upland | The Filson Journal

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Filson Food: Pheasant with Tarragon-Lemon Carrots

“A whole roasted pheasant takes time to pull off correctly. Rush the process and you’ll end up with a dry, lackluster-tasting bird that will make you wonder why you didn’t buy a chicken. But take the time and care needed, and the result will be fit for any occasion. There are few sights more glorious than a properly roasted bird at the dinner table – and few tastes as rewarding as an aged and brined pheasant.”

3 Min

Hunter in high visibility vest with shotgun walking through snowy grassland with river with mountain backdrop

How-To's

Winter Upland Hunting Guide + 5 Game Birds

Many game-bird seasons in the Northwest, Midwest, and Northeast extend well into winter— those cold, even icy days can be great times to hunt. Upland birds often fall into fairly predictable cold-weather patterns, and vegetation and other cover have dwindled. Further, cooler temperatures mean ideal conditions for vigorous walking and dog work. That doesn’t mean winter bird hunting is easy, though. Weather conditions can be challenging, and some species of birds have been hunted for weeks or months, leaving the survivors adept at avoiding human predators.

5 Min

roasted chukar, lemon and potato in a camp pan

Food & Recipes

Filson Food: Chukars & Sagebrush Recipe

There may be no greater way to enjoy a meal than by going into the bush and cooking your harvest in the field from where it came. Although not native to North America, after being introduced from Nepal and Afghanistan, chukar populations took hold in many western states and Canada. These birds have earned the nickname ‘Red-Legged Devil Bird’. If you relish a challenging hunt, chukar is right up your alley. To cap it off, they make great table fare as well.

3 Min

Field Notes

Beginner’s Guide to Upland Hunting in Washington

Upland bird hunting is wonderful way to get some great exercise and interact with the outdoors at a high level. A common picture that comes to our minds about bird hunting is sitting in a duck blind with a thermos of coffee and a propane heater while waiting for birds to come to you. While duck hunting from a blind is a popular activity and can be very fun, it is much different than upland bird hunting.

10 Min

How-To's

Ruffed Grouse Hunting Basics

The ruffed grouse is affectionately called the king of game birds by those who enjoy hunting them on crisp autumn days. As their nickname hints, the ruffed grouse is challenging prey for new and seasoned hunters alike. They are swift fliers, wary, and learn by experience the fine art of avoiding predators of all kinds. But by using a few basic principles you can start off on good footing, and with any luck, bring home a few ruffs for the table.

5 Min

Food & Recipes

Filson Food: Spicy Duck Wontons

One of the common misconceptions about hunting is that every time a hunter goes out into the bush or the blind, they come home with food for the table. Although this is always our hope, the reality is that we often come home empty-handed or with barely enough to make a meal, as is sometimes the case when duck hunting. When a day of duck hunting only yields two ducks for dinner, a good solution is to use the meat to make wontons that can even stretch into more than one meal. Wontons can be frozen before cooking and make a great appetizer on short notice since they can be simply cooked straight from the freezer. Most of the ingredients in this recipe can be found at any large grocery store; if not, they will have a suitable substitute.

3 Min

two partially laced boots sitting next to a chair

How-To's

Filson 101: How to Care For Your Leather Boots

Every now and then, your trusty boots will need a little TLC to keep them ready for any weather. This is not the fanciest method, but it’s simple, straightforward, and will do the job.

3 Min

dish of candied, bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers in circular metal dish

Food & Recipes

Filson Food: Roasted Pheasant Jalapeño Poppers with Bourbon Red Pepper Jelly

A version of this recipe can most likely be found in every single hunter’s recipe rolodex from the Florida Panhandle to the Olympic Peninsula and everywhere in between. It is a go-to no matter where you hunt your fowl, and works equally well with ducks or doves.

3 Min

a close up of a US Fish and Wildlife silver duck band

Field Notes

Duck Banding: Hunter-Backed Conservation Work Helps Waterfowl Thrive

Banding has been used for centuries. In 218 B.C., besieged Roman soldiers reportedly used thread to tie a message on a crow’s leg and then released the bird. John James Audubon and Ernest Thompson Seton pioneered early banding methods in the United States. Federal banding programs were established in the 1920s after the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918.

5 Min

Profiles

Wild Goose Jack

At the turn of the 20th century, sportsman John (Jack) Miner found himself amidst an unregulated commercial market, and local grassroots hunting. In the small town of Kingsville, Ontario, along the northern shore of Lake Erie, young Jack and his brother Ted spent their minimal free time carving and painting decoys in preparation for when the ducks would return.

8 Min

dozens of birds flying overhead on an overcast day

Field Notes

North America’s Flyways and Ducks Unlimited

Twice a year waterfowl and bird species make the long journey from south to north and back again along the Pacific Flyway, stopping at reservoirs, wetlands, and shallow lakes along the way to both rest and feed.

9 Min

double barrel shot gun open with both shells hovering above chamber

Field Notes

History of the Shotgun for Upland Hunting

The earliest shotguns, or “Haile Shotte peics,” as they were called, date back to the 16th century in England, where they were used for hunting by the aristocracy, chief among them Henry VIII. These were multiple shot firearms and were used primarily for hunting birds.

9 Min

black lab jumping to catch pheasant flying away in a hunting field with dead grass and cattails

How-To's

How to Process an Upland Bird

Steven Joyce of Reds Hunting, a renowned hunting and fly-fishing guide outfit in Eastern Washington, joined us at Filson’s annual Sportsman’s Expo to demonstrate how to harvest the meat from an upland bird. Check out Steve’s clean and efficient method for processing any game bird.

