If you like to hunt upland game birds, the question always comes up. Do you go out and find your own pheasant and other upland game birds in the wild or do you pay to have a so called guide go out and place some birds for you to shoot. This question is controversial to most hunters, and like most controversy, there are pros and cons to both.


I personally have done both. And I will probably continue to do both. But, is it truly hunting if you are paying someone to place birds out there? It is, but I will admit it’s not quite as difficult as going out and finding your own.





Ok, first of all let me explain the pros of hunting with a “guide”, or bird seller. If you pay to hunt on someones land you know that there will be birds out there. You usually pay per bird and you also usually have a selection of quail, pheasant and chukar.


The main advantage of this is you are guaranteed to bring home some birds. Well, that is of cource if you can shoot. This is a great way to introduce others to the sport. If you are wanting to get your kids into the sport, I highly recommend starting them out at one of these places. Just like fishing, bringing something home the first time will get them hooked for life.


You go to the range and shoot some skeet or trap to improve your skills. Why not go somewhere that you can practice on some real birds? Quail hunting is a great way to improve your shotgun skills. As a matter of fact, if you are a competition skeet shooter, quail hunting is a great way to practice for that sport. If you can get those little guys that will take off in almost any direction, you will do much better on the skeet range.


Most of these places operate year round. You don’t have to wait for the season to open in order to hunt.


The main reason I usually will go to these places is for my dogs. Most places will let you use your own dogs. I usually train my hunting partners with scents and an occasional bird that I may purchase and have placed on my own. However, when I take my dogs to some place where I know there are birds, and I know I’ll get some shots off, it is much better to improve on their skills as well.


The downside is of course pretty obvious. To really challenge yourself and your dogs you need to go out on your own. When you do go out on your own, you can expect days where you may not come home with anything, especially in an area that you have never hunted before. However, that is what makes hunting such a great sport. You need to combine all of your skills, along with your dogs skills, to bring home dinner.


If you chose to hunt with a guide service that places birds there are some things that you will want to look for when selecting the best service.


1. Make sure that your use a place that does not do anything to the birds to inhibit flight. Some places will clip their wings, or even hobble them to slow them down. It’s not realistic and very unfair to the birds.


2. Find a place where you can bring your own dogs if you have any. Most professional places know that they are in service to help improve your skills. The good ones are ther to help improve your dog’s skills as well.


3. Research, Research, Research. Make sure that you research the your selections thoroughly. Check the internet. The NAHC is a great place to start. Don’t just select the cheapest place or you may end up with a bad experience.


There you have it. Now the choice is yours. Should you use a guide service for upland game birds?


Have a great hunt!

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