Upland bird hunting once held the spotlight on hunting’s stage, standing fore with waterfowling and small game. Whitetail deer populations were recovering from overhunting, and big-game outings for moose, elk, pronghorn and bear were adventurous, occasional, or for the wealthy.

Quail, pheasant, woodcock, snipe and grouse hunting were traditions, a way to put food on the table with minimal output. A snuffling dog, a few acres with a hedgerow or overgrown fence row, the plot left fallow for the season on rotation, or Ol’ Johnson’s farm with its bust-through thicket and orchard were enough for upland hunters. A vest or jacket held a handful or two of paper-hull shells, often 16-gauge, and a rabbit might be a bonus if you caught sight of the flash before it got away.

Millions of upland bird hunters plied the thickets and fields from coast to coast. Yes, California has upland hunting, as do the Rockies and Desert Southwest. Efforts in the eastern half of the U.S. are well known, from traditional southern quail hunts to chilly mornings in the Northeast hoping for a lightning-fast grouse or two. But deer, turkey, elk and waterfowl hunting — and the money train they drive — helped drive small-game hunting to supportive casts on the grand stage. Changes in society, housing and city development, the ebb and flow of small-game populations and access to hunting land also contributed greatly.

Today, the numbers of small-game hunters are believed to be about 2 million or so. A Southwick Associates report in 2018 pegged it at about 1.9 million. The 5-year survey conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 2022 showed about 5.3 million participants in the “Small Game” category. 

Every year in the Midwest, in the Northeast, in certain pockets here and there, the opening week of quail, pheasant, grouse or other upland seasons is a big affair. While deer hunting in central Kansas in November 2016 (the week of the election), our hotel was preparing for the weekend pheasant opener. The entire town, it seemed, was on edge. Hunters already were arriving in trucks with their dog trailers. Signs were everywhere welcoming them, from restaurants to gas stations. Everyone was primed for the boom, and it happens every year.

That’s why, even though small-game and upland hunting don’t compare financially to big game, waterfowl and turkey, they still are important. Upland hunting is fantastic and those who do it are passionate. The diehards look for top gear, have well-trained (usually) dogs, trailers, travel, spend money, and pass that on. Occasional hunters, who may not have dogs, still want great brush-busting gear, a good vest and top ammo to make their trips worth it. Sunsets and nostalgia are nice, but birds in the bag are what make most hunters happy.

Hevi-Steel Upland

Hevi-Steel Upland are new high-velocity, 12-gauge dove and quail loads with precision steel pellets, dependable ignition and a unique Hevi-Shot wad to produce exceptionally tight patterns. A high velocity of 1,350 feet per second provides ideal downrange energy. Two new 1-ounce, 2-3/4-inch loads will be available in Nos. 6 or 7 and in a 25-count box. For public or other lands where non-toxic shot is required, these should fit the bill perfectly. Info: hevishot.com 

Alps Outdoorz Upland Game Vest X 2.0

Durable, tough and ready for anything, the Upland Game Vest X 2.0 has just about every bell, whistle and toot you could imagine. The expandable, removable waist belt has 30 inches of adjustment for clothing, seasons and body sizes (30-60 inches) and a Molle system for unlimited attachments. The structured shell pockets have magnetic open-close tabs, and the easy-access, oversized game bag has 16 inches of adjustment. It can haul everything from quail to raccoons, and cleans easily. The vest also has a zippered 17-inch storage compartment and felt-lined valuables pocket, vented back and waist belt, two elastic-cuff water bottle pockets and a hydration-bladder option. Info: alpsoutdoorz.com

GameHide Briar Buster Bib

GameHide’s Briar Buster Upland Bib features water-resistant fabric on the legs, full leg zippers, adjustable shoulder straps and 1000-Denier facing with 10-ounce cotton canvas. This is a tough bib that will last. It also comes with a rear zippered security pocket, full cut for walking, crouching and tromping around, and pairs well with the GameHide Chukkar and Pheasant vests or Fenceline, Shelter Belt and Brush Breaker jackets. All are designed for different conditions, with an array of pockets and blaze orange highlights. Info: gamehide.com

Irish Setter VaprTrek

Irish Setter’s popular VaprTrek hunting boots have been reimagined to enhance long lasting comfort, reduce weight and add sustainable materials. A contoured last provides an athletic fit, while the stretch collar offers comfort and flexibility in the calf and Achilles while stalking. Leather/abrasion-resistant fabric uppers feature a leather flex area in the forefoot, allowing the boot to comfortably flex naturally with each step. UltraDry waterproofing provides long-lasting protection and ScentBan scent control eliminates odors. The lightweight and durable Rubber Hex Lite outsole has multi-directional lugs for great traction. VaprTrek boots include an ArmaTec TPU heel and a rubber sole wrap-up to protect from wear in key abrasion areas. The midsole is made with high rebound renewable sugar cane, and offers extra cushioning for all-day comfort. Info: irishsetterboots.com

Dove Gear Upland Vest

After four decades of working in the golf industry designing wedges and other clubs, Terry Koehler wanted to pursue his passion for dove hunting. He designed the Dove Gear Upland Vest, which is about as rugged as a Texas prickly pear. This skeletal strap vest has a mesh back to help keep you cool, shell pockets with flaps, and spring-closure security pockets for valuables. It’s washable, has a zippered pouch for empty shells or other refuse, and a pocket to hold up to a 32-ounce bottle. It’s adjustable in six ways to fit youngsters or adults up to 4XL. Info: dove-gear.com

