What is Upland Game (and Which Ones Can You Hunt)?

Upland bird hunting is one of the most active ways to hunt. It combines physical skill, sharp reflexes, and a keen eye. 

If you've ever wondered "what is upland game hunting like," what types of birds you'll hunt, and where they hide, we've got you covered. 

Keep reading as we walk you through what qualifies as upland game, highlight the popular birds to target, and give you practical tips for safety and success.

What Is Upland Hunting?

Upland hunting is hunting game birds that live and nest in dry "upland" terrain. The forest, grass, brush, and farmlands are their main habitats.

You hunt these birds on foot, often (but not always) with the help of bird dogs. Hunters primarily use shotguns in this quick-shot style of hunting.

Unlike waterfowl, which require blinds near wetland areas, upland game birds are flushed or pointed out by people or dogs and shot mid-flight. It's a challenging but accessible hunt, and many states offer excellent hunting on public and private lands.

What Are the Most Common Upland Game Species to Hunt?

From rocky slopes out west to northern hardwood forests and open southern agricultural land, you'll find upland birds in almost every part of the country. Let's take a closer look at the most common upland game birds and where you might encounter them.

Pheasants

Pheasants are among the most recognized upland game birds, often found in tall grass and agricultural fields.

Originally introduced to North America, they now thrive in many Midwestern and Plains states. Hunters love their dramatic flush and fast, linear flight. Good cover, such as CRP fields or hedgerows, is key to finding them.

Quail

Whether it's bobwhite, California, or Gambel's quail, these birds are quick, wily, and travel in coveys. You'll often flush multiple birds at once, requiring fast reflexes and sharp shooting.

Quail prefer brushy or grassy terrain, and you're more likely to find them in southern and western states.

Grouse

Ruffed, spruce, and sage grouse are found in forested and mountainous regions. They usually flush at close range with an explosive and unpredictable flight path.

These birds always blend well into their surroundings, making them a rewarding challenge for upland hunters.

Chukar Partridge

You can find chukar in mountainous, rocky habitats across the western US. Known for their camouflage, they often require getting into the backcountry.

Hunting chukar is definitely a bit of a workout, but that is part of the appeal for chukar hunters.

Doves

While not always top-of-mind as upland game, doves are fast flyers and an early-season favorite. You'll often find them near grain fields or water sources.

Opening day dove hunts are a long-standing tradition in many parts of the country.

Woodcock

Woodcock are migratory birds found in young forests and moist, brushy cover. Their erratic flight and uncanny ability to hide make them a favorite of experienced bird hunters.

Like most birds, they're active in the early morning and late evening.

Wild Turkey

In some states, wild turkeys are classified as upland game.

Hunting turkeys involves calling and using camouflage, but sometimes they still fall into the broad category of dry-land game birds. Always check your state regulations.

Where and How to Hunt Upland Game

What is upland hunting about? Finding the right spot and having the right approach. As you're getting into hunting these birds, here are a few key things to remember for a successful hunt.

Public Land Opportunities

America's national forests, WMAs, and state lands are great places to start. Many states offer walk-in hunting areas where land is open to the public for hunting.

Private Land Access

If you have access to private land, that's another excellent option. In areas where agriculture is a staple of the local economy, you'll find plenty of great land to hunt by asking friends and neighbors.

Using Dogs for Upland Hunting

Dogs make bird hunting a lot easier.

• Pointing breeds, such as setters and pointers, are trained to locate and hold birds for you.
• Flushing breeds like spaniels push birds into the air for a quick shot.
• Retrievers specialize in recovering downed birds in thick cover.

However, if you don't have one of each of these breeds in your pack, good bird dogs can handle multiple roles.

Gear to Bring

Get the lightest lightweight shotgun you can afford in 20- or 12-gauge, and use an improved cylinder or modified choke. You'll also need blaze orange in a regulation amount of inches, a pair of good boots, and a vest for carrying shells.

Tips for Staying Safe While Upland Hunting

Hunting safety is just as important as knowing "what is upland game" and how to target it. Here are a few basic tips for staying safe when hunting upland game.

Wear Blaze Orange

Wearing blaze orange clothing is one of the easiest ways to be safe, and there's a good chance your state requires it. Even when not required, it increases your visibility to other hunters and is a common-sense precaution.

Maintain Safe Zones of Fire

Especially when hunting with others in your group, follow the core rules of firearm safety.

The muzzle stays pointed in a safe direction, your finger must stay away from the trigger until you're ready to shoot, and only then can you shoot at clearly visible targets. Maintain a safe zone of fire when hunting with others or around dogs.

Stay Hydrated and Be Prepared

Bring plenty of water. You'll be hiking long distances.

Check the forecast and dress appropriately, because conditions can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Always respect property boundaries and know precisely where you are hunting by using a GPS app like HuntWise.

What Is Upland Game? Learn More and Hunt Safely with Hunter-Ed

So, what is upland game? To most of us fellow upland hunters, the answer is that it's far more than just a list of birds.

It's covering ground with your dog, reading the terrain, and connecting with the land. It's the best meat in the world. It's friends and fellowship. 

From pheasant fields to chuckar hills, upland hunting provides an active and memorable way to connect with nature. Honing your skills is the gateway to a safe and legal experience.

To stay compliant with local laws and learn about hunting upland game safely, make sure you've taken a hunter education course! Our Hunter-Ed courses are state-approved, easy to navigate, and help you meet the hunter education requirements in your state.

Take the course for your state, then have fun and bring home plenty of upland birds this season!

Don't forget your free trial of HuntWise!

Find where to hunt upland game and the best times of day for a hunt when you use the wind, weather, and animal behavior forecasting tools in the HuntWise hunting app. 

Hunter-Ed students who complete their state's hunter education course get a 30-Day Free Trial of HuntWise! Learn more in your student dashboard.