Many people think of upland game birds and think only of pheasant and quail. Although those are two of the popular birds among those with bird dogs, prairie chickens, chukar partridge, grouse and turkey all offer challenges.

There's little quite as exciting as hearing a ringneck pheasant call on a crisp fall day in the Midwest or plains states.

Although there are many types of pheasant, most consider the ringneck the most identifiable as a game bird.

A native of Asia they're found near woods, farmland and often near wetland. Once very popular the pheasant was threatened by lack of habitat when agricultural practices changed.

Because they are wary of humans, the use of dogs to find and point the birds greatly increases the chances of getting birds. They can be erratic and fly for short distance, but will run well also.

Due to conservation many states allow only the roosters, with colorful green heads and beautiful feathering on the body, to be harvested.

Pheasants Forever has details about these beautiful and challenging birds.

Bobwhite quail are another ground dwelling bird, smaller than the pheasant but like them challenged with habitat.

Common near pine or hardwood stands especially where there are creeks or other water source and fields for food, these quail form "coveys" or groups of 5-30 birds.

This is the official state bird for Tennessee, Georgia and Washington. Conservation is needed as they are easily over hunted and Quail Forever is but one organization developed to address this. Another is Quail Unlimited.

Several types of grouse are also worth including in a discussion of upland game birds. Sooty Grouse, Dusky Grouse, Spruce Grouse and Siberian Grouse are all large grouse that live in the highland areas of North America.

The Rocky Mountains, Pacific Coast ranges and Sierra Nevada areas are habitat for the Dusky and Sooty, respectively.

The Siberian grouse is considered threatened, while the rest have healthy populations save for some decline due to habitat loss in California.

The Ruffed Grouse is a very popular bird in their range with bird dog owners. With a habitat of open areas, they spend most of their time on the ground but can suddenly explode in flight if startled.

This is a non-migratory bird found from the Appalachians across Canada to Alaska. There is an organization for the Ruffed Grouse conservation also.

Chukar are not uncommon to use for bird dog training. A partridge that is partial to dry, open and sometimes hilly country, they will eat seeds and some insects but prefer downy brome as a favored food.

Undisturbed prairie is a favored habitat of the greater Prairie Chicken. A member of the grouse family they have struggled with habitat loss.

Although they can get by in agriculture areas, they vastly prefer the less populated areas of the upper plains and, as those dwindle so does the greater Prairie Chicken.

Many include the turkey in hunting upland game birds, and although crafty and not as stupid as some say, they are not typically hunted with dogs.

A variety of upland game birds await the bird dog owner looking for new challenges!

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