I have never shot a shotgun before. Can I hunt at your preserve?
Yes, that's what we're here for: ,we can provide expert coaching rather than send you straight out into the field with no prior experience (as so many of us have done).
However, try to get some experience shooting a gun before you come - ideally, take a lesson at your local range from a qualified instructor. Tell them you want to learn to hunt and they can gear your lesson(s) towards the skills you need for that (low gun mount, for example).
However, try to get some experience shooting a gun before you come - ideally, take a lesson at your local range from a qualified instructor. Tell them you want to learn to hunt and they can gear your lesson(s) towards the skills you need for that (low gun mount, for example).
Will I definitely shoot a bird on a Joy of Hunting hunt?
You will definitely have loads of opportunities, and we will do our absolute best to make it possible. As this is as close to a wild-bird hunt as we can make it, there are no guarantees. We do not normally offer "put and take" hunting but can do so on request at extra charge.
Can you take a group of experienced and new hunters at the same time?
Yes. We can split you up between Anne and Bruce, or, the experienced person in your group can act as a mentor to the others.
What is your safety policy?
Safety is our #1 priority. We have safety rules, which we require you to read and sign before you start. Drinking alcohol is not permitted before (or during!) a hunt.
What qualifications do you have?
Anne is a NSCA Level 1 instructor (NSCA - National Sporting Clays Association) qualifying her to teach beginner and novice shotgun shooters and is a very competent shotgunner: she won the 2018 Montana Ladies Sporting Clays Championship. Shooting lessons with Anne are available on request.
Do you allow clients to hunt other animals, besides birds?
We share our property with varying numbers of mule deer and white-tailed deer. A non-trophy hunt with the appropriate license could be included at an additional cost, as long as deer numbers permit. Contact us to find out.
We do not have elk, antelope, moose or other big game on our property. We have rabbits and squirrel, coyotes and other non-game species aplenty.
We allow / encourage frog-gigging while there's open water! Fishing for yellow perch, bluegill, black crappie and largemouth bass is a terrific bonus, included in the price.
We do not have elk, antelope, moose or other big game on our property. We have rabbits and squirrel, coyotes and other non-game species aplenty.
We allow / encourage frog-gigging while there's open water! Fishing for yellow perch, bluegill, black crappie and largemouth bass is a terrific bonus, included in the price.
Do I need to bring my own gun?
Preferably. It's easy to transport shotguns by car or plane. It is possible to mail a gun to yourself within the US c/- Joy of Hunting for your own use if you don't want to transport it.
If you don't own a gun, please let us know in advance so we can arrange a suitable loaner gun for you.
If you don't own a gun, please let us know in advance so we can arrange a suitable loaner gun for you.
Do your birds flush wild or are they planted just before the hunt?
We release birds in groups so they get acclimated to the property, and hunt them before they get too wild and sporty. We also have true wild birds. We always have the option of planting birds if desirable.
Do you permit shooting with lead shot?
We much prefer you to use non-toxic shells. There are two reasons for this: health of the soil and birds; and we enjoy a mixed-bag hunt here so you are very likely to get opportunities on waterfowl as well as pheasants. Number 3 steel is a good all-round shot for early season, and either #2 or BB is good once November starts.