BirdHuntingBlog.com
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
We are excited that our family has grown again
She is the 2 1/2 year old daughter of our gal Val. She is also the Great Great Grand Daughter of Tina, who was with us a number of years ago.
Another one of our dogs, Bizzy Bee, was her great aunt. We have had great luck with the gals that have come from Tina’s line.
We are super excited to have her join the family and I am ready to let her hunt the woods and fields this fall.
Friday, May 9, 2025
Thursday, May 8, 2025
The role of predators in quail management
The role of predators in quail management is always a hot topic. In this study in south Texas on a 19,000 acre property, they collected 246 coyote scats during the 2022 year. This is a un-hunted coyote population, therefore they believe it has a higher percentage of mature coyotes, who are more effective big game hunters versus young coyotes that may depend on easy prey items such as insects. They found no evidence of livestock in the diet even though cattle were present on the property. Here's a breakdown of what they found in the scat, the percentages won't add up to 100% because multiple food items were found in scat samples:
“Understanding coyote diet in a system with a lack of human intervention can provide insight into their natural ecological role, a perspective muddled in the context of extrinsic influences,” Racey said.
The research took place at the East Foundation's San Antonio Viejo Ranch in 2022. By analyzing coyote fecal samples collected each month, researchers identified 23 unique prey species, with white-tailed deer and feral hogs as the most common prey item.
“Without an understanding of the diet of coyotes in a natural system, conservationists and livestock ranchers alike cannot anticipate the changes in predator-prey dynamics and ecosystem function that may result from shifts in natural resource management methods,” she said.
Access the study’s full text at https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/cjz-2024-0120
Texas Wildlife Association | TAMU Chapter of The Wildlife Society | Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society | John M. Tomeček
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
10 Overlooked Upland Hunting Destinations
Here is an innate curiosity in us all, hunters especially. We are driven by the same question that drove early settlers deeper into the wilderness, just beyond that next ridgeline, to carve out their own place on the land. But having room to roam is increasingly challenging these days, as cities overfill and the hills that were once unspoiled succumb to blaze orange. However, if you have the grit to face a challenge, the boot leather to burn, and a little bit of luck, you can still find plenty of paths untouched. Here is a short list of ten often overlooked upland destinations.
1) Northeast Maine
Hunters journeying to Northeast Maine have public hunting access to vast privately-owned lands, mainly commercial timberlands. Known for its low hunting pressure and challenging terrain, Northeast Maine provides a rewarding experience for those seeking a bit of quiet beyond the more pressured and more accessible areas of central and western Maine. Utilizing onX can help identify productive areas by providing aerial forestry and habitat data. Make sure everything is available offline. Also, 10-ply tires and a good spare are recommended.
2) Northwest Montana
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department provides detailed maps and regulations for the area, including large tracts of public land like the Kootenai National Forest. For those seeking a challenging mixed forest grouse hunt amid some of Montana’s most iconic, mysterious wilderness, Northwest Montana is a lesser-known but rewarding destination. Make sure to pack your bear spray.
3) White Mountains, New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department provides resources and maps for hunters to explore these areas. With the region’s mix of hardwoods, alder stands, and river corridors, the White Mountains offer upland hunters a unique experience, blending the thrill of pursuing wild birds with the beauty of some of New England’s most rugged terrain. Bring a good pair of boots.
4) Texas Panhandle
The Texas Panhandle is an excellent destination for bobwhite and scaled quail, thanks to its combination of grasslands, agricultural fields, and brush habitats. This region offers both public and private hunting opportunities. Through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Annual Public Hunting Permit program, hunters can gain access to wildlife management areas and leased private lands.
The Panhandle’s mild winters support more consistent quail populations, while lower hunting pressure gives hunters more breathing room under a big Texas sky. Hunting quail here often means working with dogs in big, open terrain, where both large covey explosions are found just about as often as rattlesnakes. If you want a real Texas adventure, this is one region worth exploring.
5) Big Horn Basin, Wyoming
The Big Horn Basin in Wyoming is an underrated upland destination for Hungarian partridge and chukar. With arid, rocky terrain and rolling sagebrush hills, the Basin’s habitat is ideal for these birds, which are commonly found near steep hillsides and ridges. Public lands, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), provide ample hunting areas for those willing to work for it in remote stretches of open country.
See all 10 destinations and the complete MeatEater article
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Cold Weather Dog Walk
It was around zero Fahrenheit when I was going to take Tasha ( my 12 yr old Setter ) for her walk. It wasn’t too windy and it was sunny so it didn’t feel too bad. I did end up using dog boots for her though. Initially we only made it two blocks before her feet were bothering her. I think a big part of it is that the city puts down salt and other chemicals to treat the ice and when that melts and gets on her feet and then refreezes as we walk that it bothers her. After coming back and adding booties she was fine for the 45 minute walk. The coat is one that we had gotten in Ely, MN from a dog sledding store. It is warm enough to keep her comfortable but not so much that she overheats. I went with lined jeans just to stay comfy.
Looks like a few warmer days before another cold snap starting Sunday.
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Sharp-tailed grouse lunch tacos
Yesterday I grilled a a couple of Sharp-tail breasts from our hunt in Mid-Sept so today I had some leftovers to eat.
I didn't do anything fancy, just 2 types of cheese ( I like mine melted ) Mexican rice and the meat. It was pretty tasty.