Upland Bird
Hey, Jon,
Our bird season was — thankfully — better than last year. We found some birds in places we had not for the past several years, and the farmers we spoke to, said they saw more broods this past summer. As always, the weather plays its role with too warm, too dry to start, and then the cold and snowy blast that stole some of the Missouri season’s end.
It’s nice to have places to go, some we’ve hunted for years. We also explored some new spots, so there was always the hope of discovering a new covey or two. Our 2 year old Gordon did really well, and her mentor, now over 8, found enough birds to keep him happy. We were content to take our limit of 2 birds on some days, and other days we got skunked. Birds or not, Elaine and I enjoyed ourselves and look forward to next year. Thanks for working to find good spots for us to explore with our dogs.
Garry
Here’s a few photos from this past season:
All of the coveys we found were of good size. We treat them like the treasure they are and never take more than two in any day, and often just let the singles fly.
Our older dog trailed this wild covey for over 100 yards in heavy brush. It finally stopped long enough to offer a shot, but, as you can see from the “backdoor” bird, the covey was scattered. These birds know all the tricks.
Our two year old pup, Rill, really came into her own, working well and handling her birds much like a more experienced dog.
Aspen, our 8 year old, is behind the screen of heavy grass, having pointed this single. The bird obliged to offer Elaine a photo opportunity and then flew far enough out into the field so that i could safely have a shot at it.
Part of what makes a good hunt for us is using a special gun. This 1904 Parker BHE 20 gauge took this bird on the first shot I fired from it. 120 years old and still a beautiful piece of history.
We did not get many open shots, but they always make for good photo opportunities for Elaine.
What a gift to have wild birds to hunt with dogs we trained ourselves, and to do so in wonderful places.
There are so many things to be thankful for — sometimes you just have to stop and take it all in. Here’s to the next season and the chance for more memories. Thanks as always.
