Fledgeling bird hunter looking for advice

Sean · 12-23-2002, 11:09 PM

Santa brought me an early present in the form of a Benelli Nova 12ga, and I have been itching to hunt upland (no dog through...) for a while now. Looking for books on beginning upland bird hunting as well as any areas locally (live in Lebanon) to try out new skills on live birds next season.

Thanks!

[ 12-23-2002, 12:09 PM: Message edited by: Sean ]

birdhunter · 12-27-2002, 07:39 AM

Sean,

Looking for places to hunt upland birds, down in the valley there are quail and pheasant. EE Wilson offers okay pheasant hunting in October and some quail. Lots of other property around with good birds if you can get access.

The coast range has grouse, mt. quail and bandtail. This year was only okay for whatever reason. This is where I mostly hunt so I can give you a few pointers on where to go and what to look for if you're interested.

Living in Lebanon I'd go to the Cascades. Blue and Ruffed grouse. Plus should be some mt. quail around. Haven't hunted that section for grouse before but I'm sure there are plenty.

Can't really reccomend any good books. ODFW has a publication that comes out on bird hunting in the state. I think GI Joes sells it, I don't know who else. I don't own it but I've seen it and it looked good. Give pretty good access and explanations. I'd take a look at that.

HOpefully that's enogh to get you started. Questions? Post or e-mail me. Good luck.

ANDYCOHO · 12-27-2002, 03:00 PM

Sean,

Birdhunter is right the ODFW book is pretty informative, I own it and while it isn't extremely detailed it will show you places to hunt and what to find there.

Good luck with your new gun,
Andy

Sean · 12-27-2002, 03:03 PM

Thanks for the replies, BH and AC - My first goal is to learn to hit something with the shotgun, and get comfortable with that. I will check out the book this afternoon!

BuKuBass · 12-27-2002, 04:31 PM

Sean...Sporting clays will help develope your gun handling skills plus they're a hoot to shoot. Come Labor Day, travel to the Eastside for some dove hunting and prepare to be humbled; one bird for three shots isn't bad shooting, especially if the wind's up. Then having attained the right amount of piety, venture forth into the uplands (or bottomlands for pheasant) and have fun.

ANDYCOHO · 12-27-2002, 05:53 PM

BuKuBass,

Wow you have humbled me!! 3 shots for 1 dove, you are a darn good shot. I have been hunting those little birds for years and my best day was 45 rounds for 10 birds :shocked: .

Thank god 2 3/4 #8's are cheap!

Good luck,
Andy

Mrduckman · 12-27-2002, 07:34 PM

Sean,
I spend alot of time waterfowling and to keep my wingshooting ability up I spend alot of time in the offseason shooting starlings, whether it be in dairy when it's cold or in a cherry orchard in the summer. 2 years ago I fired between 5 to 6000 rounds at just starlings, when duck season came my wing shooting ability doubled. You would be suprised how many dairy farmers or orchard owners despise these birds and will allow you shoot them. Just thought I would pass that along.
DM

BuKuBass · 12-27-2002, 08:05 PM

AndyCoho... About thirty years ago, eight of us during Opening morning had shot primarily that year's hatch. Returning to the field after a lunch of beer and pizza, the wind was blowing at 20,25 mph and the older, surviving dove had learned to travel by jukeing at sagebrush -top level, flying always, it seemed, downwind. Andy, that afternoon I went none for 34 before I finally dropped one. My Ithaca SxS spent the next week at the gunsmith's getting the kinks removed from its barrels.
That was a sweet-shooting gun but like many of that particular model, developed a crack thru the pistol grip. I replaced it with a Browning double-barrel and I couldn't hit squat with it. I once fired both barrels inside of a phone booth and didn't break any glass.

Pardon me but I enjoy telling stories on dark and stormy nights.