Yildiz Legacy HPS, Lineage

The Yildiz line of shotguns is rated top of its class in its price range. The Yildiz Legacy HPS break-action shotgun features a Turkish walnut stock paired with a 4140 steel receiver. Its 28-inch blued over-under barrels stand out on the range and field. It has a thumb-operated manual safety, fiber optic front sight, mid-bead rear and 3-inch chamber to handle today’s popular upland or target loads. For hunters seeking something more traditional, the Lineage 12-gauge is an over/under with blued aluminum alloy receiver and 28-inch steel barrel, Grade II Turkish Walnut stock and fore, and soft stock pad. Info: yildizusa.com

Filson Tin Cloth Game Bag

For the minimalist hunter, the Filson Game Bag in the company’s legendary tin cloth design is about as good as it gets. I’ve had two for almost 20 years, one for general knockaround hunting and one for turkey hunting. The latter forces me to be minimal with my gear and, I think, be more focused. Upland hunters dig the Game Bag for this simplicity, with its ample rear-loading bag for birds and two front expandable pockets with snap closures. The pockets and bag are made with water-repellent, abrasion resistant waxed tin cloth. The adjustable cotton-webbing shoulder straps are comfortable and work well with a warm-weather tee or winter layers. Info: filson.com 

Bear & Son Bone Hunter

The Bone Hunter is a fine addition to the field and cleaning kit, with its sharp 3-inch carbon steel blade ready for duty on birds or game. It comes with an India stag bone handle, nickel silver finger guard and handmade leather sheath. Overall, it’s 6 3/8 inches and weighs just 1.7 ounces, light enough for a belt or vest pocket to handle anything from slicing a crisp apple to tailgate duty after the hunt. Info: bearandsoncutlery.com

Stoeger Model 3000 Signature

Based on the company’s proven M3000 semi-auto chambered in 3-inch 12-gauge, Stoeger pays homage to its 100th anniversary this year with the Model 3000. The Signature blends classic styling with the contemporary design and performance found across the Stoeger M3000 shotgun series. The receiver is made of satin-finished nickel and features a striking fleur-de-lis engraving in the spirit of European bespoke shotgun design. The Signature boasts an inertia-driven system, enlarged and knurled bolt handle and bolt release for positive control, and polished blued 28-inch barrel sporting a stepped rib and fiber optic front bead sight. Striking walnut fore and stock accent the Signature’s sleek lines, with drop and cast shim kit included to customize the fit. Info: stoegerindustries.com

Mossberg Gold, Silver Reserve

Mossberg’s International Gold Reserve line features performance-enhancing options traditionally associated with high-end break-actions. They come with A-grade walnut stocks, shell ejectors, a 5-choke extended set, scroll-engraved polished receivers with gold inlay, dual locking lugs and corrosion-resistant chrome-lined bores and chambers with jeweled actions. The Silver Reserve Eventide All-Purpose over-and-under shotguns come with similar features but have a synthetic black stock, tang-mounted safety and fiber-optic front sight. Info: mossberg.com

Montefeltro Ultra Light

The new Montefeltro Ultra Light from Benelli truly is light, which upland hunters may find to be a joy in the field. It has a 26-inch barrel on the 12-gauge model and 24-inch for the 20-gauge, a reduced-length magazine tube, and carbon-fiber stepped rib. All this translates to easier carrying while walking, faster shouldering and smooth swings. The magazine tube can be modified easily with an optional extension. The Ultra Light features Benelli’s Inertia Driven system for reliable cycling. It sports AA-grade walnut, a satin finish, gloss black anodized receiver and Crio-treated gloss blued barrel with WeatherCoat finish. Info: BenelliUSA.com

Danner Pronghorn

The iconic Danner Pronghorn is one of the company’s best sellers and for good reasons: They’re classic, tough as a pine knot, adjustable lace-up boots that feel comfortable from Day 1. Many companies update a product and then wonder why sales fall. It’s because any update to a classic better come with a damned good reason. Fortunately, Danner hasn’t made a lot of updates to the Pronghorn. The fifth-generation boot, now 20 years old, is an 8-inch lace-up with Gore-Tex liner and waterproof outer. Full-grain leather forms the upper, and the insulated versions with PrimaLoft knock away the chill when the mercury drops. The Pronghorn has an athletic, supportive fit with a locking heel and with ample room in the toe box. I know a few upland hunters who still reminisce about their original or Gen 2/3 Pronghorns. Mine have been with me to almost a dozen states to hunt everything from alligators and whitetails to upland birds and small game. These are winners that customers look for year-round. Info: dannerboots.com

Kick’s Upland Flush Choke Tubes

The Upland Flush choke tubes from Kicks Industries feature a unique conical/parallel internal design and exclusive outward angled diagonal ports. These features are designed to help improve pattern density by up to 20%. The extended tubes are ported, which helps make follow-up shots faster and more accurate thanks to reduced recoil and muzzle jump. Kicks Industries uses high-grade stainless steel and the highest tolerance standards with precision machining to produce outstanding choke tubes for upland, waterfowl, turkeys, defense, target games and more. Info: kicks-ind.com

Federal Premium Accessories

Federal Premium is known for its legendary ammunition, but this year dives into the accessory world for hunters and clays shooters. Upland hunters will appreciate the 18-ounce waxed canvas shotgun case. The 52-inch case has quilted padding, an easy-slide lining, double zipper pull, brass hardware and more. Other items in the Premium line include a shell pouch, range bag, 48-inch shotgun case and two rifle cases. Federal’s new Top Gun lineup also includes shotgun and scoped rifle cases, shell bags and range bags, but at a lower price point than the Premium line. For hunters who want more protection for their prized feather-duster, the Federal Neoprene Gun Sleeve is 53-inches long, has a drawcord closure, reinforced muzzle end and can roll up for easy storage. Info: federalpremium.com