Game and Wildlife

DWR's upland game coordinator shares why he loves this sport.

THERE’S NO NEED to persuade the thousands of Utahns who know the heart-stopping thrill of flushing game birds that it’s time to start making upland game hunt plans. But if for some reason you do need a little convincing, let me share my list of top five reasons I love to hunt upland game in Utah.

1. Spending time outdoors with family and friends

I grew up hunting and fishing with my dad and brothers. It was a way to not only do something fun outside, but to build lifelong bonds with one another. Even today, we all get together several times a year and hunt upland game. The pheasant opener is a big deal in our family.

Even better, my wife and little boy join in the fun too. Hunting together strengthens our family relationship and we have a blast doing it. Hunting upland game can be simple and straightforward — perfect for new or young hunters.

2. Experiencing new places and having new adventures

Life is about the experiences we have. Utah is extremely diverse. I love traveling around the state, finding places I’ve never been. Upland game hunting gives me a reason to go to new mountain ranges or desert hideaways.

I love having new adventures. I can safely say every hunting trip I have been on was an adventure, some more exciting than others. I believe that most days in our lives are forgotten — I strive to live as many as possible in a way that allows me to remember them ten years for now. There are many hunts stored in my mind’s eye from long ago, and each and every time I think of them, I smile. Few things can beat that heart-stopping thrill of a flushing bird in a place I’ve never been.

3. Providing healthy food for my family

Wild game meat is a healthy option for my family and me. The fat to protein ratio is very low, meaning the meat is much leaner with more protein. In addition, the meat is all natural and all organic, to steal a few marketing buzz phrases. In the case of freshly harvested wild bird meat, I know exactly where it comes from and that it is truly as natural and organic as you can get.