I really don't consider phesants in the upland catagory, and consider them a seperate catagory just like waterfowl. I picture the perfect "upland" gun and the perfect "phesant" gun as two different weapons, but thats just me - your miliage may vary.
The upland gun needs to be light and nimble, carried at port arms ready for the unexpected flush or the bird trapped between you and the dog. In my neck of the woods I dream of a 28ga.................
The phesant gun can be slung, and for me one of my lighter 12ga duck guns does well.
This is the UP of Michigan, an ES is backing my SMP
Here is my little guy pointing an early season woodcock in the LP of Michigan, tight cover and quick shooting
