Top 10 Upland Hunting Locations in the US

The US is home to some of the best upland bird hunting destinations. Along with the multitude of public areas, forests, and terrains, there are plenty of game bird species, including pheasants, quail, grouse, and more. 

Here's a guide to the top 10 upland hunting spots, with bird species, best time and season, and minor license details to help you plan your trip.

1. Montana

Montana is considered a paradise for every hunting enthusiast who wants to hunt wild pheasants, sharptail grouse, Hungarian partridge, and quails. It offers many public lands and private hunting areas with excellent bird habitats.

The best season for upland hunting in Montana is from fall to January. We can hunt many birds there, including pheasants, grouses, doves, partridges, and quail. 

Hunters must obtain a Montana upland game bird license and conservation license, both of which are available online through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

2. Idaho

Idaho's rugged terrain and diverse landscape make it a dream destination for upland hunters. Natural sagebrush terrain, farmland, and canyons are ideal for upland hunting.

Specialized bird species included mountain quail, ruffed grouse, and sharp-tailed grouse. Similarly, there are more species of chukar, quail, and grouse. 

An Idaho small game license is required, and hunters should consider purchasing a controlled hunt permit for specific areas.

3. Kansas

Kansas provides some of the country's best upland hunting, with abundant pheasants, bobwhite quail, and prairie chickens. The state offers nearly 1.7 million acres of land through Wildlife Areas and Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) programs.

The peak upland hunting season lasts from November to January. A Kansas hunting license is mandatory, and additional permits are required for certain Wildlife Areas.

4. Texas

Texas is a top destination for quail hunting, especially bobwhite and scaled quail, along with pheasants, chukar, and wild turkey.

Gilmer, Amarillo, and Levelland are among Texas's top upland hunting places. The best season for upland hunting in Texas is fall through early winter.

Hunters must purchase a Texas upland game bird endorsement and a general hunting license.

5. Nebraska

Nebraska land and public hunting areas provide excellent access for upland bird hunters. The state is known for pheasants, bobwhite quail, and prairie chickens. 

Southwest Nebraska and the Panhandle are considered the top hunting spots in Nebraska. October to January is regarded as the top hunting season here.

A Nebraska upland game bird permit and a habitat stamp are required to perform upland hunting activities in Nebraska.

6. Oregon

Eastern Oregon offers substantial upland hunting opportunities, with chukar, quail, pheasants, and Hungarian partridge thriving in its agricultural areas and rugged terrain.

Oregon offers strong and broad upland hunting opportunities in its agricultural areas and rugged terrain. The top hunting areas include the Columbia Basin, the Malheur River, and the Owyhee regions.

From September to January, Oregon stays at the top in upland hunting season for multiple species of chukar, quail, pheasants, and partridges. A standard hunting license is required for hunting in Oregon, with additional upland bird validation.

7. Michigan

Michigan's northern regions provide a unique hunting experience, with famous dense forests and varied terrain. Michigan's famous birds for upland hunting include grouse, woodcock, and pheasants.

Upland hunting enthusiasts found a peak season between September and January in Michigan. Grouse, woodcock, and pheasants are the top bird species in this location.

A small game license and a $25 pheasant license are required for bird hunting in designated areas.

8. North Dakota

North Dakota is renowned for its pheasant hunting, sharptail grouse, and Hungarian partridge. The southwest region of the state is particularly active regarding upland hunting.

In North Dakota, there is a lengthy time slot available for hunting. Upland hunting is allowed 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

Hunters need a North Dakota combination license and a small game license for upland birds.

9. South Dakota

South Dakota is considered the "pheasant capital of the world."  Its abundant public lands and high bird populations make it ideal for upland hunters.

Along with pheasants, prairie chickens, and sharp-tailed grouse are among the top game birds in South Dakota. 

Non-residents must purchase a South Dakota small game license to hunt upland birds.

10. Minnesota

Minnesota's Chippewa National Forest and southwestern regions are prime spots for grouse, woodcock, and pheasants. The state has a rich hunting tradition and varied habitats.

Chippewa National Forest and southwestern regions are Minnesota's prime spots for upland hunting. Minnesota has a rich hunting tradition and varied bird species, including Ruffed grouse, woodcock, and prairie chickens.

Hunters need a Minnesota small game license and may require a special permit for specific areas.

Final Thoughts

All these upland hunting locations promise rewarding experiences for all skill levels. While heading towards your next upland hunting trip, ensure you have a license and the right gear for upland hunting arranged.