Hello from
Colonial Farms Gamebird Preserve!
February 2005 marked the GRAND OPENING of our
DNR Licensed Gamebird Preserve in Washtenaw County, Michigan.
We are in our SIXTH YEAR as a Gamebird Preserve!
Since Bill's retirement from GM in 2006, we are available 7 days a week for your convenience!
The Colonial Farms Difference
We are very blessed to live on 100 acres of beautiful family-owned land in Chelsea, Michigan.
We are conveniently located just minutes from I-94, approximately 15 miles west of Ann Arbor .
The land's terrain is GREAT... with rolling hills and thickets.
It is partially wooded with some swampland and numerous "cover crop fields."
There are ponds and a small stream for your dog(s) to utilize, as well.
(Wow ... a little bit of everything!)
We are "NOT" flat farm fields ... the terrain and cover are beautiful and unique. Come experience it for yourself.
It will offer the various grounds and challenges that Upland Hunters are looking for to exercise, train and hunt their dogs.
We have easier open fields for beginners and younger dogs or rougher and thicker terrain for a more challenging hunt.
Let us know what you prefer for your dog(s) age, condition and experience ... and yours, too!
We can accommodate hunts of all types, so please advise us of any special medical conditions or needs up front.
If you are looking for the CHEAPEST, we will not be ...
but you will find some of the most UNIQUE and varied terrain available.
If you are looking for the BIGGEST, we will not be ...
but you will have the entire 100 beautiful acres for yourself to enjoy and will NOT be sharing it with others.
Come visit us ... you will not know what you are missing until you do.
We are certain that you will have a FANTASTIC TIME!
Cover Conditions
The feedback from our hunters is that our terrain and our cover are both "VERY NICE."
This is something we plan to work on for FUTURE years by continuing to improve the cover we plant each year.
We are currently working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Pheasants Forever
to provide high quality wildlife habitat by developing upland habitat areas on our property for many years to come.
We are planting various fields of upland prairie grasses each year, as we restore the habitat for wildlife conservation.
We are signing 10 year contracts, that plots of land will be for HABITAT RENOVATION and will NOT be farmed.
We are investing time and money into this land for your future enjoyment and we're sure you will see the difference.
Birds and Seasons
We plan to carry Pheasant, Chukar, Quail, Hungarian Partridge and Pigeon for your dog training and hunting needs.
We also offer the use of DOMESTIC DUCKS for water training your dogs on our ponds, too!*
The species will change with the seasons for regulation sake. Because we do NOT raise our birds,
our prices and availability may vary due to what is available from our bird suppliers and the national supply.
Most birds will be available YEAR-ROUND for your hunting and training needs.
The hunting seasons on Michigan DNR licensed preserves are as follows:
You may hunt Ringneck Pheasant, Bobwhite Quail and Hungarian Partridge from August 15 through April 30 ONLY.
"Exotic" game birds, which include Chukar, Tennessee Red Quail, and Fancy Pheasant,
can be taken YEAR-ROUND on our preserve.
The dog training season for Ringneck Pheasant, Bobwhite Quail and Hungarian Partridge opens one month sooner,
from July 15 through April 30. Dogs may be trained on the "Exotic" game birds mentioned above YEAR-ROUND, too.
Rules and Regulations
Hunting preserves are regulated in Michigan by the Michigan DNR.
Please follow the rules for the safety of not only you, but your hunting party and the hunting dogs, too.
Hunter Orange and Gamebird Vest are required.
We recommend # 6 shells, as well as hiking boots and proper field attire for the weather.
All persons carrying a gun must have a CURRENT Michigan Small Game License, which EXPIRE on 3/31 EACH YEAR.
For Non-Michigan residents a Preserve License will serve the same purpose on Preserves ONLY, at a more reasonable cost.
You will need one of the above current licenses for DOG TRAINING in the fields with live ammunition, as well.
For Hunter's Safety Information or to purchase a Small Game or Preserve License online, please see the DNR link below.
