Upland bird carry options

[McQuackin]

So made it out last with my dog to hunt chukar finally and managed to run into a couple of covies. I'm running a vest that zips up the front and has a pocket that runs continuously around for holding birds.  Problem is I have my water bladder in the back, next to that I have 2 liters of water for my dog, then by the time I've made it 700 ft up I'm taking off my hoody and stuffing that in the pocket and can barely fit 2 birds up front.  What is the solution, how do you guys carry your birds?

[metlhead]

I wear a similar vest as you. I do not wear the warm gear to start. Yes it is cold gettin outa the rig but 20 minutes you won't notice. Full day hikes have my day pack over the vest. It holds the clothes, water, and food for later.

[ghosthunter]

Put a stringer around you neck. You could buy one or make one out of some cord.



https://www.amazon.com/ACKEIVTO-Game-Carrier-Duck-Drops/dp/B07ZFBPYZL

[EnglishSetter]

I run this style for smaller birds.

https://www.cabelas.com/p/cabelas-dove-belt-with-4most-repel-for-men

You could add it to your current ensemble.

[Goshawk]

I always carried birds on a leather strap with slits off my belt. I wanted them to have good air circulation to help cooling, not stacked up in a pouch staying hot all day.

[brocka]

So made it out last with my dog to hunt chukar finally and managed to run into a couple of covies. I'm running a vest that zips up the front and has a pocket that runs continuously around for holding birds.  Problem is I have my water bladder in the back, next to that I have 2 liters of water for my dog, then by the time I've made it 700 ft up I'm taking off my hoody and stuffing that in the pocket and can barely fit 2 birds up front.  What is the solution, how do you guys carry your birds?

Here is what I use

https://finalrise.com/collections/upland-systems/products/summit-xt-vest-system

[avidnwoutdoorsman]

I like the vest Brocka posted.... the new Kuiu vest is on my Christmas list (hopefully black Friday?). I've been shopping for along time and this vest seams to have what I would want.... and what you are looking for.

https://www.kuiu.com/products/upland-field-vest-blaze-orange?variant=43394203975838

video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHel9DOJHaw

[ghosthunter]

No offense to anyone, but 300.00 to Cary a few birds.

Yikes.

[brocka]

No offense to anyone, but 300.00 to Cary a few birds.

Yikes.

Its more like $350. But when you upland hunt 30+ days a years, travel to several states, invest alot of time and money into your dogs to pursue said birds, $350 from a "Made in America" bird vest company is a drop in the bucket and worth every penny on those all day hunts.

[avidnwoutdoorsman]

No offense to anyone, but 300.00 to Cary a few birds.

Yikes.

Its more like $350. But when you upland hunt 30+ days a years, travel to several states, invest alot of time and money into your dogs to pursue said birds, $350 from a "Made in America" bird vest company is a drop in the bucket and worth every penny on those all day hunts.

Amen @brocka. Though to ghosthunters point it doesnt all make sense to some but its the same parallel to any more pricey gear we have specific for a type of hunt. You can duel the right vest (with orange) for rifle hunting. For big game hunting, duck hunting, fishing... I have ran my ~$60 cabelas or other vest and have paid severely in comfort, length of hunt, etc. It's time to get the right piece of gear for the purpose. I've been holding out. I'm at the point where I now upland hunt 15-20+ times a year compared to the a few times a year where the basic vest got me by. Finding a vest that I can put (or bring) a layer in, water for myself and dog, some snacks, shells, hold birds and be comfortable. I'd love to go to a sportmans show in SD or Nevada where I could try all these on a play with them before committing the dollars so really hoping to find one of my top 3 on a holiday sale!

[EnglishSetter]

I have a similar style vest to the $$$ ones being reviewed.  Mine was made by Mother (long since defunct).  Was maybe $100 and made in China, but it's lasted over a decade thus far.

The shell pockets have both magnetic flap and zippers.  Great combination as the magnetic flap provides quick access when hunting and the zipper prevents lost shells the rest of the time.

Mine has a hydration bladder which I find very useful.  Seems most nowadays say "hydration compatible".  I actually bought a lighter weight (mesh game bag one) for real cheap when they were going out of business.  I've only used it a couple times during warm weather quail hunts.  Otherwise I use the waist belt style for quail if I'm not getting too far from vehicle (dog water/provisions).

Hunting buddy that went to South Dakota with us bought a new ALPS, he liked, but I didn't take a good look.