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I frequently see in posts references that a certain gun would be good as an "upland" gun.

Being UK based I am guessing what upland actually is. Could someone please describe what upland means. Is it dependant on elevation above sea level, is it the basic topography, trees or no tress or is it a description based on the quarry species.
Thanks
Bob

For me "upland" hunting is for pheasant, quail, grouse, partridge, or dove. Generally it is "walk up" hunting done with dogs. I have always assumed the "upland" came from the English hunting tradition but apparently not. In the US I don't think it has anything to do with elevation as the traditional Southeast bob white hunt was usually done just a few hundred feet above sea level. I live at 3700 feet. Duck, goose, and crane are not considered by me as upland hunting.

Upland guns are lighter than water fowl guns because they are intended to be carried all day while walking behind the dogs. You practically never see anyone carrying a slinged gun behind pointing dogs here. Since they are used behind pointing dogs at closer range there are lots of 16, 20, 28, and 410s used in upland hunting.

I cannot answer why I consider doves upland game as they are mainly taken by pass shooting or ambushed coming into a pond in the evening or a grain field during the day.

Best,

Mike

Interesting query - I always assumed the "upland" referred to the terrain being largely dry and not shoreline or tidal flats, hence the hunting is not for water birds such as ducks.

Thanks for the prompt reply, now I understand the need for a special gun with emphasis on light weight for long walks
Bob

As a avid 'upland' hunter, I would pretty much agree with Mike's assessment, adding prairie chicken and excluding dove which is more of a migratory bird. However, woodcock migrate and are considered an upland bird. I think upland denotes bird hunting where the birds are found in some sort of fairly heavy cover and are usually hunted with dogs. I would think 'rough' shooting in the United Kingdom would qualify as upland hunting. Interestingly, Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock, both of which are considered upland birds, are often found in swamps, especially in dryer than normal conditions.

I agree with Mike and Buzz, named for the type of hunting we do for birds, excluding waterfowl, and not for any type of geographical features.

Bob, I see you�re from Norway, how's the hunting there?

Upland in my mind...














The individual states commonly list "upland" game as most of these species and sometimes more: quail, dove, chukar (partridge), pheasant, grouse, pigeon (bandtailed), snipe, grouse, etc..

The division for me is waterfowl and upland game. And upland would include turkey. It's not so much a descriptor of hunting style to me as that of quarry.

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

I only work in Norway, I live and "shoot" in the UK. I spend 10 days working in Stavanger and then return home for 4 days cramming as much shooting in as I can. I have never hunted in Norway so I really would not like to comment in case I got it wrong. I only have second hand knowledge gained from hunting work mates.