Prairie Drifter Journal

North Dakota Opener 2011

2011-10-19T22:21:00.008-06:00

I spent a few days on the prairie with my son Grant for the North Dakota opener. The bird numbers were down compared to my last visit as predicted, but the beauty of North Dakota plains and the fact that the Dakota's are better in a bad year than most states in their best years always brings me back in October.

I am coming to the realization that Sabrina's endurance has greatly diminished over the last year although she is still my best bird finder. I dread the day that she will have to go into retirement, but am thankful for the young pups who are coming along nicely. My daughters young Brittany Ginger had a stellar morning on the third day with 4 solid finds and points, and a nice retrieve.

These are the best of times, and the chance to share them with my son is such a privledge

Couch Scouting For The Next Hunt

2010-11-16T10:26:00.001-07:00

"Land Of Oz" Youth Hunt

2010-11-03T09:08:00.006-06:00

I headed to Kansas this past weekend with my son Grant for the Kansas early youth opener. The birds were present in decent numbers and of course the hospitality of the Kansans was like a breath of Spring air. The weather was a little on the warm side in the low 70's and very dry which made it tough on the dogs, but we still enjoyed some good dog work.I was able to scout out some new WIHA areas I had not hunted before that contained some nice cover during our trip, and spent quality time with my son which was way over due.

I want to thank the state of Kansas for their foresight in creating a special hunting season just for kids. Time in the field for a kid with a mentor and little competition for hunting areas or shooting opportunities are just what kids need to motivate them to carry on the upland tradition we care so much about. Kansas is a great state.

Elhew Swami Passes

2010-08-16T14:28:00.012-06:00

Elhew Swami "Bama"

As Gigi progresses with her training I continue to be impressed with her intelligence and bird finding desire. Now in her second season she is about to be considered a "finished" gun dog, holding point to wing and shot. She is an unbelievable bird hunting machine, owing this to her breeding of some of the most successful pointers to have ever been bred.

I was saddened today to learn that Gigi's grandmother, Elhew Swami or "Bama" as she was called, passed away on May 11, and Swami's sister Elhew Sunflower "Jill" passed away a week later. I always wanted a dog with close lineage to Swami and Sunflower, as they were some of the best shooting dogs to ever compete. It was a rare find to have the opportunity to purchase Gigi, a decendent of both Bama and Jill. It is a good feeling to know that those genetics are alive and well in their offspring.

A Visit To Dave & Fay Walker Kennels

2010-04-14T13:14:00.024-06:00

Recently Julia and I took a father / daughter trip to Southwest Idaho to visit Fay and Dave Walker Kennels. Julia had been waiting patiently since early January for one of the Walker's famous Brittanys to deliver an orange and white female, but through repeated breeding's, the orange and white did not materialize. Fay advised me that she was going to hold on to a particular liver and white female just in case Julia could be persuaded to change her mind regarding color. I think I was as anxious as Julia for a new pup around the house so after a little persuasion, we were off to Idaho to collect a new bird dog for our string, and hopefully slip in a little reconnaissance mission for future bird hunting opportunities in Idaho.

The Walkers welcomed Julia and I as if we had known them for years, and I knew immediately upon meeting Fay and Dave in person that I had selected the right breeder. The puppy Fay had selected for us was everything she said it would be, a beautiful field trial or bench prospect. The walkers reputation for breeding and handling champion Brittanys comes from 30 years of dedication to their animals, and the continued enthusiasm they have for their animals is energizing. I was fortunate to be able to tour Dave's training grounds with him and pick up lots of pointers on his management of bird cover and raising and utilizing game birds for training. Dave, like myself, has a continuing habitat improvement project going on his plantation and it was good timing for me to be able to draw on his experience.

Julia & Dave Walker

Julia decided to name her pup Ginger, (With a little persuasion from Fay) after the pups Dam. So her registered name will be Snake River Ginger, in recognition of the beautiful area close to the Snake where Dave's plantation is located.

