Beyond BOW - Upland Bird Hunting

Join Becoming an Outdoors Woman, Iowa County and Linn County Pheasants Forever Chapters, and the Iowa DNR their Upland Bird Hunt Weekend on November 9th and 10th in Homestead, IA. The event centers around the habitat, the hunt, and the harvest.  

Hunters will gather Saturday morning to begin learning about pheasant and other upland bird habitat and how they're biology impacts hunting tactics for a successful hunt. The afternoon will focus on firearms, clothing and other necessary equipment and wrap up with shooting practice and a "mock hunt". Saturday evening will include lessons on hunting dogs and how to get started training them.

Sunday morning will feature the hunt and upon return, instructors will be on hand to demonstrate how to field dress and share their favorite recipes and crafts using pheasant feathers.

Please note:

This is an active, skills-based event. Come prepared to get muddy, and dressed for the variable fall weather. We will do quite a bit of walking on varying terrain! Shotguns, ammunition, and orange vests will be provided, but participants may also bring their own equipment.

We have 20 gauge shotguns available for check out, if you'd like to use one, please make sure to note this in the registration.

All participants are required to complete hunter education prior to attending.  Visit www.iowadnr.gov/huntered to check out the various ways you can complete the course or to locate a class in your area.

Participants are required to purchase an Iowa hunting license and habitat stamp prior to attending.  You can purchase online or to locate a retailer in your area.   

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Lodging

Lodging is on your own.  Below are some suggested places to stay in the area.

Zuber's Homestead Hotel - 2206 44th Avenue, Homestead, IA 52236 - 800-491-9631

Die Heimat Country Inn Bed & Breakfast - 4434 V Street, Homestead, IA 52236 - 319-250-5147

Ramada by Wyndham Williamsburg and Wasserbahn Waterpark - 2211 U Ave, Williamsburg, IA 52361 - 800-946-5338

Holiday Inn Express Coralville - 970 25th Ave, Coralville, IA 52241 - 877-859-5095

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Agenda

Homestead Welfare Club - Homestead, Iowa
November 9-10, 2019

Saturday, November 9

9:00–10:00:          Registration

10:00–10:30         Welcome & Introductions

10:30–11:30         Upland Birds - Their Habitat and Where to Hunt 

                             Habitat Specifics 

                             Pheasant & Quail Biology 

                             Places to Hunt

11:30–3:00           Travel to trap club for Lunch (Provided) and Fireamrs Safety & Handling 

                             Firearm & Ammunition Selection

                             Where to Obtain Equipment

                             Firearms Shooting (Sporting Clays)

3:00–3:30             Break and head to Welfare Club

3:30–5:30             Hunting Gear & Tactics

                             Selecting the Right Gear

                             Hunting Methods & Conditions

                             Hunter Safety & Ethics

                             Mock Upland Bird Hunt

5:30–7:00             Supper (Provided)  

7:00–8:30             Hunting Dogs

                             Hunting Dog Breeds & Their Traditional Uses

                             Selecting a Puppy

                             Tips to Field Training

Sunday, November 10

6:30–7:30:           Breakfast (Provided)

8:00–11:00          Mentored Upland Bird Hunt

11:00–12:00        The Harvest

                            Field Dressing, Cleaning & Cooking

                            Recipies & Crafts to Use the Harvest

12:00–12:30        Wrap-Up & Depart