Quail is arguably the most popular bird hunted in North America. There are many reasons for this, but the fact remains that any good hunt requires adequate preparation. Consider the following tips when planning your first (or next) quail hunting event:

1. Don't go it alone - quail hunting is easier with colleagues, and hunting on your own can be dangerous
2. Choose ammo wisely - too big a shot for your bird and it'll be blown to pieces
3. Reload quickly - quail travel together, so if you've got one there are bound to be more on the scene
4. Watch the weather - prior planning prevents poor performance, particularly where hunting and weather intersect.
5. Take supplies - water and food for yourself and your dogs can make your day more enjoyable.
6. Hunt early - not only early in the day, but early in the season. Some hunters disagree, but the birds are easier to come by early on in most areas
7. Bring your dog - a well-trained hunting dog is a great asset to any birding venture
8. Be bold (and patient) - quail hunting takes time, and often you'll have to get right on top of the birds before they'll take flight
9. Dress appropriately - stay safe and be sensible, wear the bright orange jacket other hunters will recognize
10. Be sneaky - quail aren't stupid, so after the first couple weeks of the season, they'll be on to your game. Avoid slamming doors, don't over-use your calls and take care in shouting dog commands to avoid spooking the covey.

There are plenty of birds out there for hunting - and they don't all live on the water. The upland birds of North America come in all shapes and sizes - each presenting their own unique challenges and rewards. Popular upland game birds are listed here:

Pheasant - though originally native to China, the pheasant is nicely settled throughout most of North America, preferring to live near ample supplies of grain and insects.

Chukar - similar to the gray partridge, and hailing from the middle east the chukar is most commonly found in the western USA

Grouse - the ruffled grouse is usually found in Canada, though known to inhabit the northeast and northwest US, it grows up to 18ins in length and weighs around a pound and a half. The spruce grouse is found mostly in Canada, growing to about 18ins long and weighing between one and two pounds. The sage grouse is found in the north western states, growing to three feet long and weighing in at eight pounds. The sharp-tail is similar to prairie chickens, growing around a foot and a half long and weighing about two pounds, they eat a varied diet of grains, grasses and berries throughout the year

Quail - there are a number of quail subspecies on the continent. The majority of these weigh no more than 10oz fully grown and can reach around a foot in length. They prefer life in open grasslands with some trees and an ample water supply

Woodcock - the woodcock is distinguished by it's long bill, designed for feeding on ground insects. They live in the eastern half of the US and rarely weigh in over 10oz.

Partridge - again, a number of subspecies live throughout the US and Canada. Partridge prefer grains for food and will weigh in at up to two pounds.

Doves - last but not least, doves are popular across the continent. A number of species pervade, but it's the mourning dove that gets the most attention across the US and into Mexico. They are slight birds, with an average weight of just five ounces.

Most animals are creatures of habit - and the pheasant is no exception. An easy way to bring home more birds on your next pheasant hunting trip is to learn all you can about the local population. For the most part, pheasants will have similar patterns wherever you go.

Pheasants have roosting areas, feeding areas, resting areas and plenty of paths between the two. On any given day, a pheasant will wake with the sun and head to the closest breakfast spot. Usually, this will be a crop field or a grassy area with plenty of food on offer. They'll eat for a hour or more and then find a nice spot to have a rest. This will be a relatively sheltered area, usually near the edge of the field the pheasants find their food. After a few hours of lazing about in the field, the pheasants will again head out for a bite to eat. Following this evening meal, the birds retire again to their roosting area.

It's worth knowing that pheasants will quite happily occupy a compact habitat that includes roosting, feeding and loafing ground when possible - many are known to spend the bulk of their lives within a half-mile circle.