Private Upland Hunting Trip in Carbon, Texas
Private Trip
Active hunting
Private guided hunt for pheasants, quail, chukar, and mallardsAccommodates up to four hunters with trained guide dogs availableYearround hunting opportunities under private birdhunting permit
Looking for a solid day in the field chasing upland birds? Ryan Huckaby's got you covered with his private guided hunts in Carbon, Texas. This isn't your typical crowded public land experience – you're getting exclusive access to prime hunting grounds with a guide who knows these birds inside and out. Whether you're bringing your own pointer or need to borrow one of Ryan's trained dogs, this hunt delivers consistent action on pheasants, quail, chukar, and mallards. The best part? You're hunting under a private bird permit, which means reliable opportunities year-round when public seasons might be closed.
This is a proper upland hunt that accommodates up to four hunters, though the guest capacity shows flexibility for solo hunters or small groups who want that personal touch. You'll start your day with Ryan going over the game plan and getting familiar with the terrain. The standard package includes 6 pheasants, 15 quail, 8 chukar, and 6 mallards – that's plenty of shooting for a full day. If you're having one of those magical days where everything's working and you want to keep going, extra birds are available. Pheasants and mallards run $30 each for extras, while quail are $12 and chukar $15. The math works out well if you're splitting costs among a group of hunters.
Carbon's rolling terrain provides classic upland habitat with a mix of cover that holds birds well. Ryan's approach focuses on working the dogs methodically through the best spots, letting them quarter back and forth to locate scent. If you're bringing your own dog, make sure they're steady to wing and shot – nothing ruins a hunt faster than a dog that breaks on the flush. The birds here are released strategically to provide natural hunting scenarios, so you'll get genuine points, flushes, and retrieves. Shots typically range from 20 to 40 yards, perfect for 20-gauge or 12-gauge shotguns loaded with #5 or #6 shot. The terrain is walkable for most fitness levels, but wear good boots since you'll be covering ground through varied cover including brush and grassland.
Green pheasants are the crown jewel of this hunt, and these birds put on a show. Roosters will hold tight to cover until the last second, then explode into flight with that distinctive cackle that gets your heart pumping. They're strong fliers that require good shot placement, typically weighing 2-3 pounds with gorgeous plumage. Texas allows year-round hunting of released birds under private permits, so timing is always right. Pheasants love thick cover and edges, making them perfect for dog work. When a pointer locks up solid on a rooster, that moment before the flush is pure magic.
Chukar bring their own challenge to the hunt with erratic flight patterns that keep you honest. These partridge-sized birds are native to rocky, arid country but adapt well to Texas upland habitat. They're fast, agile fliers that often flush as a covey, giving you multiple shot opportunities if you're quick on target acquisition. Chukar average about a pound each and provide excellent table fare. They tend to run ahead of dogs rather than hold tight like quail, so you need to stay alert and ready when working likely cover.
California quail are the bread and butter of upland hunting, and these birds teach you everything about wing shooting fundamentals. They typically weigh 6-8 ounces but pack more excitement per ounce than any game bird. Quail hold well for pointing dogs and usually flush as a covey with that classic whirring sound. The key is picking your bird and staying with it through the shot instead of flock shooting. Bob-whites have that distinctive call that echoes across the countryside, and watching a good dog work a quail scent trail is hunting at its finest. With 15 birds included in your package, you'll get plenty of chances to perfect your quail shooting technique.
Ryan's upland hunts deliver exactly what serious hunters want – consistent action, quality dogs, and birds that fly strong. The private permit setup means you're not competing with other hunters or dealing with crowded public land. You'll need a valid Texas hunting license with upland endorsement, and Ryan requires a 50% non-refundable deposit to hold your date with the balance due at the hunt. This is a top-rated guide service that understands upland hunting, from dog handling to shot placement tips. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to upland hunting or want to sharpen your own skills on challenging birds, this Carbon, Texas hunt puts you in position for a memorable day afield. The combination of multiple species, flexible extra bird options, and expert guiding makes this a customer favorite among Texas upland enthusiasts.
California quail are smaller birds, about 6-7 ounces, with that distinctive teardrop plume bobbing on their heads. They travel in coveys of 10-20 birds and stick close to brushy cover near water sources - think creek bottoms, mesquite thickets, and areas with good understory. Early morning and evening are prime times when coveys are moving between roost and feed. These birds provide fast-paced action that keeps hunters on their toes. When a covey explodes, it sounds like popcorn going off and birds scatter in every direction. The meat is delicate and mild, perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: mark where singles land after the initial flush. Quail will sit tight for about 20 minutes before they start calling to regroup, giving you time to work each bird methodically with your dog.
Chukar are tough, stocky birds about the size of a small chicken, built for rocky terrain and steep country. Around here, they stick to areas with good elevation changes, brushy hillsides, and scattered rocks where they can find cover and grit. These birds are runners - they'd rather sprint uphill than fly, which makes for some challenging hunting. Cool mornings and late afternoons work best when they're moving to water or feeding areas. Hunters love chukars because they're scrappy fighters that test your shooting skills with their erratic flight patterns. The meat is lean and flavorful, some say the best of all upland birds. Key tip: don't chase them uphill. Circle around and come at them from above - they hate flying downhill and will often hold better when pressured from higher ground.
Green pheasants are impressive birds, with roosters weighing 2-3 pounds and showing off that classic long tail and colorful plumage. These birds love thick cover - brushy draws, cattail edges, and grain fields where they can duck out of sight fast. They're ground runners first, fliers second, so when they do flush it's usually explosive and gets your heart pumping. Fall through early spring gives you the best action when birds are moving between roost and feed areas. What hunters really appreciate is the challenge - pheasants are smart and use every bit of cover to their advantage. Plus, they're outstanding table fare. My advice? Work the edges slow and methodical. Pheasants will often hold tight until you're almost on top of them, then burst out when you least expect it.
Carbon, TX