Upland4Ever
New member
So talking with mostly my older buddies to see about bird hunting trip next year and either they gave up bird hunting all together or thier just deer hunting.
Talking Around
- Thread starter Upland4Ever
- Start date
I don't know how it has been where you hunt, but a few seasons of only seeing a smattering of birds will do that.
Just wait till the tales of old come back.
Prairie Drifter
Well-known member
I've had similar problems. Most of my buddies have gone on to deer, turkey, waterfowl and furbearers. What ones haven't have passed on. I went out west and hunted with one buddy for a day. He's been deer hunting with his wife in 2 states the last 2 years. I walked him in the ground in 5 patches. I guess those of us that are just this stubborn will see the sun rise and set over bird cover!!!
Miforester
Well-known member
I think for many they are wanting more bang for their buck. Many of my buddies say do you know how many birds it takes to equal a deer? The number of bird hunters is dwindling and recruitment isn't there either as it is easier to get a child hooked on deer hunting it seems. I'm sure we are all the same I get more enjoyment watching my dogs work and if I'm lucky enough to kill what I flush that is icing on the cake. I too like to deer hunt but bird hunting will always be my passion.
Crossing shot
New member
Low bird numbers separates bird hunters and dog people. Can't imagine going outdoors without a bird dog in front of me.
1pheas4
Moderator
That's the name of the game around here too. Though I suppose finding upland habitat to hunt has contributed to that issue.
Nick
BrownDogsCan2
Well-known member
I don't know that thats a bad thing ,, they are still getting outdoors right. Its better than sitting around on their smartphones playing virtual hunting or the sort, the Sad thing is its just around the corner. O yeh its comin...
david0311
:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: Perfect observation--IMHO--thanks:cheers:
:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: Perfect observation--IMHO--thanks:cheers:
Ranger Rick
Member
I think people today are spoiled. I'm having similar problem with our annual spring walleye fishing group. Getting comments that they can't get excited about going because the fishing isn't what it used to be. After putting some shame into a couple of them, we did have 4 of us fish this past weekend and had a good time. Caught a few, had a fish fry and of course a few cocktails.
One group of family I went to SD with has also disbanded because of similar comments with the pheasant hunting.
For me, the bird hunting is a pleasure seeing my dog work and I enjoy being out. Sure I want to shoot birds, or catch fish, but it's also the camaraderie that goes along with it, too. Some people only gauge the event by the take and if the take is down they lose interest. It's the instant gratification age, which is sad.
One group of family I went to SD with has also disbanded because of similar comments with the pheasant hunting.
For me, the bird hunting is a pleasure seeing my dog work and I enjoy being out. Sure I want to shoot birds, or catch fish, but it's also the camaraderie that goes along with it, too. Some people only gauge the event by the take and if the take is down they lose interest. It's the instant gratification age, which is sad.
Toad
Active member
Deer hunting is really fun. Once upon a time I thought I would NEVER shoot a deer because my main reason for hunting was to run the dogs. But I'm pretty hooked on bowhunting. It's pretty exciting and venison is delicious. A couple nice deer will fill the freezer in a hurry!
Variety is the spice of life, right? I just go with the seasons and hunt and fish whatever is available when I can get away. About the time you start to get burned out fishing, the seasons change and it's time to arrow a deer, and then chase the birds and waterfowl.
I'm glad I don't have to choose just one.
:cheers:
Ranger Rick, I hope I never hit a point in my life when I am not excited about a new season and another chance to get outside. I've had friends say the same expression, "I just can't get excited about bird hunting with numbers this low." But I think they miss the point of going entirely.
Variety is the spice of life, right? I just go with the seasons and hunt and fish whatever is available when I can get away. About the time you start to get burned out fishing, the seasons change and it's time to arrow a deer, and then chase the birds and waterfowl.
I'm glad I don't have to choose just one.
:cheers:
Ranger Rick, I hope I never hit a point in my life when I am not excited about a new season and another chance to get outside. I've had friends say the same expression, "I just can't get excited about bird hunting with numbers this low." But I think they miss the point of going entirely.
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Hobie1026
Active member
Meh....
Less competition out in the field for me. I know, I know, selfish of me but in the flush years it was getting old having drag races to an empty field to see who got there first.
Bird hunting is about my wonderful dogs, seeing new country, and seeing a young dog get all amped up over flushing his first rooster.
The shooters will go to game preserves so they get a limit. The hunters will keep going to the wild places and soak up the experience in it's totality.
Not bagging on either group, just understanding the motivations.
Less competition out in the field for me. I know, I know, selfish of me but in the flush years it was getting old having drag races to an empty field to see who got there first.
Bird hunting is about my wonderful dogs, seeing new country, and seeing a young dog get all amped up over flushing his first rooster.
The shooters will go to game preserves so they get a limit. The hunters will keep going to the wild places and soak up the experience in it's totality.
Not bagging on either group, just understanding the motivations.