Top 7 (+ Bonus) LandTrust Properties for Upland Bird Hunting

From golden grasses rustling under bird dogs to coveys erupting into the blue, upland bird hunting offers one of the most classic and visceral experiences in the field. Whether you're chasing sharptail grouse across the high plains or pheasants bursting from cattails, these LandTrust properties deliver exceptional opportunities across wild country.

We’ve rounded up a collection of top-performing upland destinations available on LandTrust, spanning the rolling prairies of Montana to the bird-rich Sandhills of Nebraska. These hunts are wild, rewarding, and ideal for anyone looking to chase birds on private land with minimal competition.

Mahlstedt Ranch (Lower) – Circle, MT

Species: Sharptail Grouse, Hungarian Partridge
Habitat: Rolling native grasslands with draws and coulees
Why It's Great: This property spans rugged rangeland with minimal pressure and expansive views. It’s ideal for a DIY bird hunter who values solitude, big sky, and solid dog work.
Pro Tip: Early season offers the best mixed-bag potential, especially around water sources.

Schwarz Ranch – Hoxie, KS

Species: Pheasant, Bobwhite Quail
Habitat: Corn edges, native grasses, shelterbelts
Why It's Great: Western Kansas is a sleeper for upland, and Schwarz Ranch has classic habitat. The mix of row crops and CRP-style cover creates explosive flushes.
Landowner Notes: “Plenty of cover and food keeps birds close all season.”

Lovejoy Ranch – Valentine, NE

Species: Pheasant, Quail
Habitat: Creek bottoms, pastureland, windbreaks
Why It's Great: This Sandhills property provides excellent cover and consistent action. It’s also a scenic hunt, with picturesque views and strong bird populations thanks to intentional habitat management.
Local Tip: Combine with a deer hunt for a full-season Nebraska experience.

Firesteel Hunts – Isabel, SD

Species: Pheasant
Habitat: CRP, food plots, shelterbelts
Why It's Great: South Dakota and pheasants go hand in hand. Firesteel Hunts offers managed upland habitat with great access and classic flushing action.
Access Tip: The landowner provides specific maps for high-traffic zones—worth following!

Thievin Ranch West – Peerless, MT

Species: Sharptail Grouse, Hungarian Partridge
Habitat: Cereal grains, native prairie, coulees
Why It's Great: Montanas north eastern reaches hold some of the best sharptail action in the country. This working ranch blends access with wild bird opportunities.
Pro Tip: Hunt near crop transitions and watch the wind—these birds run and flush wild!

Grove & Grass Ranch – Beach, ND

Species: Sharptail Grouse, Hungarian Partridge
Habitat: Rolling hills, sagebrush, CRP
Why It's Great: This North Dakota gem boasts stunning terrain and ample bird numbers. It’s a walk-all-day destination for dedicated dog handlers.
Landowner Insight: The property hasn’t been overhunted, so expect good bird behavior.

Dry Creek Hideaway – Beach, ND

Species: Sharptail Grouse, Hungarian Partridge
Habitat: Creek bottoms, high prairie, wheat stubble
Why It's Great: Adjacent to Grove & Grass, this property provides additional acreage and hunting diversity. It’s a perfect add-on to create a multi-day upland experience. Combo Tip: Book both Lavina properties for a mini upland bird camp.

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Plan Your Upland Getaway

LandTrust makes it easy to discover high-quality private land bird hunts in regions where access can be tough. Every property listed here provides:

• Direct communication with landowners
• Day-rate access with flexible options
• Wild birds in natural habitat
  
  

Whether you're planning a weekend hunt with friends or scouting a new region, these upland destinations deliver quality, access, and the kind of hunts that stick with you long after the tailgate photo.

Bonus: Family-Friendly Dove Hunting on the East Coast

Not everyone can make it to the Dakotas or Montana for grouse and partridge—but you don’t have to travel far to enjoy some fast-paced wing shooting. If you're in the Southeast and looking for a classic opener with family or friends, this property delivers.

CV Pilson Dove Hunting – Dave’s Place, Cameron, NC

Species: Dove
Habitat: Sunflower fields, cut corn, and roost edges
Why It’s Great: CV Pilson Dove Hunting offers a quintessential Southern dove shoot atmosphere—social, accessible, and great for introducing new shooters. The fields are actively managed for doves, and the property hosts hunts during North Carolina’s dove seasons.
Family Appeal: With easy parking, short walks to blinds, and an upbeat atmosphere, this is a fantastic place for youth hunters or a multi-generational Labor Day weekend hunt.
Booking Tip: This property fills up fast around the season opener—book early for a spot in the first-day flights.

Whether you're craving a remote sharptail hunt with your pointer or a laid-back dove shoot with family and friends, LandTrust gives you access to the kind of private land opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. Browse, connect, and book directly with landowners—no outfitter required.

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