Twilight

2010-03-04T09:20:00.015-07:00

The ever present breeze mysteriously subsides a moment just before sunset. To the West, a sea of prairie grass is back lit by a furnace red sky and creates the illusion of infinity. Roosters cackle as they give up their secret coverts, and in a sudden clash of wings migrate to the tallest grass that will be their security for the night. A wave of cool crisp air descends from above and challenges the last radiation of the setting sun. In the fading light the imagination projects images on the consciousness of wisps of smoke rising from hide tepees, and herds of bison grazing on the horizon. To Southward a lone butte is silhouetted in the twilight, a place of ancient ceremony and buffalo jumps. All motion in that moment seems to cease, as if the earths magnetism has locked all animate objects into the indelible image of a still photograph, black and white. The dogs sense hesitation and briefly pause to check in but remain on sensory overload with the sight and sound of birds in the air, and better scenting conditions from the settling atmosphere. Like us, they are addicts who must consume this perfection to its greatest extent, as unconsciously we know these moments are not absolute.

In Memory of Havilah Babcock

2010-02-02T07:39:00.007-07:00

Havilah Babcock, a True Southern Gentleman

Quote

"Educator, author, and outdoorsman, Havilah Babcock was born on March 6, 1898 in Appomattox, Virginia, a son of H.C. and Blanche Moore Babcock. He married Alice Hudson Cheatham in 1919. They had one son, Hudson Homer Havilah. He received a Bachelor of Arts in 1918 and a Bachelor of Philosophy in 1919 from Elon College in North Carolina. His Master of Arts was from the University of Virginia. Babcock received his Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina in 1927. Prior to that he had served as professor and head of the department of English at Elon College and associate professor and head of the department of Journalism at the College of William and Mary in Virginia.

Whether in good health or bad, Babcock could not resist the pleasures of hunting, fishing and gardening, which occasionally came into conflict with his teaching duties. During one hunting season, Babcock’s enterprising and fore-sighted secretary posted on the bulletin board, “Dr. Babcock will be sick all next week.” This great love of outdoors provided the inspiration for many of his essays and short stories."

My bet is he scheduled his infirmity for the opening week of quail season. As Jimmy Buffet so eloquently stated "Yes I am a pirate, 200 years too late, the cannons don't thunder theres nothing to plunder I'm an over 40 victem of fate." That feeling rings true to me when I read of Babcock, or the Lewis and Clark expedition. How would it have been to participate in such an epic adventure as the exploration of the land West of the Contenintal Divide, or to spend a day shooting Quail with a man such as Mr Babcock? One can only imagine.

2010-02-01T19:06:00.002-07:00

Product Review

Cabelas Dry Plus Chaps

Just wanted to pass along news of a really good deal. These Dry Plus Chaps from Cabelas are quality gear and a great addition to an upland hunters tools. I start using mine on those mornings in the mid season when the frost covers the prairie, but turns to dew late AM. Those days can soak your feet from the moisture wicking through your pants and into your socks. These chaps totally eliminate that problem, and provide protection from briars to boot. I find this product far superior to the waxed cotton we bird hunters have used in the past. They are much lighter, easier to put on and take off, and allow moisture vapor to escape so no sweating. They are also just heavy enough to provide some extra insulation on those very cold days, but light enough you hardly know your wearing them. They are on sale now for $29.99, and at that price I am going to buy an extra pair myself!

Where Have All the Good Times Gone?

2010-01-25T13:48:00.009-07:00

There has been quite a bit of conjecture over the current state of Mearns Quail habitat in Southern Arizona this year. 2007 and 2008 reportedly produced the best range conditions and therefore the best reproduction years in recent memory as accounted by those who have hunted the birds for years. My observation is that conditions this year were a shocking comparison to the last two. Blow one was the result of poor monsoon rains in the Summer which did not allow the grass that the birds rely on for survival to grow. The knock out punch was landed through poor judgement by the National Forest Service which allowed grazing to continue and in some cases increase on ground which should have been out of the grazing rotation in this poor range year.

