Flushing refers to the act of causing game birds, such as pheasants, grouse, or ducks, to take flight, thereby making them targets for hunters. This technique is commonly used in upland bird hunting, where hunters or their trained dogs disturb the vegetation or cover where the birds are hiding, causing them to burst into flight. The sudden movement of the birds provides hunters with an opportunity to take a shot while the game is airborne.

Flushing is often done by trained hunting dogs, particularly flushing breeds like Spaniels or retrievers, which are skilled at locating game birds and gently pushing them into the air. The dogs use their keen sense of smell to find the birds, and their presence in the area triggers the birds to fly up as a defense mechanism against predators.

Flushing can also be done by hunters themselves, particularly when hunting in dense cover or forests. In this case, hunters move slowly and methodically through the area to stir up the birds, creating the opportunity for a shot. Timing and accuracy are key in flushing hunts, as the hunter must be prepared to take a shot quickly once the bird is airborne.

This technique adds an element of excitement and challenge to bird hunting, as hunters must be able to react quickly and make accurate shots in a fast-paced, often unpredictable situation.