Complete Upland Hunting School At Orvis Sandanona, NY

What better way to learn the sport or become a better and more productive upland hunter.

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Complete Upland Hunting School At Orvis Sandanona, NY

What better way to learn the sport or become a better and more productive upland hunter.

0 out of 5 Customer Rating
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Type: 1-Day School
$1399
Per Person
Have Questions? 
Live Chat is Available

Complete Upland Hunting School At Orvis Sandanona, NY


Phone icon866-531-6213 Email iconschools@orvis.com
$2399
Per Person
Have Questions? 
Live Chat is Available

Complete Upland Hunting School At Orvis Sandanona, NY


Phone icon866-531-6213 Email iconschools@orvis.com
Item #2MER2023

The Story

Orvis Sandanona is thrilled to offer a unique learning opportunity for anyone interested in becoming an upland bird hunter! This course divides the educational focus into two parts: in the first section, students are introduced to the basics of wingshooting including shotgun selection, safe gun handling, and effective technique as outlined by the Orvis Instinctive Method. From there, students move into the second section in which they apply the skills learned on the clays course to actual upland field hunts over working gundogs. Professional guides and instructors remain at each student's side every step of the way to provide a safe and enjoyable entry into the wonderful world of upland bird hunting.

This one-of-a-kind opportunity is offered in both a 1- and 2-day format. Orvis' elite team of instructors begins by delivering a classroom overview and safety instruction before taking students to the clays course. With shotgun in hand, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of effective wingshooting technique. Target presentations are selected to mimic the flush and flight of real gamebirds, and students will build confidence and comfort in the controlled environment of the clays course. Seasoned shooting instructors will either help students polish existing skills or teach fundamentals from the ground up. By the end of the classroom and clays course sessions, students will be ready to transfer new skills to the hunting field. Students who opt for the 1-day school will enjoy a morning session of target presentations followed by an afternoon walk-up field hunt. In the 2-day program, the first day will focus entirely on essential wingshooting skills in classroom and on the clays course, while the whole of the second day will be spent in the field alongside an instructor and dog handler/guide.

In the field, essential the skills are put into practice. Students will hunt pheasants and chukar partridge over top-notch dogs while an instructor helps steer the experience. In the 2-day program, the second day will consist of a 2-hour morning field hunt, a break for lunch in the clubhouse, and another 2-hour hunt on a different piece of the Sandanona property. Guides and instructors will help students learn how to confidently navigate cover, approach working dogs, and assess safe shots. They will also celebrate success as each bird is brought to hand!

The Orvis Complete Upland Schools represent one of the most unique opportunities available for aspiring upland hunters. These educational experiences are delivered by a team of experts committed to Orvis' trademark service standards. If you have ever dreamed of becoming an upland hunter, or if you have ever hoped to refine your skill and effectiveness in the field, Orvis can be of help. In our capable hands you too can make upland hunting a wonderful part of your life!

The Complete Upland Hunting School at Orvis Sandanona is an incredible resource for those who are entirely new to bird hunting, or for those interested in honing their understanding of the field hunting experience.

Please note: Our rates for schools are set to increase in 2025.


Cancellation Policy & Fees:

If you must cancel your trip, refund fees are based on the cancellation date, as follows:

If the reservation is cancelled 60+ days from your school date, Orvis will offer a full refund back the original method of payment, or the reservation can be transferred to another available school. If the reservation is cancelled 30-60 days from the date of the school, the customer will have a choice between a refund of 50% or transferring the reservation to another available school. On cancellations 29 days or less there is no refund and no transfer. There will be no refund extended to students who do not attend their scheduled school and do not notify the school within the time frames listed in this policy. Any reservation that has been transferred to a different date cannot be later cancelled without 100% payment penalty.

For questions please contact Orvis School and Reservations (toll free) 866-531-6213.

Orvis is pleased to offer our travel customers access to two valuable services: Global Rescue travel membership and IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠.

Learn More

1-Day School

9:00 Arrival at Sandanona Clubhouse - make yourself at home with a snack and a cup of coffee or tea.
9:15 Instructor introductions – Our team of instructors will introduce themselves and outline the agenda for the day. At this point we will also conduct student evaluations, establishing what specific experience you are hoping to have, and what skills you hope to gain. This segment is followed by a screening of our wingshooting video and a safety briefing, ensuring confidence that the shooting to come will be both safe and enjoyable.
10:00 Students and instructors work in shooting instruction areas – This session will take students through the arc of the Orvis Instinctive Method of Wingshooting. Students will learn proper technique and application of the method as they break clay targets that mimic real-life bird presentations. Repetition, assessment, and practice will build confidence and muscle memory.
Noon Lunch in the Sandanona Clubhouse.
1:00 Students paired with instructors and field guides then depart to hunting grounds for a 2-hour walk-up field hunt – In this segment, students enter the beautiful hunting fields of Orvis Sandanona in the company of an instructor, a professional field guide, and a team of gundogs. The instructor remains at your side as you learn to navigate the cover, efficiently approach the dogs, and take safe and ethical shots on chukar partridge and ring-necked pheasants. All the while the instructor will share feedback and direction, ensuring that your experience is paced and orchestrated according to your needs.
3:00 End of day – At the end of the field hunt, students will return to the clubhouse to address final questions and receive the birds that were harvested if desired. An overview of bird processing can be requested if students wish to gain those skills.

