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On Being an African-American Upland Hunter from the South

On Being an African-American Upland Hunter from the South

An African-American upland hunter in a field with his bird dog.

A candid and honest look at African-American upland culture.

Where do upland hunting traditions go when the old guys are gone?  What happens to the culture of upland bird hunting in America as the Millennial generation assumes the responsibility of upholding the traditions and legacies of upland bird hunting?

I think that the practice and lifestyle of upland bird hunting will likely change and diversify. It will of necessity come to represent a wider range of hunting styles and histories from a variety of cultures – particularly in minority cultures. I myself am in the minority of African-American wingshooters and dog handlers that are increasingly represented in American gun dog culture. And even more so, I’m developing a growing friendship and partnership with others in our upland bird hunting culture, something that I discuss on a podcast about field trials and wingshooting.

Considering technology, the internet and the wide use of cameras and other media tools such as social media, this younger generation of upland bird hunters and waterfowls to which I do lay claim, are actively continuing to maintain and even to promote the positive aspects of wingshooting and hunting.

Yet we should be aware that it is important to break the stigmas of this hunting culture.  What I realize is that the expansion of technology and media has contributed to an exponential increase in exposure for young black folk, especially from Atlanta, Ga. – like myself – to get into the lifestyle of upland bird hunting.  For what may have been considered a traditionally Caucasian mainstream activity, the urge to pursue feathered game with dogs on the American landscape is continuing to break down racial stigmas.

And even more so, fears.

READ: Hunting Opportunity is Not Always Equal – The Stormy Present

One of my now closest friends whom I recently met in the gun dog community is someone I would consider to be one of the three most historic gun dog trainers I’ve met – a person significant not only in the bird dog world, but in his impact in life.  He was someone who grew up in the Mississippi bird hunting who took me to the National Bird Dog Museum and the Ames Plantation.  And in my community, let’s not so much as whisper the word “plantation,” much less step foot on the grounds.  I would like to testify to the significance of the conversation about the awareness of my own or my wife’s singularity in the company and on the grounds of what would have realistically, not so long ago, been home to the enslavement of my ancestors.

I promise you that there is complete awareness to that fact. Yet this same fact motivates me as a first generation African-American upland and waterfowl hunter and novice gun dog trainer from the South to engage in contributing new, diverse histories and legacies to the upland bird hunting, field trial and hunt test communities.

I would be lying if I lead you, the reader, to believe that I was at all discouraged, bothered, or even set back by the observation that there are very few if any African American bird dog representatives within our community. Because of that, I’m encouraged to continue pursuing my Labradors‘ experience in hunt tests and field trials, maybe with the hope that I could increase the exposure to and engagement with wingshooting to the African-American community.

What I know is that there are histories of field trialing and bird hunting even in the rural, Red Hills regions of Georgia. It would be interesting to find that connection, especially coming from a totally different part of the state in a community that typically does not participate in bird hunting. With that in mind, I would like to continue to expand my own understanding of the histories and relationships between African Americans and upland bird hunting with dogs. And even pass along some of that passion to a new generation.

View Comments (13)
  • Thank you for the article, this is very encouraging, I’m going to check out your podcast – is any of your artwork available to view on-line?

    • Enjoyed the article very much. I am a 75-year-old white male and I would love to share upland hunting with you. I live in rural South Alabama in a small town on the Chattahoochee River call Gordon. I hunt quail and Train my own dogs. If you’re ever in this area I would love to have you hunt with me but my hunting is not fancy. You can get a taste of it on Vimeo.com and under search put Sorry Dog Planation. I hope you have a great season. Sammy

      • Sammy,
        Thanks man that’s awesome! I’d love to come out and visit, I’ll jot that one down! I don’t need fancy hunting lol….I’m here for the wood, for the birds, and for the dogs. Trust, my dog Ruger is not here for fancy, lol. But I’m going to check out your video…lets keep in touch, can you email me at thegundognotebook@gmail.com?

    • Durrell, my roots are deep in southern Alabama/west Florida, but I live in Arizona. If you would like to chase some western quail (Gambles, Mearns, or Scaled) look me up.

  • Durrell,
    Loved this article! If you ever want to make a trip to Western Montana, please look me up. I’d be more than happy to show you around and put you onto some birds (pheasant, huns, blue grouse, ruffs)! The Missoula area isn’t exactly a destination bird spot but we’ve got more than enough to keep you and the dog happy. We can even shoot right over to the front range, an easy two hour drive, for sharptails.
    Thanks for sharing!
    ~Joey

    • Hey Joey,
      So let me add that one to one of those MUST GO trips! I’ve heard Montana is beautiful and full of birds and stories to test in the West. I’m here for it. How can I find you?

  • Thanks for contributing here and via your podcast. Will put it on my regular listens list. If you’re ever through Richmond, Virginia, look me up. Would love to go hit a field with our dogs.

  • Durrell

    As a African American first generation waterfowl and upland bird hunter myself from Washington D.C. I think what you are doing is great. I really loved the article, if you are ever in the Nations capital hit me up

  • Loved this article! I love the field and will jump on the chance to hunt with anyone (none of my friends hunt). And as an African American wing shooter in Colorado, I am especially excited to meet other outdoorsmen of color. Keep up the good work.

  • As a retired Canadian Outfitter for black bears, whitetail deer, timber wolves, upland birds, and waterfowl all our clients where Americans. We where in operation for ten years. All our customers where met through the internet. Me and my wife where always wishing that an African American would be one of our customers. I am sorry to say we never had that pleasure. We always wondered there must be some African American hunters in the USA. You don’t even see them in hunting magazines. Sure would of liked to have met some.

  • Love your article. I wish you were in California where I could hunt with you. Been dove hunting for the past 4 years in Southern California and have not seen nor met another black hunter. Fortunately I hunt with some white brothers who are my brothers in faith and who in fact introduced me to the game. I surprised them with my natural instincts developed in growing up in the backwoods of Jamaica.

    Needless to say the concept of black hunting needs to be developed in this region, and to introduce this generation to a fulfilling sport, and remove them from the sedentary two thumb hand held gadgets. A platform of yours could be a useful launch pad indeed!

  • Hi Durrell, I’m a researcher with the US Forest Service in Athens, GA. My research looks, in part, at African Americans’ relationship to the land. I’d love to talk with you about your experiences. Please reach out: 706.559.4270

  • Great job, Durrel, sharing your perspective and pride as a minority and your passion for gun dogs and upland bird hunting. Like yours, my passion is training, hunt testing and hunting my bird dog, a Britt, in the upland coverts of south western and north central Pennsylvania. I am an elementary classroom teacher in a public school and provide students of differing races and ethnicities with a high quality education coupled with my guidance and care. My professional life places me in contact with all types of people. But, my recreation is largely dominated by white males. I would love to see other black people and folks of different races and backgrounds share these passions, too. Hell, I would love nothing more than all people enjoying recreation spent outside in the hunting sports. Feel free to reach out if ever interested in hooking up with somebody in Pennsylvania to run dogs. If you know where to look, we still have good numbers of ruffs if willing to put a few miles under your boots. Albeit, they will be hard miles. Keep up the great work. I love reading your articles.

    Justin L.

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