Shooting Birds on Land or Water

December 26, 2013

Question: Is it lawful to shoot a bird that is on the water, or if I’m field hunting, to shoot a bird that is standing on the ground? I do not consider it sporting, but I was party to a group of hunters that took part in the above actions. Just curious what the official word is on this. (Nick V.)

Answer: It’s not illegal, but it’s certainly not sporting as it violates the Fair Chase Principle. “Fair chase” is the ethical, sportsman-like, lawful pursuit and taking of any free-ranging animal in a manner that does not give the hunter an unfair advantage over such animals. In addition, it can also be unsafe to shoot birds on the ground or on the water because nearby hunters might be in your line of fire.

Chukars in the wild are the only game bird where "ground pounding" is ethical.

Chukars in the wild are the only game bird where "ground pounding" is ethical.

Rich, I don't know this rule, can you explain why?  Just curious, thanks.

Chukars in the wild are the only game bird where "ground pounding" is ethical.

Wild turkey

♡♥♡♥¤♥wild turkey♡♥♡♥

Sluicing is the term used for shooting a bird on the ground or resting on the water.  It isn't a very effective method of take since the bird's wings are covering the vulnerable body areas that make a shotgun pellet effective. 

About the only redeeming reason for doing such is to take a cripple that can't fly. 

Chukars in the wild are the only game bird where "ground pounding" is ethical.

Rich, I don't know this rule, can you explain why?  Just curious, thanks.

If you ever hunt Chuckers they like to run instead of fly. Thats why a good dog is always helpful.

P.S. They always seem to run uphill for me. 

Aren't quail ground shot also?
What about them HUGE mtn grouse in Colorado? Those things are giants! First time I saw one didn't know what the hell it was. Looked like a fat ass chicken.

Chukar hunting- First time is for fun, everytime after that.........REVENGE!

The waddle up the hill, just out of range, then wait at the crest of the hill, and break just as you get in range, fly to the bottom of the hill and squack at you, until you dropp off the mountain to pursue. They then, waddle up the next hill, just out of range making you follow at a fast pace, pause at the crest............BOOM! Pop em before they fly.

Yeah I remembered that they would run instead of flush when I was younger, but wasn't sure about what people did about that, and I don't recall us ever shooting one on the ground.

I haven't hunted in probably 20 years.