Outdoor living

Although the bird seasons have ended, Missouri bird hunters have places to hunt and work their dogs and are always sure to get some action.

There are more than 40 hunting preserves in the state that offer hunting for quail, pheasants, chuckers and some offer hunting for ducks and wild turkey.

These hunting clubs offer everything from guided hunts with dogs and meals to areas where you are on your own.

Not too many years back there were only 13 hunting preserves listed in Missouri by the North American Shooting Preserve Directory, but the 2004 Black's Wing and Clay Shotgunner's Handbook lists more than 40 preserves in the state and they are scattered all across Missouri.

If you have ever hunted a well-run preserve, you know there's more consistent hunting available. The seasons are longer-- most run through March -- they are safe and not overcrowded.

Hunters who have used some of the Missouri hunting preserves say there's no better place to train a new hunter including your wife, son, daughter or friend. Its a convenient place to enjoy a day in the field.

In the case of veteran quail hunter who had a poor quail season this past fall, Jim Nelson, wasn't ready to give up so he tried a hunting club for the first time.

He said, "I was surprised to find the hunting conditions similar to places I normally hunt. There were plenty of cover and the birds moved like wild quail. I expected it would cost a small fortune, but actually I think it was less expensive than a wild bird hunt would have been. Since the club stays open until April 1, I plan on getting some more hunts in before the spring turkey season."

It's hard for many of today's time-pressured hunters to find a more convenient and flexible way to pursue their sport.

It all depends on where you are, what you are looking for and, of course, what you can afford.

Missouri hunting preserves are state licensed hunting areas that offer extended hunting seasons for pheasants, quail, chucker, mallard ducks, turkey and other birds. The preserves are open to the public on a daily-fee or an annual membership basis or both.

When visiting a preserve for the first time, you should expect a warm welcome. Preserve hunters are valued customers, not tolerated intruders and your host should do everything he can to provide you a safe and enjoyable hunt.

You should expect the hunting areas to look like good hunting country and the game birds should be the same color and strong flyers as their wild counterparts.

Nelson, who travels a lot throughout the state, said, "I have found good hunting preserves throughout the state from northwest to southwest and from the Bootheel to Adair County. There's always one within easy driving distance."

The cost depends on how much hunting you want and the kind of "extras" you are looking for. In any case, fees vary, but a day on a hunting preserve doesn't have to cost more than a regular hunting trip and it will take up less time and your results will be satisfying.

Nelson said, "I found, to my surprise, that in the long run it was the cheapest way to spend a day in the field with plenty of action."