The patience and stillness. The quiet of the open field in the autumn light. A sudden flurry of color and sound as the hunted takes flight. The hunter reacts swiftly, steadily, and precisely. The hunter’s companions bound excitedly to gather the game and proudly bring it home. And then, as the party resumes its wait, the peace returns.
The beauty of upland hunting—a form of fowling in pursuit of quail, pheasant, and other land-dwelling gamebirds—comes alive in the upland lifestyle. Showcasing everything from beloved bird dogs to bespoke apparel, accessories, and fine shotguns, the accouterments may be passion-driven, but they create a lifestyle when combined with the thrill of the hunt. It’s an aesthetic and way of life that draws the most discerning sportsmen and sportswomen to some of the most beautiful landscapes around the world.
Lucky for locals, Joshua Creek Ranch (JCR) presents the opportunity to experience world-class upland hunting and all that entails right here in the renowned Texas Hill Country. For more than 35 years, JCR has cultivated an upland hunting habitat that offers top-shelf wing shooting opportunities for quail, pheasant, and chukar as well as high-volume driven shooting for pheasants and mallard ducks. “The mild hunting season climate, the beautiful and diverse habitat, the convenient location in South Central Texas, and our clients’ enthusiasm for gamebird hunting are all a part of what has made JCR so special for so long,” said Ann Kercheville, Vice Chairman and President of JCR.
The upland lifestyle is not one-dimensional. In general, wing shooters are outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate relationships and a deep connection with nature. In other words, it’s not just about shooting birds, it’s about the journey and the profound experiences along the way. You might say it is a unique blend of art, skill, camaraderie, and the beauty of nature that seeps into your soul.
One of the biggest sources of enjoyment in upland hunting revolves around bird dogs, or “gundogs.” At JCR, various breeds of pointers and setters are employed to find the birds and go “on-point” which is signaled by an instinctive and prolonged “freeze” with tail up triggered by the scent of gamebirds. Once hunters are in shooting position, professional guides give the command “birds up” to their flushing dogs to get the gamebirds in flight for an attempted shot. As birds are shot, the canine team’s role shifts to retrieving where they proudly gather and return the harvest to their guide, or hunt master.
“For many upland hunters, the sheer joy and amazement of pointing, flushing, and retrieving dogs working together in perfect synchronization is the highlight of their time afield,” added Kercheville. JCR is partial to English Cocker Spaniels for the flushing and retrieving role in their upland hunts and boasts a kennel program with over 100 well-trained working gundogs.
Behind gundogs, the second-most alluring aspect of the upland lifestyle is customized “gear.” More specifically, shotguns are the “manner of take” for wing shooting, and they come in a variety of makes, models, and gauges. The quintessential shotgun for upland hunting is a double-barrel (over/under or side-by-side) shotgun in smaller gauges like 20, 28, or .410. Whether handed down as generational family treasures or acquired as part of a collector’s hobby, there are few sporting artifacts that evoke as much emotion as beautifully hand-crafted shotguns.
Though gundogs and shotguns are often the primary focus, there are myriad other facets to explore as part of the upland lifestyle. From the requisite safety “blaze orange” field gear and stylish artisan-made leather accessories to a whole culinary realm of gamebird recipes and paired wines and bourbons, the upland lifestyle encompasses field, fashion, and food on a luxury scale as few other sporting experiences can. And the heart of this lifestyle can be found just up the road at Joshua Creek Ranch.
SIDEBAR:
Joshua Creek Ranch — Upland Hunting Heaven
- Opened in 1990 and is celebrating its 35th Anniversary season.
- Endorsed by Orvis, Beretta, and Federal Premium Ammunition.
- Open daily to the public with memberships also available.
- Features activities like sporting clays shooting, helice shooting, fly fishing, rifle and handgun ranges, and water recreation.
- Offers luxury lodging, fine and casual dining, and resort amenities year-round.
joshuacreek.com | 830-537-5090
“The sheer joy and amazement of pointing, flushing, and retrieving dogs working together in perfect synchronization is the highlight of their time afield.” —Ann Kercheville