Advanced Quail & Pheasant Hunt in Nebraska
Private Trip
Bird hunting
Eighthour guided hunt targeting quail and pheasant across Nebraska terrainAdvanced hunters enjoy productive grounds with experienced guide supportGroups of 26 hunters participate for $285 per person
This isn't your typical weekend hunt – we're talking serious upland bird hunting across Nebraska's prime terrain. S.S. Fins & Feathers puts together an 8-hour guided experience that's built for hunters who know their way around a shotgun and aren't afraid of putting in some legwork. At $285 per person for groups of 2 to 6, you're getting access to some of the most productive bird hunting grounds in the state, plus guidance that's tailored specifically for experienced hunters who want results, not hand-holding.
Nebraska's upland country offers some of the best quail and pheasant hunting you'll find anywhere in the Midwest. This full-day hunt takes you through diverse terrain where these birds thrive – from prairie grass edges to shelter belts and cattail draws. The pace is steady but manageable, designed to cover ground effectively while giving everyone in your group solid shooting opportunities. Your guide knows these fields like the back of their hand and will position you where the birds are actually moving, not just where they look like they should be. Expect to walk several miles throughout the day, but it's strategic movement that puts you in the right spots at the right times. The hunting here is group-based, which means you'll be working together to flush birds and create shooting lanes that give everyone a fair chance.
Nebraska's upland terrain is perfectly suited for classic walk-and-flush hunting techniques. You'll be working fence rows, shelter belts, and native grass patches where quail and pheasant naturally congregate for food and cover. The key here is reading the cover – pheasants love thick cattails and switchgrass, especially near agricultural edges where they can dart between feeding and roosting areas. Quail tend to hold tighter in shorter grass and will often flush as a covey when pressure builds. Your guide will show you how to approach cover systematically, using natural barriers and wind direction to your advantage. Bring your own shotgun (20 or 12 gauge work best), appropriate shot sizes for upland birds, and make sure you've got comfortable walking boots that can handle uneven ground and some moisture. Weather-appropriate clothing is essential – Nebraska weather can shift quickly, and you'll want layers that allow for easy movement while keeping you comfortable during long stretches in the field.
Ring-necked pheasants are the crown jewel of Nebraska upland hunting, and for good reason. These birds are smart, fast, and absolutely beautiful when they flush with that distinctive cackle echoing across the prairie. Roosters can weigh up to 3 pounds and sport those famous long tail feathers that make for impressive photos and great table fare. They're most active during early morning and late afternoon hours, but can be found throughout the day in heavy cover during colder weather. What makes pheasant hunting so addictive is their unpredictability – one moment they're running ahead of you through thick cover, the next they're exploding into the air in a heart-stopping flush that tests your reflexes and shooting skills. Nebraska's agricultural landscape provides perfect habitat with its mix of crop fields, grasslands, and shelter belts.
Mountain quail bring a different kind of challenge to your Nebraska hunt. These birds are smaller and quicker than pheasants, typically weighing less than half a pound, but they make up for size with speed and group tactics. Quail often flush as a covey, creating multiple target opportunities in rapid succession that require quick decision-making and smooth gun handling. They prefer edge habitats where grassland meets brush or crop fields, and they're masters at using terrain features to break up pursuit. The best times to target quail are during temperature transitions – early morning as they move from roost to feed, and evening when they're heading back to cover. What hunters love about quail is the fast-paced action and the opportunity for multiple flushes from the same general area, since coveys will often regroup and hold again after initial pressure passes.
This hunt delivers exactly what serious upland hunters are looking for – productive ground, knowledgeable guidance, and the kind of bird action that keeps you coming back season after season. At $285 per person, you're investing in a full day of quality hunting without the hassle of scouting new territory or guessing where the birds are holding. S.S. Fins & Feathers has put together something special here for hunters who appreciate the finer points of upland bird hunting and want to experience Nebraska's legendary game bird populations firsthand. Remember to bring your own gear, food, and drinks – this keeps costs reasonable and lets you hunt with equipment you trust. All meeting details get sorted directly with your guide after booking, so you'll have everything you need for a successful hunt. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the birds are most active.
Mountain quail are actually pretty rare in Nebraska - you're more likely to run into bobwhite quail on our hunts, but I'll cover these unique birds since they occasionally show up in our western counties. These are the largest North American quail, about 11 inches with that distinctive straight head plume that looks like a black exclamation point. Unlike other quail, they prefer rocky hillsides and brush-covered slopes rather than open grassland. Early morning and late afternoon during fall are your best bets when they're moving between roosting and feeding areas. What sets them apart is their tendency to run uphill when pressured - most birds head downhill, but not these guys. They're also incredibly vocal, making a loud "kee-ark" call that echoes off canyon walls. The trick with mountain quail is to position blockers upslope while drivers work from below.
Ring-necked pheasants are the crown jewel of Nebraska upland hunting. These colorful roosters can stretch 30+ inches with that distinctive white collar and long tail feathers that make them unmistakable when they flush. You'll find them working the edges where cropland meets grassland - they love corn stubble, cattail sloughs, and shelter belts. Late fall through winter is prime time when birds group up and hold tight in heavy cover. What makes pheasants special is that explosive flush that'll get your heart racing, plus they're fantastic table fare. These birds are smart - they'd rather run than fly, so they'll work the thick stuff and pop up when you least expect it. My go-to trick is working into the wind. Pheasants hate flying upwind, so they'll hold longer and give you better shooting opportunities when they finally commit to getting airborne.
Nebraska