Bird hunting is a great sport for many reasons. Although similar to many other types of hunting, bird hunting is a relatively safe pursuit. It is also a very intelligent hunt; much knowledge is needed depending upon the bird that's being sought. A hunter must know the desired bird's flight patterns and feeding habits to successfully find and bag the bird he's after.

The nicest thing to know about bird hunting is that it's a safe hunt. Birds, other than the bigger species like turkey and geese, aren't dangerous. If a pheasant or quail is only wounded, it is safe to approach the bird to finish the job. A turkey on the other hand is a very aggressive animal, and if it's wounded or startled, approaching it is a very unsafe decision that can cause serious injury. Because of these safety benefits, bird hunting is a great sport for children, especially if you're looking to just introduce them to hunting. Children often take to bird hunting well, as opposed to other animals like bear or rabbit, which are often represented as cute and cuddly animals that kids may not want to harm.

Bird hunting is also a great sport because it is widely available. Doves, ducks, geese, pheasant, quail, and turkey span a large area of the Northern United States. Providing you don't live in a highly populated area, your own backyard may be a good place to start! And kids will enjoy learning to call the turkey in too. There are also many public lands to choose from that will only be a short drive away, and since there are so many great bird species to choose from, there is sure to be one in your area to hunt.

Whether it be in your backyard or on public land though, be sure to get in touch with local wildlife management to get a license and check season dates. Many states limit the number of birds you can kill in a day, and the type of gun used to take the birds. As always, safety needs to remain a top priority, dress in hunter orange and be sure to avoid wearing any colors that could be mistaken by another hunter. And always remember, just because you hear a bird, doesn't mean it is a bird, many hunter's become master callers. Make sure that what is heard is also seen and identified before shooting.