Being a shooter, but not yet a hunter, always felt a little incomplete. Like I was waiting for the next evolution. I have always been curious about hunting and had a desire to learn what makes so many hunters enthusiastic about the season.
So, going on my first quail hunt was an exhilarating experience. Grateful to be invited by the landowner, we hunted on a historic property owned by the same family for generations. The NRA member who hosted me had spent some time as a professional hunter earlier in his life and was the perfect partner for a safe, informative day. Little did I know that the day would end and I’d already be dreaming of the next hunt. Too bad it was five days before the end of the season, so I will spend many months pining for the next season opener.
While out there, I had some eye-opening lessons. In retrospect, they are obvious to an experienced hunter, but as a new quail hunter, I learned four key takeaways that are important for a first-time quail hunter.
1. Always hunt with a gun that has a break-open action. I love shooting semi-automatics recreationally because of the lighter recoil and fast cycling to the next shell. But in quail hunting, the terrain can be unpredictable. For instance, you might be walking over bushes or have uneven ground with deep holes. Even with the safety on, other shooters around you might be at an angle where they cannot see the open action. Having a break-open action makes a quick glance serve as confirmation of safety to your fellow hunters.
2. Pay attention to your shooting boundaries. Nothing can sour a day like not heeding your host's instruction on your designated shooting area. Demonstrate the utmost respect for operational safety and don’t take a shot if it crosses the line.
3. Manage your adrenaline. Being out in the field with dogs and friends, walking through beautiful land, seeing nature all around you, and then having the excitement of a covey rise can tempt a hunter into complacency and loss of focus. Remaining in control and letting questionable shots get away is the best way to get invited back. Quail hunting has many moving parts and is a lot of fun, but it demands respect.
4. Practice with low-mount shooting so you have the muscle memory down solid. Once the dogs go on point and you get prepped to shoot, you’ll still want your field of vision clear so you can respond quickly to the unpredictable flight patterns of a covey. Having your field of vision clear with the gun out of your face is the only thing that will make it possible. Hold low and train to mount quickly with good form. Do this, and you’ll get your first bird!
