Favorite Gamebird and Why?

[THelms]

Okay so everyone in the big game world has a favorite quarry but let's adapt that conversation to birds; waterfowl or upland, it doesn't matter what's your single favorite bird?

Growing up it was Canada Geese and they still have a strong pull for me due to family traditions.

In college it was Ruffed Grouse because of the challenge they posed to hit them and the table fare they provided.

A few years back when I first moved to Wyoming Sharptail Grouse were my obsession because I hadn't gotten to hunt them since I was a kid.

Now? It's the ubiquitous drake mallard... if there is an All American it's the mallard. They exist in every flyway, are a blast to hunt, pretty, and excellent table fare. Yup, for me it's a big greenhead.

Your turn... light it up!


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[HeartElk1]

Sharp-tailed Grouse (Sharptails) for me. They are a native bird tough enough to handle the harsh winters and climate of Montana (and other western states and Canada). They can be found in the areas I like to hunt antelope, mule deer, and elk. Pus they are a bird that I can have fun hunting without a dog. There might be something wrong with me, but I love walking miles of prairie and getting surprised by flushes and more my than my fair share of misses.

 

[Gr8bawana]

For me it would be chukars. The nasty country the inhabit makes it very rewarding when you finally down one. Plus they are substantial in size so there a very tasty meal at the end of the day. Hunting them is frustating and rewarding at the same time.

 

[AKaviator]

Chukars for me too! Hunting them doubles as a workout. Shooting at them can be humbling but when I do manage to hit them, eating them is a reward!

Upland!

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Me 3 for Chukars. Tough & challenging, and great table fare.

A close second would be Teal, especially drake Cinnamons. Teal are quick and I love the colors on the drake Cinnamon.

 

[THelms]

For me it would be chukars. The nasty country the inhabit makes it very rewarding when you finally down one. Plus they are substantial in size so there a very tasty meal at the end of the day. Hunting them is frustating and rewarding at the same time.

View attachment 19406

Chukars have become a huge part of winter routine!


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[480/277]

Speaking for Ben, it's the next bird. Doesn't matter what it is. He just want the
Next retrieve. Woodcock,grouse,pheasant,chukar,duck, goose, it's all good!

For me, it's mallards too!

 

[ScottR]

Mallards and geese, although Todd likes to give me a hard time about Goldeneyes...


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[buckbull]

I'd have to say mourning dove. When I got done milking the cows I'd grab my shotgun and hit the corn field. We cut corn for silage so we were always the first around that had fresh cut fields. Second would be bobwhite quail; but just not enough around anymore to hunt.

 

[Hilltop]

Pheasant by a landslide for me. Nothing like watching a great dog work a rooster and they are amazing table fare when prepared properly.

 

[THelms]

Mallards and geese, although Todd likes to give me a hard time about Goldeneyes...


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Unless it's a Barrow's I'm holding off on the black and whites.


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[Daubs]

Turkeys. 30+ years traveling to the same farmer's land with my Dad and Brother in the spring, up early walking through the cedars...hearing that first gobble in the morning...naps in the cool spring air...bloody mary's and oven-baked chicken for lunch with the farmer...those sticky-buns!...

Sadly, we lost that spot two years ago when the Farmer sold out.

Still great memories! Trying a new spot next spring...new memories...

 

[NE69]

Pheasants, or Bob whites, or ducks. Tough to choose, but a rooster pheasant in late season in fresh snow can be quite an experience. Shot my first one over 50 years ago and I don't think there is a better tasting bird.

 

[wy-tex]

I have to say grouse, blues or dusky as they are called now. They seem to be made for bow hunting.

 

[kidoggy]

love to hunt the chukars.fires a few years ago were pretty tough on em for a couple years ago but they are rebounding.

love shooting them quail also.


but nothing is as satisfying as the neighbors wandering peacocks.

 

[BrettKoenecke]

Count me a pheasant hunter. I like to go grouse hunting but count me as a pheasant hunter above all else.

 

[Jdd2035]

Grouse and turkey hunting for me for my area that's the best bird hunting I can do.

 

[THelms]

I have always wanted to dust a peacock!

 

[THelms]

Bumping this one up... I do find that the time of year has a lot to do with my favorite bird... September = Grouse, October = Pheasants, November = usually deer hunting to be honest, December = Mallards, January = Chukars, April/May = Turkeys

 

[Gr8bawana]

I have always wanted to dust a peacock!

Me too! But only because they are so damn noisy.