6 Types of Birds to Hunt (and How to Hunt Them)

February 25, 2025

A grouse sits on a tree limb, types of birds to hunt concept.

Bird hunting is a globally-honored tradition. Learning about the different types of birds to hunt can open up new opportunities for both beginner and experienced hunters.

Each species has its own unique challenges and rewards, requiring specific techniques and strategies. Bird hunting is a great way for any hunter to hone their shooting skills, take in nature's beauty, and bond with a hunting dog.

So, what types of birds can you hunt? Here are six to add to your hunting adventures this year!

A duck in flight, types of birds to hunt concept. — *A duck in flight*

1. Ducks

Ducks are found in wetlands nationwide, making them the most popular types of birds to hunt for North American hunters. Their unpredictable flight patterns and ability to execute quick zigs when you thought they would zag make the common duck a very uncommon challenge.

Best Hunting Practices for Ducks

Use decoys and calls to mimic the sounds and sights of a natural waterfowl gathering.

To use decoys effectively:

Strategically place decoys to encourage ducks to land within shooting range.
Focus your efforts on early mornings or evenings, as these are prime times for duck activity.
Use a well-camouflaged blind near water.

How to Use Dogs to Hunt Ducks

Retrievers like Labradors or Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are bred for duck hunting. With an instinct for water retrieval, they can fetch ducks from ponds or rivers without damaging the game.

Be sure to condition your dog to remain steady under the sound of gunfire for a safe hunt.

A Canada goose in flight with blue sky in the background. — *A Canada Goose*

2. Geese

Known for their size and migratory patterns, geese provide a physically demanding bird hunt. Their large profile and vocal nature make them a good target.

Best Hunting Practices for Geese

Use a spread of large decoys to simulate a feeding or resting group of geese. Complement this setup with goose calls for realism.

Also, focus on hunting in open fields or along waterfowl migration corridors. The late fall and winter months are prime times for geese hunting.

Using Dogs to Hunt Geese

Bigger retrievers like Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are great for recovering geese. Their strength and size let them handle larger birds more easily in both open fields and water.

A pheasant on the ground with wings spread. — *A pheasant*

3. Pheasants

Pheasant hunting is known for its combination of the upland and open-field hunt.

These large birds prefer tall grass, crop fields, and dense cover. They're notoriously tricky to locate and flush.

Best Hunting Practices for Pheasants

Walk through grassy areas or cornfields to flush birds. Use a lightweight shotgun with a good swing for quick, accurate shots.

How to Use Hunting Dogs for a Pheasant Hunt

Pointing breeds, such as Setters or German Shorthaired Pointers, are perfect for locating pheasants. Then, retrievers handle the recovery of downed birds efficiently.

A quail sits on the rocky ground, types of birds to hunt. — *A Quail*

4. Quail

For anyone who has ever said that still hunting is boring, quail hunting is so fast-paced it will satisfy even the most hyperactive hunter. These small, agile birds travel in coveys, providing an exciting challenge for hunters of any temperament.

Best Hunting Practices for Quail Hunts

Hunt quail in areas with dense brush and get out during mornings or evenings when these birds are most active.

Consider going on guided quail hunts to improve your chances of bringing home some of these birds.

How to Use Dogs for a Quail Hunt

What are the different types of bird hunting dogs to use for quail hunts? Pointing dogs, including Brittany Spaniels and English Pointers, are excellent for spotting a quail covey in thick cover.

Close-up of a turkey sitting in a field. — *A wild turkey*

5. Turkeys

Turkey hunters use stealth and precise calling skills to lure in these wary birds. They're particularly exciting to hunt due to their sharp eyesight and ability to disappear into their environment.

Best Turkey Hunting Practices

Use ground blinds or natural cover to stay hidden. Also, use turkey calls to attract gobblers into range.

Practice slow movements using calls at home until it's second nature.

Using Dogs (Where Legal)

While not common in every area, "turkey dogging" is legal in 29 states.

Appalachian hunters use trained dogs to flush or track fall turkeys. If turkey dogging is allowed in your state, the Appalachian Turkey Dog is a highly specialized breed created by the Byrnes family in Virginia.

A grouse perched in the snow, types of bird hunting concept. — *A grouse in the snow*

6. Grouse

Grouse hunting is exciting mainly due to the grouse's impossible-to-predict flight patterns and preference for dense forests. These challenging birds require precision and patience to pursue successfully.

Best Hunting Practices for Grouse

Early-season hunting provides tracking and, thus, better success rates. Lightweight equipment is ideal for long treks through thick woods.

Practice swings and snap shots until your success rate approaches 90%

The Role of Hunting Dogs

Flushing breeds like Springer Spaniels are particularly effective at pushing grouse into flight. Some hunters combine a good flushing dog with a good pointer, like an English Setter.

Hunting dog with a bird in its mouth retrieving waterfowl during a hunt.

Tips for Hunting with Dogs

Hunting birds with trained dogs adds an element of teamwork to hunting that is impossible to describe to non-hunters.

To ensure success:

Training Matters: Training your dog for the species you'll target takes time. Don't rush it.
Choose the Right Breed: There are many different types of bird hunting dogs. Select the breed that's best for your hunt. For example, labradors are ideal for waterfowl, pointers are great for upland birds, and spaniels are best to flush.
Safety Comes First: Equip your dog with a GPS collar to track their location in dense cover and provide regular breaks and hydration during long hunts.

Put Safety First When Pursuing Any Types of Birds to Hunt

There are many types of birds to hunt, and branching out as a hunter is fun and rewarding. Even going on a guided bird hunt can deepen your appreciation for the outdoors.

From the swift movements of quail to the difficulty of finding a grouse in dense forests, each bird presents unique opportunities to learn and grow as a hunter. Add a dog into the mix, and you've added a best friend, a near-psychic partner, and an obvious advantage.

Before you head out, remember that safety and ethics are vital to a successful hunt. Taking an online hunter safety course through Hunter-Ed is a great way to prepare yourself and your dog for the fun that bird hunting has to offer.

Plus, completing our courses meets most state requirements for hunter safety education. Just check with your state to see if they also require an in-person field day to complete your certification.

Ready to learn before bird hunting seasons begin? Choose the course for your state and get started!