Tim Hall
Experts (no, not Dick Cheney) pick the top game farms
The first time many Americans heard of wingshooting was probably in early 2006, when Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot 78-year-old Austin attorney, Harry Whittington, while the two men were hunting quail on Whittington's South Texas ranch. While there are undoubtedly some people who would like to see attorneys considered fair game for hunting, traditionalists strongly discourage using members of the Bar for target practice.
For Ralph Stuart, editor-in-chief of Shooting Sportsman Magazine, the perfect hunting experience “combines all of the elements of a great wingshoot: plenty of hard-flying birds, excellent dogwork, room to roam, friendly and safe shooters to share the experience with, and at day’s end comfortable lodging and good food.” He adds that when it comes to choosing a wingshooting destination, “my primary interest is in the quality of the birds, which often is determined by the size of the area being hunted and the type of cover it offers. If I’m not hunting with my own dog, I also try to make sure that I’ll be with knowledgeable guides and talented dogs. Unique and scenic terrain doesn’t hurt, either.”...
Experts (no, not Dick Cheney) pick the top game farms
The first time many Americans heard of wingshooting was probably in early 2006, when Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot 78-year-old Austin attorney, Harry Whittington, while the two men were hunting quail on Whittington's South Texas ranch. While there are undoubtedly some people who would like to see attorneys considered fair game for hunting, traditionalists strongly discourage using members of the Bar for target practice.
For Ralph Stuart, editor-in-chief of Shooting Sportsman Magazine, the perfect hunting experience “combines all of the elements of a great wingshoot: plenty of hard-flying birds, excellent dogwork, room to roam, friendly and safe shooters to share the experience with, and at day’s end comfortable lodging and good food.” He adds that when it comes to choosing a wingshooting destination, “my primary interest is in the quality of the birds, which often is determined by the size of the area being hunted and the type of cover it offers. If I’m not hunting with my own dog, I also try to make sure that I’ll be with knowledgeable guides and talented dogs. Unique and scenic terrain doesn’t hurt, either.”...
Tim Hall
Experts (no, not Dick Cheney) pick the top game farms
The first time many Americans heard of wingshooting was probably in early 2006, when Vic... more
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Rank
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Created
06/18/08
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1
Deer Creek Lodge
Sebree, Kentucky
Winner of the coveted Orvis Wingshooting Lodge of the Year for 2006-2007, Deer Creek is renowned not only for its quail and pheasant wingshooting but also its outstanding cuisine. Full-day quail hunts start at $795 per person, per day, and rise to $1495 for no-limit combination hunts.
2
Santa Fe Trail Hunts
Campo, Colorado
A new 6,000-square-foot lodge and horseback bison hunts complement the top notch southwestern quail and dove shoots at Santa Fe Trail Hunts. More than 13,000 acres along the historic Santa Fe Trail and Cimarron River make for a classic experience of the Old West.
3
Flying Double F Ranch
Vale, Oregon
Flying Double F Ranch, run by noted conservationist Jim Farmer, has a three-day minimum stay policy starting at $695 per day ($200 for non-hunters). Flying Double F also offers a "cast & blast," taking wingshooters on a pontoon boat ride past breathtaking scenery for an exciting day of hunting chukars in beautiful ravines.
4
Dos Angelos Ranch
Brackettville, Texas
The conservation-minded folks at Dos Angelos Ranch carefully maintain their 12,400 acres to ensure the wild quail population stays healthy and hearty. The combination of Hill Country water and South Texas brush (Lonesome Dove was filmed on Pinto Creek just south of the ranch), make for an especially thrilling and challenging terrain.
5
Paul Nelson Farm
Gettysburg, South Dakota
An exploding chukar population and exceptional service make Paul Nelson Farms rank high in our experts' estimation. All-inclusive three-day hunting packages start at $4,000 per person for groups of six or more.
6
Flying B Ranch
Idaho
No bag limits, varied terrain and a wide variety of birds—including Hungarian partridge and valley quail—make Flying B Ranch a wingshooter's dream. History buffs can take one of the Lewis & Clark tours the ranch offers, while thrillseekers can choose from an adventurous list of hunting that includes black bear, bull elk and cougar.
7
Tinker Kennels
Pierre, South Dakota
Bob Tinker will be your guide as you hunt on horseback at this "wingshooter's paradise," where you can "step back in history" and explore "an infinity of open spaces." Tinker Kennels was praised by our experts for the quality and quantity of birds (including the challenging prairie chicken), as well as Bob and Kayla's vast knowledge of the sport and outstanding personal service and attention.
8
Pine Hill Plantation
Donalsonville, Georgia
Mule-drawn wagons and horseback quail hunting make for a unique wingshooting experience at the Pine hill Plantation, where daily rates start at around $5,000 and include lodging and meals, a warm-up round of clays, and dressing and freeze-packaging of quail into coolers prior to your departure.
9
Harpole's Heartland Lodge
Nebo, Illinois
Less than five hours from Chicago, Harpole's offers not only excellent wild quail and pheasant hunting, but its conference centers and business facilities make it a unique corporate retreat. For the gun-shy who still want a memorable retreat, Harpole's offers a romantic bed & breakfast and plenty of non-hunting activities.
10
Red Bank Ale & Quail Outfitters
Red Bluff, California
This Northern Californian gem offers unsurpassed Southern-style bobwhite quail hunts in a breathtaking setting of snow-capped mountains. In addition, Red Bank offers a full-service kennel with breeding and training programs, big game hunting and bass fishing.
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