Grazing is an important element in the management of public range lands in the West, and proper management of grazing leases on public land is fundamental to the health of these resources. There is continuing debate on how much grazing is too much, and plenty of scientific theories to support either side. I truly believe we could achieve better results by tempering the scientific with a little plain common sense. I have visited most of the last remaining grasslands in this country and without exception where public land is leased for grazing, it appears overgrazed.

Just like every other facet of the federal government, the process is so cumbersome that the process drives the decision making. Common sense would dictate that on a poor range year, grazing animals per unit should decrease with the available grass. But to change management decisions on a seasonal basis would require a lean and flexible system, nothing like the clogged and no common sense system of management by our government that we have all become so accustomed to.

Is it common sense or a complicated scientific equation that we cannot be expected to understand without a masters degree in biology? You decide.

Canyon X 2008

Canyon X 2009

Season Pictorial 2009

2010-01-06T20:21:00.021-07:00

Arizona

My new hunting partner. She has a deposit with Dave Walker for a Brittany due in March. We covered 3 miles of Sky Island Savannah this day. I think she's got what it takes, and is quite stylish to boot!

My old hunting buddy. He's becoming quite experienced for a 9 year old.

Kansas

Nebraska & South Dakota

Colorado

The big cat was after the same Pheasant as us.

Childhood Memories

2009-11-16T12:43:00.013-07:00

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

2009-11-13T09:22:00.002-07:00

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.

New Ranch - The Work Begins

2009-08-14T09:30:00.012-06:00

I was fortunate enough recently to close the deal on a great 5 acre parcel of property that will be the new home to the family and I. The property has a private drive and is bounded on two sides with water. The property has alot of diversity for 5 acres. There is a 3 acre pasture that will be planted in grass and shelter belts, and about an acre and a half along a substantial creek that will be managed for native cover with food plots.The irrigation water is plentiful, so my first order of business after re fencing the property will be to get the grass cover, shelter belts,and food plots planted. I have been busy clearing and grading around the site and am preparing the food plot areas to be planted next Spring. I have quite a bit of Tamarisk removal to accomplish along the creek and am starting on that now. I plan to manage the property as a wildlife preserve and for bird dog training, and will raise Pheasants and Chukar to qualify the Ranch as an agricultural enterprise. At some point down the road I may start a kennel operation.

The property is a diamond in the rough. It has views of the Colorado National Monument to the South and the Bookcliff range to the North. I am truly fortunate to be able to own this piece of Gods creation. There are several coveys of Gambles Quail and a few Pheasants already established on the ranch and I plan to manage the resources to increase their population. You gotta love the opportunity we have to live the "American Dream"!

Summer Project - Insulated Dog Box, Part One

2009-07-06T12:48:00.022-06:00

It seems I can never have enough construction projects going. Along with the construction management of the eight million dollar recreation center I have to finish this Summer, I decided to build a new two compartment dog box to keep things interesting. I am an avid boat builder and enjoy working with wood more than aluminum so I set out to experiment with some insulated composite panels. The knowledge gained using this system will certainly be useful in future boat building projects.

The procedure was to laminate 5mm Luan plywood to 5/8 polystyrene insulation to create the sandwich panels. These component panels were then assembled as the box. The adhesive used was West System epoxy and was also used as a coating to make the assembly waterproof. Fiberglass mat and tape was used on the bottom, corners, and handles to create extra strength and abrasion resistance. I tested a small sandwich of the assembly for adhesion compatibility prior to cutting and gluing the main panels, as polyisosyanurate is generally used for this application but is very expensive. My adhesion test showed the polystyrene insulation failed before the glue joint gave way, and that is all you can expect from a compatibility stand point.

