Childhood Memories

How long do those special moments we experience as children stay with us? My clearest childhood memories mostly have to do with some outdoor activity like walking in to my fist point over a staunch setter, a swarm of ducks over Avents blind, or the anticipation of drawing my bow for the first time on a deer.

Yesterday, memories were made for my 9 year old son and I. Grant has really progressed with his ability to handle his Benelli Montefeltro 20 gauge, so after an all night snow shower we headed up to the preserve for some dog work and for Grant to attempt to take his first rooster.

First contact was a hard rock point by the veteran Sabrina with a back by Gigi. Grant moved to the downwind side of the point and set up as I
moved in for the flush. It was a beautiful flush and one shot kill for Grants first bird. I am not sure who was more proud but one thing is for sure, the hunting bug has bitten and I think we made a lifelong bird hunter yesterday.

Completed Dog Box

11/10/09 Part II



I consider the dog box project a great success. A little heaver than I had hoped at around 80 pounds but the strength and insulating properties both live up to my expectations. The pups love it and call it home as I have placed it in their kennel to keep them warm while I am at work during the day.

The painting process went well. I sprayed the finish and applied two coats of one part product over a two part primer. Be aware that if you use epoxy resin to construct your box, unlike polyester resin, the epoxy is not compatible with a one part primer. It can be confusing because the one part paint can be used with one part primer but you must also maintain compatibility with the substrate.

I will probably add some snaps on the side vents so I can attach a canvas cover over them when the temps become frigid. Bob Welch's doors already have a removable aluminum partition to close off the door from the weather. The top of the box has an inch and a half lip that I built in to allow placing items on top for storage and to keep them from rolling off. This has proven itself to be very useful for Ecollars, shell boxes, and all of the paraphernalia that we bird hunters require.