Upland Bird
Hi, Jon,
Our season would likely not be termed great by many, especially those who count success by birds bagged. I value days afield with Elaine and the pups over birds in the vest.
November was very warm and dry (poor scenting), and we lost days on some farms that had standing corn well into December. We have a first year pup that I desperately wanted to get into birds. By the end of November I was pretty sure I would fail my pup, but December perked up a bit and we were able to put her on a few coveys. It was not like the “old days” of even 10 year ago, but I’m at a point in my life where I count days, not shots taken.
December saw enough action to keep the dogs keen, but then the recent pattern of bad weather in January reared its ugly head and stole the season remainder from us.
In spite of low numbers of birds and poor weather this past season, I’m looking forward to next year. I’m always grateful to have a place to put the dogs down in hopes of finding wild Bobs. Thanks for what you do to help us realize our dream.
Garry
Long day hunts in warm weather call for some serious relaxing in the heat of the day, especially if you value the chance to bond with a first year pup.
Finally in December when it cooled some, we found a large covey that gave us some chances for the dogs.
Our pup, Prairie Rill, found this single. She’s hidden behind me. I couldn’t shoot because the bird flew directly toward Elaine (with the camera). Rill didn’t mind the no kill…neither did I. I was encouraged that the coveys we found were very good sized. Few and far between, but healthy.
Rill pinned this bird for me. What’s the value of seeing your new pup hard on point? No amount of money could buy this.
We hunted Rill by herself as often as our other dog, Aspen, would tolerate. We were rewarded with some stunning finds like this. Thankfully, I was able to take some birds for her.
Just before “Snowmagedon” hit, we were able to get a hunt in before the impending January storm. We found a nice covey that gave us some of the most sporting chances of the season. The birds generally won the contest, but we were glad to be there.
Time with dogs is time well spent.
There are many things that make a season. Using a “new” gun is one of them. I was able to blood this little 1880s Holland and Holland 28 bore on a wild Missouri Bob. I’m grateful for the opportunity.
There were brid-less days that left me disappointed, but in the end, I was hunting wild birds in beautiful places. What more could I ask? I can only hope for another year, and I wish the same for all our other members.
