doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Early November trip options/suggestions

I am contemplating booking a short weekend bird hunting trip for my birthday in Mid-November and would like some suggestions on what I could do. The last couple years I have shot pen-raised chukar in N. Georgia, but that "experience" really doesn't do it for me anymore. I would love to have a shot at some actual wild birds, whether that be grouse, chukar, etc. My thoughts may be off base, but that is why I am asking the veteran hunters on here for some insight.

What I was thinking is, I would like to do is fly somewhere like Denver, the UP, Maine or something. Do a day of bird hunting or an afternoon morning hunt and overnight at a lodge. Budget would be a couple thousand dollars, which seems like it could cover a day of hunting and some flights. I am in Atlanta, so very centrally located and have great flight options.

I remember looking at UP outfitters a couple of years ago and they seemed really affordable. Not sure what the drive would be like from the closest regional airport though.

Would love to bring my own gun, but probably not worth the hassle of sorting that and 2.5 inch ammo for such a short trip. Also, it would be just me so no double accommodations to spread costs.

Any thoughts or is this a pipe dream?

Thanks,

Dan

Gambling on a day and a half can be a weather gamble. Also trying to find an opening this close to the season could be tough.

Another course of action is to go with an outfitter for a day or so, then add a few days exploring public land, or the public stuff first followed by time with an outfitter.

I do not believe flying with a gun is that hard, though like you it does make me nervous.

Another consideration is to stay close to home and use the transportation money to pay a guide in Georgia, or even a plantation hunt.

You may find Duck easier for guiding than upland in some places.

a quail hunt in georgia would be the way to go

I used to hunt wild quail in SW Florida around Immokalee with my Father many, many moons ago. He hired an outfitter and used their dogs, though sometimes he used his bittanys. I would think you might find a wild bird shoot/outfitter in either Florida or Georgia or even S. Carolina.I went with him and his friends once and shot on a plantation North of Bainbridge on the Flint river. Released birds...it wasn't much of a challenge. A few times he went snipe hunting in SW Florida. Sitting in a chair in front of a swamp buggy and shooting the birds as they came up, stop let the dogs retreve and off again. Sounded like a hoot when he did it. There must be a whole bunch different things and ways to wingshoot in your neck of the woods.

Yeah, we have very nice quail plantations down here and I shot at Southwind, the (2019?) Orvis lodge of the year a few years ago. Easy drive and only like $1200 for afternoon hunt, overnight lodging, and a morning hunt. That is doable and I may consider that again, if there aren't any more interesting options. I just figured there might be something I am not thinking of.

A decent guide should be able to put you onto wild pheasants in Iowa. Good time of year for that.

Get in touch with Garrett at Grey's Outfitting in the mountains of Maine (https://greysoutfitting.com/). Classy dogs/birdwork and pretty surroundings. By November, it'll be cool and possibly snowy as well. Vince

Sent you a Pm