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Hunting Articles
Back To Main Quail Hunting
Quail hunting is one of the top sports for those on the upper crust of society.
It is considered the top game or hunt of the aristocracy and is practiced by
vice presidents and world leaders to this day. Quail hunting is typically
considered this way because it demands a lot less of the hunter in comparison to
other hunts. It does not take place in the morning, for example, or in the
shivering cold. Instead, quail hunting can be done in relative comfort and can
actually be quite stylish. For this reason, many people in the upper class of
society try quail hunting.
Quail hunting typically involves two hunters and a pair of dogs, typically
called bird dogs. These dogs chase down the quail and retrieve the bird after
the kill has been made. Often times, quail hunts are attended by spectators and
watchers. There can be large crowds at quail hunts, gathering to watch the
majesty of the sport unfold before their very eyes. There is something surreal
and beautiful about quail hunting and watching the bird dogs do their work,
making it one of the most interesting human experiences to be had.
Proper gear is recommended when quail hunting. This includes having the proper
boots for the fields and the marshlands. The right pants are also required,
preferably pants that are called “brush pants” because they are of a color that
matches the color of the brush. These pants also work to prevent thorns and
briars from penetrating the pants, which is a common downfall to hunting quail
in the brushes of North America. It is also recommended that the hunter wears a
proper vest or a coat so that ammunition and other immediate supplies can be
stored in it. The best option is something of a bright color so that the hunters
will be obvious in the field and not confused with the quail.
There is a certain formation and strategy to quail hunting that is very
important. First, the dogs are sent to flush out the birds. As this is
happening, the hunters are preparing their guns to be mounted on their
shoulders. The safety of the gun should be kept on at all times until the gun is
ready to be fired and mounted on the shoulder of the hunter. The gun barrels
should be pointed to the sky, towards the prey, and away from any other hunter
or from the ground. The two hunters should then follow the line of the dogs and
maintain a straight line themselves, one hunter after the other. This formation
is very important because of safety issues. The reasoning behind the straight
line formation is to keep the hunters away from firing unpredictably upon one
another's personal space.
Each hunter should have a mental note of where the other hunter is. The dogs
should also be noted. This is to identify locations as to where the hunter
should not point or swing his or her firearm. This should be also a way to
divide the field up into sides. One side belongs to one hunter and so on. Once
the sides are determined, the dogs will flush the quail into the air and the
shooting begins. Hunters should stick to firing on their side of the range, so
as to avoid danger and poor form.
It should also be noted that low flying quail should be avoided at all costs.
This is not only dangerous, but it has led to the unfortunate demise of many
bird dogs because of the low shots. Keeping the guns high during a quail hunt is
of vital importance so as to protect all of those involved in the hunt.
With these safety precautions and gun etiquette tips in mind, quail hunting
should be a remarkable and fun sporting event to take in. Bring some friends and
get set for a lovely day in a field with the dogs. Quail hunting can be a
peaceful time as well, leading to plenty of reflection and quiet in the middle
of America's most beautiful marshlands.