Best State for Bird Huntin?????

Califelkslayer · Nov 17, 2009

I would like to get as many opinions as I can on the best state for bird huntin. The reason is I'm gonna relocate within the next 5-6 years. I currently hunt birds for 4 months a year but am willing to travel to any state for big game. On the surface I believe it's Nevada with their quality chukar huntin but lookin for differing opinions.

And all ya Kalifornians save your time. I've hunted ducks, geese, pheasants, chukar, quail and grouse here. IMO it's as good as anywhere BUT I'm gettin the h*ll outta here as soon as I can.

The most important factor is season length, then quality.

Really like to hear from Arizonians about their quail huntin. I'm a bird dog chaser so upland is more important to me.

ANY INPUT??????????????

treedagain · Nov 18, 2009

it would be nebraska to me...

Razaboo · Nov 19, 2009

I would say eastern Washington. You can hunt all of the upland game birds and the waterfowl. The season started sept 1 for dove then didn't stop until sometime in january for goose. The hunting can be phenomenal as long as the spring is not to wet.

Stan

Califelkslayer · Nov 19, 2009

Thanks guys.

REDDOG · Nov 21, 2009

Sothern Idaho has great chukar,Hun, Quail, blue,ruffed,spruce(a few miles north)sage and sharptail hunting. some area's are good for pheasant, but like most states, its a private land deal.waterfowl along the snake in the magic valley can be excellent.

Utah has great bird hunting too, with all birds listed above, and throw in Ptarmigan.

Eastern Montana would rate a big thunk too for upland and waterfowl mix, and very close to the best pheasant hunting in the world (ND,SD,NB,KS)

If your into mild winters and hot summers, Arizona is great! but not as much diversity in species.

of course Nevada can't be beat for chukar, and quail is good also. lots of area's to look at!

CAelknuts · Apr 8, 2010

LAST EDITED ON Apr-08-10 AT 10:29AM (MST)[p]If it were me, I'd take a look at eastern Montana, specifically Dawson County. That's where Glendive is located. They have tons of sharptails and pheasants, as well as huns, sage grouse, some quail, plus ducks and geese. On top of that, there is some outstanding deer and pronghorn hunting right there. We've hunted back there once, and the only reason we haven't gone back is we haven't drawn big game tags again. We loved that area.

Keep in mind, you're only an hour or two from the Dakotas from that location as well, with all the bird hunting they offer.

jnoyes85 · Apr 19, 2010

New Mexico has lots of public land with good quail and dove hunting, plus elk, mule deer, bear, lion, coyote, turkey, prairie dogs, rabbits, antelope, javelina, oryx, and a few more... you can hunt year round in New Mexico with public land pretty much everywhere.

Buckhunter1 · Apr 20, 2010

Wait a minute, Turkeys are birds too! Kali rules the roost!I will agree with you on the Kali remark about the upland bird hunting being as good as anywhere with the ecception of the blue and ruffed grouse. Yes you can find a few on good years, but nothing compared to Idaho, Wyo or Montana. Forget about Az, their muti species quail hunting can be great but is crappy during their many drought years.Simply go there on a winter two week break when its good and get your issue.My top two picks would be Easten Montana #1, but if winters hurt you, Idaho on the west side near the Snake is a close #2 and decent winters. BH1

Califelkslayer · Apr 21, 2010

Buck, realistically no E. Montana, or the Dakotas. Too cold and windy. But retired, I could just spend a couple of weeks in each every year. Still a ways away but for me whose favorite is chukar, I'm thinkin Central Nevada. Hunt chukar regularly and do the Montana/Dakotas thing when they have good hatches, Arizona quail on wet years.

I appreciate all the different opinions

Gator · Oct 24, 2010

I would choose SD hands down,Pheasants and ducks are outstanding, But If it you I would see about a corner of a state, so you could border jump in a couple of directions (like Neb Wyo SD Colo) type thing I'm sure you get what I'm trying to say.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".

rumproast · Oct 26, 2010

Hey, Cali--
I'd go with South Dakota--That State has got the whole package.
West River, upland. East river, waterfowl.
No shortage of anything bird-wise.

Rump

Califelkslayer · Nov 1, 2010

I guess I gotta go to SD soon to see what it's all about.

justr_86 · Nov 13, 2010

Utah is good for birds but by no way shape or form great. It was about 20 years ago, now birds are hard to find and lots of private property that you can't hunt. We do have quite a few bird farms though.

Didn't hunt birds but say tons of roosters and sharpies in north central Nebraska (SD border).

Are you still interested in one of my pups? I will be taking her to see Jake again on her next cycle. Should be february.

AWHOLELOTTABULL · Jan 12, 2011

Hunter,
Try Kansas. They have some phenominal quail and pheasant hunting and it's a major flyway for water fowl. I hunt there every year. They have some great turkey hunting and whitetail hunting too.

Jim

It's always an adventure!!!

D13er · Jan 13, 2011

california will be too broke to pay those fat retirements in 2 years....let alone 5-6 years....

JB

388Net · Feb 18, 2011

I was wondering what game farms are good in utah, I want to take my Dad and my boy and I have my own dog also. Thanks in advance...

208JBB · Mar 8, 2011

Sounds like you love the chucker as much I do, so I would vote for 1)Central Nevada, then 2)Eastern Idaho, 3)western Idaho.

Some years Eastern Oregon has great hatchs, but they cant seem to keep good numbers any more. I don't know about whats east of Wyoming, but the stories make me think its worth a few trips to find out.

D13er · Mar 10, 2011

Hands down the best state for bird hunting is Hawaii. Today I got 3 chuckars before I stepped out of the pickup.

great post/pic, thanks for sharing

JB