The Habitat at Upland Inn Hunts

We invest extensive resources in our 12,000 acres, which includes 6,000 acres of native grass CRP in 50 different fields to provide everything wildlife needs to thrive. This starts with the backbone of a pheasants habitat needs in well maintained native grass. We use controlled burns to prevent the native grass from becoming too thick and rank, strip disking to open up the ground for broods to use as bugging areas, inter-seeding to provide more forb and legume growth (that studies show increases insect numbers by 300%), and food plots to provide an excellent food source during fall and winter. The goal is always to provide quality habitat for pheasants to use during all stages of their life cycle (from nesting to brood rearing to over winter survival). Another benefit to our CRP fields is that every field has at least 2 sides that have pivot irrigated cropland. These fields are typically planted in either corn, beans, milo, or wheat. The constant moisture provided from the pivot irrigated fields provides moisture for the birds during the drier summer months, as well as some cooler vegetation to escape the summer heat. We believe that this is a key reason why our bird numbers remain so high even during the drought years.

Pheasant Populations

On our best days we have counted over 500 pheasants during a 4-hour hunt. We do roadside and call counts every spring and fall to statistically track upland game bird numbers every year.  With over 50 cellular trail cameras in use to monitor pheasant densities, brood numbers and brooding success, and predator numbers, we are always keeping a keen eye on our fields every day.  Because we have 12,000 acres and 50 native grass CRP fields, most of our fields only get hunted 6 to 8 times per season, ensuring that late season hunts are as good as early season hunts. Because we are much further South than the other pheasant states, late season hunting is typically quite comfortable. Average highs in January are typically near 50°, which is very comfortable as your walking through CRP grass. The fast action will keep your blood flowing as well. Some of our best hunts have occurred in January, as the birds will tend to flock to the best habitat, which our CRP fields provide.

Our CRP Fields

Here is an aerial photo of one of our CRP fields.  It shows pivot irrigated corn or beans on the East, South, and North, along with 4 food plots running through the ½ mile by ½ mile (160 acres) of native grass CRP.  A hedgerow is located north of the homestead on the NE side that can provide some late winter protection.  You can see several of our surrounding CRP fields that we have that are set up similarly on the North, as well as the SE and SW corners.