Upland Bird Dog: Upland Bird Hunting with bird dogs

Upland Birds

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The 2001-2002 General and Archery Pheasant Season in Southern California.

Nick uses a recurve bow to shoot an arrow into the target. Nick uses a bow that has no sights and he 'instinctive' shoots the arrow. Recent trends suggest that most youngsters starting out in archery are directed to compound bows and the use of a release.

A side view of Nick's form, just after releasing the arrow. Nick released the arrow by contracting his back muscles and his fingers moved pass his ear.

Temis is almost hidden by the tall lush alfalfa. Pheasants can be found in these large fields, however, a good bird dog essential to is harvest one.

In another field, Temis locks up on a cock bird. To flush birds, quickly get in front and walk towards your dog's nose, this helps to trap running birds.

After many opportunities on flushing birds, I hit the 'mother lode', a cock bird with a flu flu arrow. This bird was hidden and it flushed only several yards away from me and Temis. The bird leaped into the air, rapidly gaining speed. I quickly drew my bow and instinctively lead the bird and released the arrow. The arrow intercepted the bird in mid flight and the long tailed bird came down. I was overcome with excitement and joy as Temis raced to the spot the bird fell. Time seemed to stand still as Temis searched for the down bird. Her head reached down and with a crackling tail, I immediately knew she had the bird. I have relived that moment countless of times and it still brings a great big smile to my face.

Temis holds her trophy pheasant during the archery season. Unlike other archery seasons, the pheasant bow season in Southern California starts during the general season and continues for another three weeks. Birds that survived the general season are smart and know when to run and/or flush from danger. Any wild pheasant harvested over a pointing dog is a great thrill, not easily forgot. However, a bird taken with a bow is very special and keeps us coming back to watch our dogs work against a great advisory.