Well as for my background as a bird hunter, I started out hunting Ruffed Grouse when I was 8 years old with a .22 rimfire. I got my first bird dog when I was 10, he was a black lab and did really well hunting upland birds.
I started hunting waterfowl when I was 13, I would have started sooner but firearm saftey was first priority before I could venture off of my parents land to hunt other game.
I just got another bird dog (German Shorthair) last year and will start training her this summer. I will always miss Buddy, I had him for 14 years, but I think Misty will fill his shoes quite well.
I am involved with Ruffed Grouse Society every year. I have hunted MN, WI, SD, and Iowa for Ringneck Pheasents (by far my favorite!)
As for Crow's, think of them as our "Prarie Dog" we sometimes sit on the edge of a field and shoot them out to ranges exceeding 300 yards. There is a season on them here however, but they can be shot if they are doing or are about to do damage.
That cracks me up, if you see a crow here it's open game, because even if their not doing damage right now, they probably will be pretty soon.
If you guys want QUICK and FAST action, try crow hunting. Within minutes of turning on the caller you should have dozens of them checking you out.
AzWill, I know what you mean by not having much time, here when it is upland and waterfowl season my coyote hunting takes a couple months off. There is just something about a cackalling ringneck, or the drumming of a ruffed grouse that get's my blood a pumpin'.
If I missed something please let me know, and remember "Never spoil your bird dog"
RK
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