I think that hunting preserves are a very important part of hunting in America today. Without them, many folks would not be able to get out and hunt much at all.

I hunt wild pheasants, quail, dove, turkey, ducks, and geese hard each year.

But, before the wild bird season(s)open and after they close, you'll see me putting in time at a quality preserve, working my dogs on mostly carry-over birds, and enjoying every minute of it.

There certainly are preserves that aren't worth the time of day, and represent no challenge and are kind'uva an insult to hunting in general. But there's also those that do it right, and add a lot to a year's hunting experience.

Tell you what, I've more than once seen a "I only hunt wild birds" guy show up at a preserve, and found that both they and their dogs "weren't as advertized".