Upland
I was able to blood some new-to-me guns, always a treat to take first shots at wild birds with special guns. We seemed to encounter larger coveys this year, and even found a pheasant or two on farms where we’ve not seem them in a while.
In spite of the challenges we faced this past season, I believe it was one for which I will always be grateful. I realize that I have fewer hunts ahead of me than behind now, but it makes every moment afield more precious. I so value the chance to hunt the lands we have access to through our Association, and I appreciate what you do to continue to offer this privilege.
I hope your season was a good one, and that the Spring and Summer are good to our birds.
Garry
Here are a few photos from this past season. I hope they help bring back memories of the past for you as they do for me.
We don’t try for pheasants but maybe once per season, but encountered some while after quail that were kind enough to flush in range of my 20 gauge Parker.
There were some near perfect weather days, and we tried to get out on all of them. Good cover, good dog work, and a good gun make a day. Oh yeah, a good wife who tromps along really is icing on the cake.
I am blessed with a wonderful personal photographer. She also claims to be my “kennel boy,” too. Our dogs get really good treatment.
When wild Bobs buzz out, it’s hard to keep one’s wits…even after 50+ years of hunting them.
Aspen and I have hunted together long enough to know how to do it without “discussion.” He checks with me for hand signals or a beep on the collar. What a pleasure to work with a dog like that.
This was the hunt where Aspen tore ligaments in his knee in this crusted snow. The photo is of the last opportunity I had from over one of his points. Wouldn’t you know I missed a “gimme” shot like this(!)
Aspen’s surgically repaired knee still requires that he have close confinement and short lease walks only. It also took my photographer away from hunts while she tended to him.
Missed time from hunts for health reasons seemed to be the theme from this past season — for Aspen and me. It did make me appreciate my time afield even more.
This old Parker 16 with beautiful twist barrels took a bird on the first shot I fired from it. That makes for a great day.
A Fox made just for quail.
My go-to quail gun for open cover. Built in 1918 for a dog trainer from Kentucky. When I carry it I often think of the stories it has in its lifetime.
We always stop to admire what nature offers.
The drive home — wife, dogs, and the tiredness from a good day hunting — is a blessing.
I hope all have good hunts to come. Thanks again for providing places to wander with dog and gun.