Guns & Roosters Hunting Club

Guns & Roosters Hunting Preserve has been running pheasant and chukar hunts for 34 seasons, making them one of central California's oldest pheasant hunting clubs. Located just north of Porterville in Kern County, they operate a 2,000+ acre preserve with serious habitat for birds.

They don't run a cattle call operation. They limit hunters each day so you're not standing in line waiting for your turn. Every hunt requires a dog handler—you either bring your own or they provide one. This isn't optional; without dogs you won't find the birds in over 2,000 acres of cover.

Check their website for current rates, but they offer: - Day Hunt: 3 pheasants - Super Hunt: 5 pheasants - Youth/Family Hunt: 3 pheasants (California Trophy Hunters special) - Bird Card option: For members who want to book multiple times

Dog handlers recommend a minimum tip of $35 per hunter.

Guns & Roosters is particular about what gets released. Birds must meet strict specifications—explosive fliers, hard to bring down, full feathers, long tails. If they don't meet standards, those birds go to other clubs. What you get on the property are the best available birds.

Required by law: - Valid California hunting license - Upland bird validation stamp (adults only; youth hunters only need license) - Blaze orange clothing - Non-lead ammunition only

• •Ammunition specifications: Shot size 6, non-lead. Steel, Bismuth, or Tungsten rounds all work.

Hunting multi-day? They allow dry camping on the property with no hookups. Portable potties available during events. Groups often coordinate overnight stays in trailers between hunts.

Hunters consistently mention handlers by name—Nick, Scott, Brad, Jimmie, Jason, and Noah show up repeatedly in reviews. These guys bring trained pointing dogs and actually help first-time hunters understand what they're watching. Multiple reviews mention handlers giving training tips during the hunt.

No membership required to hunt. Both members and non-members hunt the same birds (roosters and hens mixed). Membership advantages include discounts and the ability to purchase bird cards for repeat visits. One membership benefit: members compete for a shotgun given to whoever shoots the longest pheasant tail feather on the property that season.

Hunting solo? You can pay double the rate and hunt as one person, provided you either bring your own dog or hire a handler.

Many of the pheasants and chukars released stay on the property to breed. The preserve maintains a breeding population alongside stocked birds. No standing in line—they space hunters out across the 2,000 acres so everyone gets actual hunting, not a crowded shooting gallery.

• •Phone: 559-798-1966
• •Email: [email protected]
• •Location: North of Porterville, CA

Reservations start November 1st for the season. Calendar booking system shows availability in real-time. Changes can be made up to 24-48 hours before hunt date.

They offer gift certificates for hunters looking to give the experience to friends or family.

"Hunt pheasants & chukars at Guns & Roosters once, and you'll return to hunt again and again. A place where the Valley Sportsmen call home."