6 Habits of Highly Effective Quail Hunters

The Beginning
If you want real adrenaline go quail hunting. There is nothing like the rush of jumping a huge covey of quail. Before you go quail hunting there are a few things you should have in your arsenal.


Habit #1 - Gotta have a Good Gun
One thing you need is a gun. A 20 gauge is one of the most common used gauges. I prefer a twenty gauge because it is just the right amount of gun. With a twelve gauge you have sometimes over kill the game. What I mean by this is that the bird is so close when you shoot that you hit him so much shot it literally blows him apart. Besides 20 gauges their are 28 gauges and .410s. Any brand and action are fine.


Habit #2 - Clean you gun after your done
It is always important to have a clean gun. There is nothing more embarrassing or frustrating than having a gun malfunction in the middle of the hunt. To clean a gun properly you need a few things. You will need a ramrod, oil, rags, and Hoppe's powder solvent. First take the Hoppe's powder solvent poor a little on a small piece of cloth, put it on the ramrod and push it through the barrel. Next clean the action with the oil and a rag. After cleaning the action clean all of the metal on the outside of the gun so that it will not rust.


Habit #3 - Ammunition is a Gun's Nutrition
It is also important to have good shells. I like Winchester AA or Federal Premium. They do not leave a lot of powder residue and they shoot consistent. Any thing from 1oz. loads to 7/8 ounce loads will do.


Habit #4 - If I can't see ya I wouldn't want to be ya
On of the most important things for safety is an orange vest. It is always important to be able to know where the other members in your hunting party are. You do not want your hunt to be like Dick Cheney's .


Habit #5 - You'll have a fit if your shoes don't fit.
If you plan to do a lot of walking and you will it is important to have a pair of shoes that fit. I like Irish Setters they are comfortable, light, and they don't make my feet sweat. Briar pants are a necessity if your planning on walking through briars and other thorny areas.


Habit #6 - For a doggone good time, gotta have a good dog.

It is always important to have good quail dogs. Without quail dogs you will have to do a lot more walking and you will not kill near many birds. One of the most common used breeds is Spaniels. They are well behaved and they know how to find quail. Besides Spaniels there are Setters and some people even use Labradors. No mater what breed you choose dogs are always an important part of your hunt.

tag: quail, dogs, pointers, federal, winchester, guns, spaniels, setters, labradors, irish setters, hoppes, 12gauge, 20 gauge, dick cheney, orange vest