4 Min

Filson Life - Upland Hunt Hannah Dewey log cabin and pine trees with milky way and sky full of stars in background

Field Notes

Live Connected: Hunting the Judith Basin in Montana with Hannah Dewey

A story about an all women’s upland bird hunting trip and a common desire to live a life connected told by Hannah Dewey. Hannah was raised as a nomad with the woods and mountains as her playground, in doing so her language became intrinsically tied to the rhythms and cycles of life. She feels the

Tom Brokaw sits next to taxidermy pheasant and his hunting dog with a shotgun over his shoulder

Field Notes

Hunting for Tom Brokaw with Covey Rise

Miles DeMott has been hunting compelling stories for more than three decades, writing across genres for a variety of audiences in print and digital spaces. The author of two novels, his most recent works for Covey Rise extol the virtues of prescribed burning and distill the essence of Kentucky bourbon. A native son of the

Hunters and dog survey valley plain atop mesa outlook

Profiles

A Season Well Spent with Jillian Lukiwski

Jillian Lukiwski, also known as The Noisy Plume, is an independent metalsmith, freelance photographer and writer representing the indelible spirit of the interior West of Canada and the USA. She spends her winters in Idaho and in the summer, she moves North to the Methow Valley of Washington with her smokejumper husband. Jillian prefers strong

Profiles

Field Guide: Wingshooting in Central Washington with Red’s Fly Shop

With sparse deserts and plains, sprawling coastal tidelands, and the only temperate rainforest in the contiguous United States, Washington is home to one of the most diverse climates of any state. For any sportsman or woman this translates to endless outdoor possibilities. A 3-hour drive from the Filson Headquarters in Seattle will put you knee-deep

How-To's

Prepping for the Upcoming Hunt: Dog Training and Performance Tips

For over two decades, George Hickox has shown all levels of owners how to train great bird dogs. As the hunting season nears, it’s incredibly important to reinforce good gun dog training procedures and attempt to break bad habits. Below, find some of George’s best tips and tricks on bird dog training. Training a

How-To's

The Blueprint for a Successful Bird Dog Training Program with George Hickox

For over two decades, George Hickox has shown all levels of owners how to train great bird dogs. Today, George details the blueprint of a successful bird dog training program. The blueprint for a successful training program must be implemented in a timely manner and fundamental canine training principles must be adhered to in

canyon with sheer red rock cliffs and sage brush

Profiles

Bounty in the Big Empty: Chukar Hunting in Nevada with Larry McKurtis

Larry McKurtis is a writer living in Northern Nevada. He’s an avid cyclist, hunter, and fly fisherman – all of which give him an excuse to travel and explore all over the west and North America. His blog Red Legged Devils covers his relationship with the American West. Desolation is a frightening word to the

camper van lit by the light of fire with the moon in the sky

Profiles

Upland Bird Hunting in Eastern Washington with Elias Carlson

Elias Carlson is a 31 year old freelance photographer, graphic designer, and videographer from Seattle, Washington. He has a thing for mountains, road-trips, and his wife Theresa. He is easily distracted by moving water of any kind, especially the sort with fish in it. When he’s not outdoors with a camera, he makes some pretty

autumn forest with yellow and green and red foliage bisected by river

Field Notes

Finding a Reason to Wander: Grouse Hunting with Blaine Peetso

Blaine Peetso is a mill worker in Northern Alberta and a self-described daydreamer. With a penchant for the outdoors and for photography, he created The Borealist blog as an excuse to capture images of his part of the world and to rearrange the alphabet as he sees fit. Follow Blaine as he finds a particular kind of beauty in his own backyard on a late Autumn grouse hunt.

How-To's

Afield Without A Dog: Hints for Dog-Free Hunting

While most serious upland hunters wouldn’t think of leaving their dogs at home, sometimes opportunities to hunt good land (or between big trips) are lost. Plenty of other hunters may want to tackle upland birds but don’t have dogs, but that’s no reason to stay home. Words by David S. Lewis. Photos by Lee Kjos.

How-To's

Peter Patenaude Partridge Hunting Tips

Peter Patenaude, a registered Maine guide, has been a Filson advocate for over six years. His blog Boot & Canoe, focuses on traditional skills and Maine’s outdoor heritage. Peter shares some more tips for a successful partridge hunt.

Filson Food: Pheasant with Tarragon-Lemon Carrots

Winter Upland Hunting Guide + 5 Game Birds

Filson Food: Chukars & Sagebrush Recipe

Beginner’s Guide to Upland Hunting in Washington

Ruffed Grouse Hunting Basics

Filson Food: Spicy Duck Wontons

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Filson 101: How to Care For Your Leather Boots

Filson Food: Roasted Pheasant Jalapeño Poppers with Bourbon Red Pepper Jelly

Duck Banding: Hunter-Backed Conservation Work Helps Waterfowl Thrive

Wild Goose Jack

North America’s Flyways and Ducks Unlimited

History of the Shotgun for Upland Hunting

How to Process an Upland Bird

Live Connected: Hunting the Judith Basin in Montana with Hannah Dewey

Hunting for Tom Brokaw with Covey Rise

A Season Well Spent with Jillian Lukiwski

Field Guide: Wingshooting in Central Washington with Red’s Fly Shop

Prepping for the Upcoming Hunt: Dog Training and Performance Tips

The Blueprint for a Successful Bird Dog Training Program with George Hickox

Bounty in the Big Empty: Chukar Hunting in Nevada with Larry McKurtis

Upland Bird Hunting in Eastern Washington with Elias Carlson

Finding a Reason to Wander: Grouse Hunting with Blaine Peetso

Afield Without A Dog: Hints for Dog-Free Hunting

Peter Patenaude Partridge Hunting Tips