Private Field Training Lessons
Bill is available for PRIVATE FIELD TRAINING lessons with you and your dog(s) aged 3 months and older.
We train all breeds of BIRD DOGS (with their owners), training hundreds of gun dogs each year on live birds year-round.
Ideally we reccommend our monthly lessons starting at 3 months and you will have your dog gun broke at 6 months.
This will offer the quickest method and prevent the most common problems with short and fun daily lessons at home.
CAUTION: DO NOT GUN BREAK YOUR DOG WITHOUT LIVE BIRDS!!!
The most common problems we see are owners who introduce loud noises without live birds or with incorrect methods.
Some common problems we see are negative training tactics which turn a more reserved dog off, we prefer positive methods.
Also too much repetition and the dog loses interest. Bill will guide you to keep it short, fun and easy with +/-15 minute lessons daily.
The live birds keep the dog interested, and while at home, Bill will provide fresh wings for your daily scent training lessons.
If you cannot spend 15 minutes a day with your bird dog, you should not own a bird dog. They are a sporting breed and require time.
Your dog will quickly learn how to find the birds in the fields (point or flush) the birds and retrieve the birds to you, too.
If your dog is older, and has developed problems, Bill is here to help you overcome them, as well ... but it may take longer.
He will train one-on-one with you and your four-legged hunting partner(s) to help develop them into what you desire.
While here, Bill will get your dog on LIVE BIRDS and show you and your dog what to do to be successful with the birds.
This is a TRAIN-THE TRAINER program where he teaches "YOU" how to train your own dog at home in between lessons.
The lessons are completely private and are one-hour long per dog and owner with focused attention on your specific needs.
If you are experiencing problems, or better yet ... to AVOID problems, let Bill show you what you should or should not do.
We do not offer any boarding of dogs at our facilities due to the limitations of Sylvan Township and our local ordinances.
Whether you have a young puppy who needs basic training or an older dog who needs some work, Bill can help.
He is wonderful with the dogs and does NOT use any NEGATIVE training tactics that may cause harmful side effects.
He believes in POSITIVE TRAINING and getting your puppy/dog to respond with love, affection ...
... and of course ...EXCITEMENT ABOUT THE LIVE BIRDS!! You will not be disappointed in the results!
The best way to see if Private Field Training lessons are worthwhile for you, is to come for a lesson and see for yourself.
The appointments are at your convenience and we are very flexible. Come as little or as often as you would like.
The cost is $50 an hour, plus the cost of training birds and Bill is available 7 days a week BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Dog Training Area
If you (or your training group) does NOT feel that you need Bill's guidance, but would still like to use our fields and birds,
we have through the DNR, a licensed "Dog Training Area" (DTA) available year-round.
We offer the use of our licensed "Dog Training Area" for a fee of $25 an hour,
plus the cost of training birds (no minimum birds are required). Our fields are privately available for your use
YEAR-ROUND to exercise and train your bird dogs and may be used in one-hour increments for your hunting,
dog training and exercise needs. Our DTA is very convenient before hunting season to sharpen your dog's
hunting skills on LIVE birds and great for COMPETITION dogs before an event, too!
Also, a fantastic way to get an older or younger dog on a few LIVE birds and the needed exercise ...
... for briefer periods. The DTA is best used by people (or training groups) who want to train or exercise their own dog(s)
on some "LIVE" birds for a shorter time-frame or do not want to spend the required $100 per gun for a HUNT.
The "Dog Training Area" is available 7 days a week (AM or PM), BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
The cost is $25 per hour, plus the cost of training birds used (no minimum birds required).
Please email us to schedule an appointment: GamebirdPreserve@aol.com
AUTUMN 2010 BIRD PRICES
Pheasant $21 each - 50/50 mix -$2 extra for all roosters
Chukar $14 each (available year round for hunts or training)
Hungarian Partridge $14 each (SOLD OUT)
Domestic Ducks $20 each (by special request only)
Quail $7.50 each (for dog training only)
Pigeon $6 each (for dog training only)
PRIVATE GAMEBIRD HUNTING FEES
Due to only 3 weekend PRIVATE hunts on our 100 acres of rolling terrain,
you must schedule in advance to reserve your group hunting party of three or more for the weekends.
