There is nothing quite like the cool crispness of a West Texas morning, the rustle of tall CRP grass, and the sudden, heart-pounding flush of a covey of quail or ringneck pheasant. As opening day approaches, excitement builds quickly—but a successful day in the field depends entirely on how well you prepare beforehand.
Whether you’re planning an individual hunt, a corporate outing, or taking advantage of a hunting membership outside of Lubbock, stepping into the field with the right gear and conditioning ensures a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding experience.
To help you get field-ready, here is your essential pre-season checklist for upland bird hunting.
1. Prepare and Condition Your Hunting Dog
If you hunt with a four-legged partner, their safety and endurance should be your top priority. Months of summer relaxation can leave working dogs out of shape and unprepared for long stretches in dense cover.
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Build Stamina Gradually: Begin conditioning weeks in advance with steady road work, short retrieves, and field runs during cooler morning or evening hours.
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Toughen Paw Pads: West Texas terrain features sandburs, thorns, and rough ground. Check pad condition regularly and consider protective boots if needed.
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Review Basic Commands: Refresh steady pointers and retrievers on essential commands like whoa, heel, and recall under distraction.
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Vet Checks & Hydration: Ensure all vaccinations are current, pest preventatives are active, and always pack ample water and portable bowls specifically for your dog.
2. Inspect and Maintain Your Firearm
A smooth, reliable shotgun is essential when a quick bird flushes from cover. Do not wait until the night before your hunt to take your gun out of the safe.
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Deep Clean & Oil: Strip down your shotgun, clean the action, clear residue from the barrel, and apply fresh lubricant to ensure fluid cycling.
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Pattern Your Shotgun: Spend time at a range or clay target field. Test your choke tubes and preferred shell loads at realistic ranges (20 to 40 yards) to verify shot patterning.
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Safety Verification: Check that the safety mechanism operates smoothly and inspect the stock and barrel for any wear or damage.
3. Audit Your Upland Apparel & Field Gear
Navigating native West Texas grasses and brush requires rugged gear designed to protect you from the elements while keeping you visible and comfortable.
| Gear Item | What to Look For |
| Blaze Orange | A blaze orange hat or strap vest for high visibility and field safety. |
| Brush Pants / Chaps | Durable, thorn-resistant pants to protect legs from mesquite and briars. |
| Field Boots | Waterproof, broken-in leather or hybrid boots with good ankle support. |
| Upland Vest | Ample storage for game, shot shells, extra water, and eye/ear protection. |
4. Double-Check Licenses, Stamps & Regulations
Avoid last-minute stress by ensuring all legal requirements are satisfied well ahead of opening morning.
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Texas Hunting License: Secure your valid Texas resident or non-resident hunting license.
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Endorsements: Verify that you have the appropriate upland game bird endorsement stamped on your license.
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Proof of Hunter Education: Ensure your Hunter Education certification is completed and accessible on your phone or printed.
5. Plan Your Hunt Location & Logistics
Proper planning makes for a seamless day in the field, whether you’re hunting guided or unguided.
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Book Early: Popular weekend dates fill up fast during peak season. Secure your field reservations well in advance.
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Know the Terrain: Familiarize yourself with boundaries, cover types, and safety zones on the hunting property.
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Pack Field Supplies: Bring bird cleaning supplies (shears, cooler, ice, storage bags), a first-aid kit for both humans and dogs, and plenty of snacks and fluids.
Book Your Next Upland Hunt with T&T Game Birds
Located just 20 minutes outside of Lubbock, T&T Game Birds and Hunting Preserve offers prime upland bird hunting on over 1,000 acres of managed CRP cover. Whether you are looking for guided or unguided pheasant, quail, and chukar hunts, or want to take advantage of exclusive membership perks and professional gun dog training, T&T Game Birds provides an unforgettable West Texas hunting experience.
Ready to test your skills in the field?
Call 806-577-5514 or visit ttgamebirds.com to reserve your field or learn more about membership options today!