Quail and Pheasant: A Deeper Look at Arkansas’s Upland Birds and Where to Hunt Them

Upland bird hunting begins with understanding the stars of the show: the birds themselves. In Arkansas, two of the most sought-after upland species are the Northern Bobwhite Quail and the Ring-necked Pheasant. These birds are not only challenging and exciting to hunt, but they also play a fascinating role in the state’s ecosystem. At Buck Branch Shooting Resort in Center Ridge, Arkansas, hunters can experience these upland species in a private, well-managed environment that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned hunters alike.

Meet the Birds

Northern Bobwhite Quail

The Northern Bobwhite Quail is a small, plump bird with a distinctive white stripe above its eyes in males and a buffy stripe in females. These birds thrive in open fields, grassy meadows, and forest edges. Their diet primarily consists of seeds, insects, and vegetation, making them important contributors to local ecosystems as both prey and seed dispersers.

Quail are most active during the morning and late afternoon, often feeding close to the ground. They are known for their sudden, explosive flight when flushed, which provides the thrill upland hunters are seeking. Quail are also social birds, typically traveling in coveys of 10–30, making group hunting particularly exciting.

Read more about Northern Bobwhite Quail and see images on the American Bird Conservancy website..

Ring-necked Pheasant

The Ring-necked Pheasant, though not native to Arkansas, is widely established on private preserves throughout the state. Recognizable by its bright plumage and long tail, the male pheasant is larger than the female and boasts a striking red face and white neck ring. Pheasants prefer tall grasses, crop edges, and brushy areas where they can hide from predators, but they can be surprisingly adaptable in managed hunting fields.

Pheasants offer a different challenge than quail. They tend to flush more dramatically and can travel longer distances when startled, requiring a hunter to react quickly. Their larger size and striking coloration make them a favorite among hunters seeking both excitement and memorable photographs.

Read more about Ring-necked Pheasant and see images on the Audubon website..

Quail and Pheasant Hunting Arkansas

Upland Habitat in Arkansas

Arkansas provides an ideal environment for upland bird hunting. The state’s mix of open fields, forest edges, and managed agricultural lands supports quail populations naturally. Pheasants, while not native, thrive on private hunting preserves where habitat and feeding programs are carefully maintained.

• Quail Season: November 1 – February 1 on private land (AGFC).

• Pheasant Hunting: Available year-round on licensed private preserves; Arkansas does not have a wild pheasant season.

Arkansas’s climate is conducive to maintaining healthy upland bird populations. Mild winters and varied terrain allow quail to survive in coveys and provide pheasants with habitat that supports feeding and breeding programs. Hunters in Arkansas benefit from both natural populations and carefully managed preserve environments, making it an excellent destination for first-time and experienced upland hunters alike.

Why Buck Branch Shooting Resort

Located in Center Ridge, Arkansas, Buck Branch Shooting Resort offers private, managed fields specifically designed for quail and pheasant hunting. Here’s why it’s the perfect place for your next upland adventure:

• Private, Managed Land: Buck Branch’s fields are carefully maintained to create ideal habitat for upland birds, ensuring a rewarding hunting experience.

• Dog-Friendly Environment: Hunters can bring their own dogs or use the resort’s trained upland dogs to assist in flushing and retrieving birds.

• Beginner-Friendly: Buck Branch caters to hunters of all experience levels, offering guidance, safety orientation, and field support.

• High-Quality Hunts: With carefully managed populations of quail and pheasant, hunters enjoy frequent flushes, realistic hunting conditions, and memorable outdoor experiences.

Tips for First-Time Upland Hunters

Whether you’re hunting quail or pheasant, preparation is key. Here are some beginner-friendly tips:

• Gear Essentials: A 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotgun, ammunition appropriate for the species (#7½ or #8 for quail, #6 or #5 for pheasant), waterproof boots, layered clothing, and protective eyewear.

• Dog Handling: Ensure your dog understands basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “whoa.” A well-trained dog improves the hunt and ensures bird retrieval.

• Field Etiquette: Only take a shot when you’re confident you can make a clean kill. Respect boundaries, keep a safe distance from other hunters, and pick up spent shells.

• Safety First: Wear blaze orange if hunting in mixed fields, follow all preserve rules, and carry water, snacks, and a small first-aid kit.

Conclusion

Understanding the birds you hunt is just as important as understanding the field. Northern Bobwhite Quail and Ring-necked Pheasant each offer unique challenges, behaviors, and rewards. Arkansas provides an exceptional backdrop for upland hunting, combining natural quail populations with private pheasant preserves. And at Buck Branch Shooting Resort, hunters of all skill levels can enjoy well-managed fields, dog-friendly hunts, and a focus on both safety and experience.

If you’re ready to experience the thrill of Arkansas upland hunting, schedule your visit to Buck Branch Shooting Resort today and prepare to meet these incredible birds in their natural (or carefully managed) habitats.

Pat Roberts - Hunting Guide

(501) 208-6950

Buck Branch Shooting Resort is located in Center Ridge, Arkansas. Press the button below to be redirected to our home page. Thank you!

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