2-Day School

Arrival Day
9:00 Arrival at Sandanona Clubhouse - make yourself at home with a snack and a cup of coffee or tea.
9:15 Instructor introductions – Our team of instructors will introduce themselves and outline the agenda for the day. At this point we will also conduct student evaluations, establishing what specific experience you are hoping to have, and what skills you hope to gain. This segment is followed by a screening of our wingshooting video and a safety briefing, ensuring confidence that the shooting to come will be both safe and enjoyable.
10:00 Students and instructors work in shooting instruction areas – This session will take students through the arc of the Orvis Instinctive Method of Wingshooting. Students will learn proper technique and application of the method as they break clay targets that mimic real-life bird presentations. Repetition, assessment, and practice will build confidence and muscle memory.
Noon Lunch in the Sandanona Clubhouse.
1:00 Resume shooting in instructional areas with instructors, with focus on different presentations as appropriate.
2:30 Break – Following a short break you will move to different stations and explore different presentations.
4:00 End of Day 1.
Day Two
9:00 Arrival and warm-up shooting at the wobble trap with instructors – This process will help get the cobwebs off and allow for unanticipated presentations.
10:00 Students paired with instructors and field guides then depart to hunting grounds for a 2-hour walk-up field hunt – In this segment, students enter the beautiful hunting fields of Orvis Sandanona in the company of an instructor, a professional field guide, and a team of gundogs. The instructor remains at your side as you learn to navigate the cover, efficiently approach the dogs, and take safe and ethical shots on chukar partridge and ring-necked pheasants. All the while the instructor will share feedback and direction, ensuring that your experience is paced and orchestrated according to your needs.
Noon Lunch in the Sandanona Clubhouse.
1:00 Students change instructors, guides, and hunting fields for another afternoon walk-up field hunt.
3:00 End of Day 2.
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Do I need to buy a NY Hunting license?

No, all hunting on property is covered by our NY DEC Preserve License.


Is there an age requirement for this school?

Yes, students must be 12 years of age or older to attend.


What is the best time of year to attend?

The school is only offered during the upland hunting season, see Dates tabs.


How much time is spent on sporting clays course vs the hunting field?

See Itinerary tab.


What time does the school start and end and what will we be doing during the day?

Please refer to the school Itinerary tab for course program, start and end times.


Does the school include bird hunting?

Yes. A. 1-day school offers 1 hunt in the afternoon of the first day. The 2-day school offers a morning and afternoon hunt on the second day.


What is included in the price of the school?

Cost includes all instruction, lunch and the use of Orvis shotguns, and ammo.
Gratuity for instructor and guide are not included.


Can I bring my own shotgun?

Yes.


What should I wear and what do I need to bring?

Dress for the weather. Boots are necessary as you will be moving through uneven fields and likely some wet areas.

Blaze orange is mandatory in the field and can be provided as needed. Eye and ear protection are also required, and will be made available.


Is lodging included?

No. Lodging arrangements are made separately by the students.


Are meals included?

Lunch is the only meal included in the cost of the school.


How many people will be in the class?

The school accommodates a class size of 6 students. During the upland hunting portion of the school, there will be up to 3 students per instructor and guide.


Do we stop the school because of weather?

No, unless there are dangerous conditions. We ask that students bring rain gear.


Is this class for intermediate wingshooters?

Yes, we adjust our instruction to the individual student’s level.


What is the cancellation policy?

If the reservation is cancelled 60+ days from your school date, Orvis will offer a full refund back the original method of payment, or the reservation can be transferred to another available school. If the reservation is cancelled 30-60 days from the date of the school, the customer will have a choice between a refund of 50% or transferring the reservation to another available school. On cancellations 29 days or less there is no refund and no transfer. There will be no refund extended to students who do not attend their scheduled school and do not notify the school within the timeframes listed in this policy. Any reservation that has been transferred to a different date cannot be later cancelled without 100% payment penalty.


Are there opportunities book guided hunts after the school?

Yes. Please click HERE to view contact information for Orvis Endorsed Guides in New York.


What is the nearest Airport?

Albany, International Airport (NY)- 1 hr. 25 min (86 miles)
Bradley International Airport (CT)- 1 hr. 41 min (71 miles)
Westchester County Airport (NY)- 1 hr. (63 miles)
Stewart International Airport (NY)- 51 min (45 miles)

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