Upland Birds African Wingshooting

Spurfowl

Africa's tree-roosting francolins with dawn and dusk chorus

Spurfowl offer classic African upland bird hunting over well-trained English pointers. These larger francolins—distinguished by their tree-roosting habits and distinctive spurs—provide exciting walked-up shooting in the agricultural heartlands of southern Africa.

Primary Season

May - August

Recommended Gauge

12 or 20 Gauge

Typical Shot Size

#5 - #6

Prime Destination

South Africa

Key Species

  • • Swainson's Spurfowl (most abundant)
  • • Natal Spurfowl (faster, more compact)
  • • Red-billed Spurfowl (distinctive eyering)
  • • Cape Spurfowl (Western Cape endemic)
  • • Red-necked Spurfowl (red legs)

Prime Habitat

  • • Agricultural field margins
  • • Thorn scrub and savanna
  • • Harvested corn and soya fields
  • • Grasslands with tree cover
  • • River valleys and woodland edges

Behavior

  • • Live in coveys of 2-10 birds
  • • Roost in trees (unlike true francolins)
  • • Sit tight until nearly stepped on
  • • Explosive flush with noisy wingbeats
  • • Distinctive dawn and dusk calling

Did You Know?

Spurfowl are named for the sharp spurs on their legs—bony projections used for defense and territorial disputes. Unlike "true" francolins that roost on the ground, spurfowl are larger birds that roost in trees at night, making them taxonomically distinct. In Zimbabwe, Swainson's spurfowl is called "chikwari" in Shona and is considered a delicacy.

Hunting Techniques

Walked-Up Over Pointers

The primary method for spurfowl hunting, this classic upland technique provides intimate engagement with well-trained pointing dogs and the African bush.

The Sequence

  1. 1. Quarter the cover: Two English pointers work the field margins, using wind to locate scent
  2. 2. Point established: Dog locks on solid point when birds are located
  3. 3. Approach: Hunters move forward carefully, guns at ready
  4. 4. Flush: Birds explode upward in noisy flurry when nearly stepped on
  5. 5. Shot: Snap shooting as birds scatter in multiple directions
  6. 6. Mark and retrieve: Mark fallen birds; dogs retrieve

Key Techniques

Reading the Dogs

Watch pointer body language. A solid point with tail high and body rigid indicates birds holding tight nearby. Softer points may indicate running birds or old scent. Follow the handler's direction.

Approach Speed

Approach pointed birds steadily but not too slowly. Spurfowl sit tight but may run if given too much time. Move with purpose while maintaining gun safety and ready position.

Shot Selection

Coveys of 2-10 birds will flush together. Pick a single bird and commit—don't "flock shoot." Rising birds present relatively straightforward shots before they level out and accelerate.

Cover Reading

Birds favor thick grass patches at field margins. Look for areas where grass cover meets harvested fields—this edge habitat concentrates birds feeding on waste grain.

Driven Spurfowl

While less common than driven guineafowl, spurfowl are sometimes included in driven shoots, particularly in bushveld areas where they're abundant.

Driven Shoot Format

Beaters flush spurfowl toward a line of guns at designated pegs. Birds present as incoming targets, often mixed with guineafowl. Faster-paced than walked-up hunting but less personal engagement with dogs. Spurfowl fly lower and faster than guineafowl once flushed.

Morning vs. Evening Hunts

Dawn Hunting (Preferred)

  • • Birds leaving tree roosts to feed
  • • Cooler temperatures for dogs and hunters
  • • Birds concentrated in feeding areas
  • • Best scenting conditions (morning dew)
  • • Dawn chorus helps locate coveys

Late Afternoon

  • • Birds feeding before roosting
  • • Temperatures cooling again
  • • Evening calling begins
  • • Often combined with dove flight shooting
  • • Limited shooting time before dark

Physical Demands

Walked-up spurfowl hunting requires moderate fitness:

  • Walking: 3-6 miles over varied terrain typical per morning session
  • Terrain: Mostly flat agricultural margins but with uneven ground, grass tussocks
  • Temperature: Winter months (May-August) are mild but mornings can be cold (40-50°F)
  • Pace: Moderate with frequent stops when dogs point
  • Duration: 2-3 hour morning sessions typical before heat builds

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