere further a field, there’s no substitute for being familiar with the terrain. Scout your location, then scout it again. If you’re hunting outside your local area, feel free to consult locals – checking on sweet spots through regional hunt clubs online is a great way to do this. Also, many guided programs will provide a limited consulting service to people interested in potentially booking a hunt with them – and no one said you had to book the hunt in the long run. Field care and dressing In terms of field dressing, birds are a lot easier to deal with than most other game you’ll encounter. They’re small, they’re light and they’re relatively simple to deal with. However, a number of different ideas abound for exactly what you ought to do with your birds before you get back home. For example, some real old school hunters will tell you you’ve got to gut the bird, and stuff the cavity with dry grass immediately. This might sound a little crazy, but there’s some truth to it. The keys to success in handling your fallen birds are: Cooling the carcass quickly The meat will better retain it’s flavor and quality if the carcass is cooled to below 40ºF as soon as possible. Gut your birds Some argue this isn’t necessary, but research shows leaving the entrails inside makes the carcass retain heat and can potentially cause damage to the meat. If you opt to save the liver and heart, do so in a plastic bag you can keep on ice. Skin it or pluck it Again, there are plenty of people who argue for and against skinning and/or plucking the bird in the field. Plucking isn’t easy under any circumstance, and the only way to avoid the task is skinning your bird. However, you’re likely to lose the fat along with the skin, which encourages the meat to dry out prematurely and can lead to loss of flavor. When you’ve gutted the bird, wipe the cavity Not with grass, mind, because this could contaminate the carcass. Instead use a clean cloth or paper towel Store the bird so air can circulate around it There’s a fair amount of debate as to whether it’s necessary to hang birds. Most experienced hunters agree that storing them in suitable bags out of direct sunlight before transferring the carcasses to a cooler is suitable. Don’t forget to mark the carcasses Follow the local gaming regulations so you don’t run into trouble later. Field care for mounting If it’s a trophy mount you’re after, proper field care of the bird is the first step toward a good result. Choose a taxidermist in advance of your planned hunt and obtain instructions from their staff regarding how to best preserve the bird for mounting. |
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