Hunting Fun

For those who belong to the cream of society, quail hunting is a top sport. The aristocracies consider it a top hunt and many world leaders and vice presidents practice it even today. This is so because quail hunting demands much less from the hunter as compared to other hunting sports. For instance, it need not be done in the cold or in the morning. Instead, it can be done in very comfortable conditions and one can even call it stylish. This is the reason people of the upper class prefer quail hunting.

Typically, quail hunting involves a pair of dogs and two hunters. The dogs are called bird dogs. The bird dog chases down the quail and after the kill, retrieves the bird. Very often, watchers and spectators attend quail hunts. Sometimes large crowds gather at quail hunts to watch the majestic sport as it unfolds before their eyes. It is beautiful experience, watching the dogs as they do their work in quail hunting, making it an immensely interesting experience.

It is recommended that proper gear be carried while hunting quail. This gear includes proper boots that need to be worn on marshlands and fields. The proper pair of pants are required preferably the ones that are called ‘Brush Pants’ as these match the color of the brush. Additionally, these pants help prevent briars and thorns from getting into them, something that happens very often while hunting quail in the Northern American brushes. The hunter is also advised to wear the appropriate coat or vest in which ammunition and other supplies can be stored. It is best to wear bright colors so that it is easy to spot the hunter in the field and not confuse him or her with the quail.

It is very important to follow the correct strategy and formation while quail hunting. First, the dogs need to go flush out the birds. While this is happening, guns should be prepared to be mounted on the hunter’s shoulders. Ensure that the gun’s safety is on all the time until the hunter is ready to mount it on his or her shoulder and fire. All gun barrels must be pointed towards the prey, skywards and away from other hunters and the ground. After this the two hunters should follow the dog’s line while maintaining a straight line with one hunter behind another. This is an extremely important formation from the point of view of safety. The straight-line formation is necessary in order to prevent one hunter from shooting into the other hunter’s space thereby causing injury or death.

The hunter should always keep a mental note on the location of the other hunter. Even the locations of the dogs should be observed. This is so that the hunter knows the directions in which he or she should not swing the firearm while shooting. It is also necessary to divide the hunting field into two sides with each side belonging to a hunter. It is important that the hunter sticks to his range while firing. This will help avoid poor form and danger.

It is also necessary to avoid low flying quails at all costs. Low flying quails, apart from being dangerous, have also lead to the death and injury of many bird dogs due to the low shots. It is integral that the gun be kept high at all times while hunting quail. This will ensure the protection of all those who are on the hunt.

By: Abhishek Agarwal

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