Private Upland Hunting Trip in Texas - Pheasant
Private Trip
Active hunting
Private guided hunt targeting pheasants, quail, chukar, and mallardsAccommodates up to four hunters with trained guide dogs availableYearround hunting opportunities under private birdhunting permit
Looking for a private upland hunting adventure that delivers consistent action? Ryan Huckaby's guided hunts in Carbon, Texas offer year-round opportunities to chase pheasants, quail, chukar, and mallards on private land under a controlled hunting permit. This top-rated experience accommodates up to four hunters and guarantees birds in the bag with a generous package that includes 6 pheasants, 15 quail, 8 chukar, and 6 mallards. Whether you're bringing your own pointer or using Ryan's trained guide dogs, you'll have everything you need for a world-class upland hunt in the heart of Texas.
This isn't your typical public land scramble where you might walk all day without seeing a bird. Ryan runs his operation on private acreage specifically managed for upland game, which means you'll be working birds from the moment you step out of the truck. The hunt starts early with a brief on safety and strategy, then you'll head out with dogs that know their business. Whether you're running your own English setter or borrowing one of Ryan's seasoned pointers, these dogs will put you on birds consistently throughout the day. The terrain varies from open grassland to brushy cover, giving you classic upland scenarios where birds hold tight until the last second before exploding into flight. Ryan keeps the group size small - just four hunters max - so everyone gets plenty of shooting opportunities without crowding each other's space. The bird package is generous enough that you won't be counting shots, and if you're having one of those days where everything comes together, extra birds are available at reasonable rates.
The Carbon area offers ideal upland habitat with a mix of native grasses, food plots, and natural cover that holds birds well. Ryan's dogs work methodically through likely spots, and he'll coach you on reading their body language as they quarter back and forth. When a dog goes on point, the real excitement begins - positioning yourself for the flush while staying safe with your hunting partners. The terrain here isn't too rough, making it accessible for hunters of different fitness levels, but you'll still put in some walking as you work through different cover types. Shot placement is crucial on these fast-flying birds, especially pheasants that can absorb a lot of lead and keep flying. Ryan recommends modified or improved cylinder chokes with 4 or 5 shot for most situations, though he'll adjust recommendations based on conditions and the specific birds you're targeting. The controlled environment means birds are healthy and strong flyers - they won't be easy gimmes, but they're predictable enough that you can focus on your shooting rather than wondering if there are any birds around.
Green pheasants are the crown jewel of this hunt, offering that classic long-tailed rooster experience that defines upland hunting. These birds are smart and fast, often running ahead of the dogs before finally taking flight with that distinctive cackle that gets your heart pumping. A mature rooster pheasant is a substantial bird that requires good shot placement, but when everything comes together and you drop one cleanly, there's no better feeling in upland hunting. They hold well for pointing dogs and provide excellent shooting opportunities when worked properly. Chukar partridges bring a different challenge altogether - these compact mountain birds are incredibly fast and often flush in coveys that can overwhelm new hunters. Originally from the mountains of Asia, chukars have adapted well to Texas terrain and provide some of the most challenging wing shooting you'll find. They're smaller than pheasants but their erratic flight patterns and tendency to flush wild make them a true test of shooting skill. California quail round out the upland experience with their distinctive topknot plumes and social behavior. These birds prefer to run rather than fly, which makes good dog work essential for success. When they do take flight, it's usually as a covey that explodes all at once, creating multiple shooting opportunities but requiring quick target selection and smooth gun handling.
Ryan's private upland hunts offer something that's getting harder to find - reliable bird hunting without the uncertainty of wild populations and public land pressure. The 50% deposit secures your date, and with year-round availability under the private bird permit, you can plan your hunt when it works for your schedule rather than being locked into traditional seasons. Whether you're looking to introduce new hunters to upland traditions or want to fine-tune your wing shooting skills, this customer favorite delivers consistent action in a low-pressure environment. Don't forget to grab your Texas hunting license with upland endorsement before your trip - Ryan handles everything else, from trained dogs to bird cleaning if you need it. The combination of guaranteed birds, quality habitat, and experienced guiding makes this one of the best upland hunting values in Texas. Contact Shotz Fired Guide Service today to reserve your spot and experience why hunters keep coming back to Carbon for their upland fix.
California quail are small but mighty - weighing around 6-7 ounces with that distinctive teardrop plume on their heads. These birds are social creatures that travel in coveys, often 8-15 birds together, and they love brushy areas near water sources and feed plots. The fall and winter months are best since the coveys are tight and predictable in their movement patterns. Hunters enjoy quail for the fast-paced action - when a covey explodes, you've got multiple birds going every direction and just seconds to pick your shots. They're also fantastic on the table. The key to success with California quail is working the edges. They like to move between thick cover and open areas to feed, so focus on transition zones like where brush meets grass or along creek bottoms. Walk slow and listen - you'll often hear them calling to each other before your dog even picks up scent.
Chukar are tough little mountain birds that'll test your shooting skills. These grey and tan partridge run about 12-14 ounces and are built for speed - they'd rather run uphill than fly if given the choice. Around Carbon, we hunt them in rocky areas, steep terrain, and brushy hillsides where they feel at home. They handle our Texas heat better than most upland birds, so we can hunt them successfully year-round. What hunters love about chukar is the challenge - they're fast, smart, and will make you work for every shot. Plus, they're some of the best eating you'll find in upland game. The secret with chukar is patience. When the dog points, don't rush in. These birds will sit tight if you take your time, but spook them and they'll run straight up the steepest ground around, calling back like they're laughing at you.
Green pheasants are the main draw for many upland hunters - these birds can weigh 2-3 pounds and put on quite a show when they flush. They prefer thick cover like brush piles, fence rows, and tall grass where they can feed and stay hidden. The cooler months from October through March are prime time since they hold tighter to cover and the dogs work better. What makes pheasant hunting special is that explosive flush - one second you're walking quietly, then suddenly this big colorful bird rockets up with a cackle that'll get your heart pumping. The meat is lean and tasty too. Here's a tip: when your dog goes on point, walk past the bird's head about 10 yards before turning back. Pheasants like to run, and this cuts off their escape route so they'll flush instead of sneaking away through the brush.
Carbon, TX