Unlike other preserves that have multiple hunts at one time,
you will be the only ones on our entire property.
During the busy season, we may sell out a week or two in advance.
Sorry for the inconveninece, but please plan accordingly.
If you are flexible during the week, we would appreciate scheduling a hunt Monday - Friday. Thanks.
Private Hunt Schedule
Monday through Saturday AM (8 am - Noon)
Monday through Saturday PM (1 pm - 5 pm)
Sunday PM ONLY (1 pm - 5 pm)
Private Hunt Prices
For a PRIVATE HUNT, there is simply a $100 minimum in birds released per ADULT hunter.
Minor children (under 18) and walkers are FREE with a paying adult.
With the $100 bird fee you can purchase any variety of birds of your choice.
(Please see our current bird prices above)
There are NO other membership fees or gun fees charged.
For Guided Hunts please see below for additional fees.
Extra birds taken in the field are NO EXTRA CHARGE.
Bird cleaning is extra and must be requested in advance.
CAUTION ... FOR YOUR SAFETY ...
WE ARE SEEN STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Because we are in the fields with LIVE AMMUNITION daily ...
please do NOT just stop by.
We may be busy field training dogs or guiding a hunt with another customer.
We will be unable to see you without an appointment for this reason.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
We are licensed breeders of quality German Shorthaired Pointers and personally own 8 GSPs
that are available for GUIDED HUNTS, if needed ... or ... you are always welcome to use your own dog(s).
You may hire Bill as your field guide with our very experienced dog(s) for an additional fee of $100.
The response has been outstanding regarding the services of Bill and the performance our dogs in the field.
Advance notice is required to use Bill and our dogs for your hunting party.
If you would like to book a hunt, we are currently scheduling PRIVATE hunts by RESERVATION ONLY.
A $100 deposit via a credit card is required to hold a PRIVATE hunt for you and turn others away.
We accept CASH or CHECK ONLY on the day of your hunt for the remaining balance.
Please confirm availability via email GamebirdPreserve@aol.com, prior to sending a deposit.
You can conveniently "Send a Deposit" via your credit card. It is FREE and SECURE.
We have a maximum hunting party of 8 and all hunts will have the "ENTIRE" 100 acres to yourselves.
FOR SAFETY'S SAKE ... WE DO NOT HUNT MORE THAN ONE PARTY AT A TIME!!
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your HUNT TIME, in order to inspect your birds.
We will discuss your personal hunting preferences at that time. Please consider your dog's skills and your health.
While your birds are planted in the fields, we will register and sign the necessary documents.
We have a large BARN/CLUBHOUSE available for your use as well as an outhouse for your convenience.
Light refreshments are provided, (AM - Donuts/Coffee and PM - Cookies/Soda), as well as bottled water.
The BARN is located behind our home. Just follow the gravel road behind our home and we will meet you
at the BARN/CLUBHOUSE before the hunt. "For convenient PRINTABLE Directions and Contact Info."
We look forward to seeing you soon at Colonial Farms Gamebird Preserve!
You can now stay informed about our latest news and information via TWITTER!
Please see our latest TWEETS about current and upcoming events at Colonial Farms:
http://twitter.com/ColonialFarms
Contact Information
Please email us with any questions or to book a reservation: GamebirdPreserve@aol.com
We will keep this web page current, so please check back occasionally for updated information.
We value your patronage dearly. Please let us know what you think or our business.
We look forward to your appreciated comments, suggestions, or criticisms.
For "DELICIOUS GAMEBIRD RECIPES" and tons of GREAT info, go to: GamebirdHunts.com
We are Proud Members of the following organizations.
Please visit their web sites for useful information.
"Come to where the fun times, good birds, and great dogs are waiting for YOU!"
"Happy Hunting!"
Bill and Vicki Murdock
Colonial Farms, LLC
Gamebird Preserve
German Shorthaired Pointers
Field Dog Training