I will be painting the assembly with Interlux yacht paint so a good finish requires lots of sanding. Sanding is the primary labor involved with working with epoxy. I once asked a renowned Carolina sport fishing boat builder if a guy with good carpentry skills could build a boat. He said you didn't need many carpentry skills, you just needed to know how to sand.

Here is the main shell ready for interior paint. I decided to assemble the top after the inside painting to allow for easier access.

Here is the box with the prefab aluminum doors dry fitted. I purchased my doors from Bob Welch over at Wing Works. He manufactures and sales a great line of vests and accessories and recently completed his own dog box project which was written up on the Living With Bird Dogs Blog. I highly recommend these doors if you are contemplating a dog box project.

Spring Training

2009-03-28T15:36:00.015-06:00

Spring training has been going for a few weeks now and I am pleased with the progress of my new Elhew Pointer. She is going to be on the smaller end of the breed standard but she attacks the cover with reckless abandon and is already holding a nice point.

I have started calling Gigi my "Pocket Pointer".

We are doing fly away drills and shooting alot over Gigi now. Her intensity is growing daily and she is holding some long points. I believe you can make a great bird dog with lots of repetition on the fly aways.

I decided to to break my 7 year old German Shorthair to wing and shot this Spring. She is already one heck of a bird dog and sucessfully hunts 7 species of upland birds every season. She has always held found birds for flush no matter how long it would take me to get to her, but until this year I have let her break on the flush.
Breaking a dog to be steady is the most diffacult part of training a Pointing dog in my opinion, but Sabrina is proving once again to be a great student.

One unexpected bonus from Sabrina's training to steady is a more intense pointing style. She now pulls her front foot on almost every point and rarely lifted it before. I like her new intensity.

Another Prairie Drifter

2009-03-22T08:59:00.010-06:00

I have had the fever for some time to add to my pointing dog string. Through the years I have owned Setters, Pointers, Brittany's, German Shorthairs, Labs, Fox Hounds, and Beagles. Retrievers retrieve, Hounds chase and bark, but Pointing dogs are special in my book. They find game and hold it until you get there and then bring it to you if you are agile enough to shoot it. All we have to do is walk and shoot! They are the brains of the operation so to speak. Bird dogs have been a part of our family well before I was born. The first dog I remember from my childhood was my dads English Setter Charlie. Charlie was the family mascot and a heck of a bird hunter I am told. That was 40 plus years ago and the image of Charlie sharing my popsicle on a hot Summers day is etched in my memory as if it happened yesterday.

I knew what I wanted in a Bird Dog. I have been experiencing a sense of nostalgia as of late, and wanted to embrace the traditions of my upbringing in this era of change. After all, I guess I am the epitome of those folks recently referred to as "clinging to their guns and religion". Tradition is so much a part of the Southern culture, as are bird dogs and bird hunting. The English Pointer has dominated the field trial circuit for years, has the attributes that I require for my style of hunting, and many of the best breeders reside in the Southern states of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The Pointer's short coat is well suited for the warm temperatures I usually encounter during early season hunts in Kansas and the Dakotas. The field bred Pointers have unbelievable natural instinct and ability, they make great family pets, and are quick learners. I have recently speculated that the combination of the German Shorthair and the English Pointer may very well be the ultimate bird finding team. The Shorthair tends to run with its nose to the ground making it excellent for relocating running birds, and typically they are closer ranging dogs. The field trial bred Pointers certainly have the ability to stretch out the range and run with their heads up, helping them to catch scent from a distance.

My research and reading led me to the Elhew strain of Pointers, mainly because I appreciate low impact training and the Elhew line tends to have a little softer temperament which suits my demeanor. I knew that my selection would come from field trial lineage even though I do not field trial. These field trial animals have the genetics and natural ability to be shaped into what ever type of dog you desire. Genetics, I believe, contributes to at least 80% of your chance of having a bragging rights bird dog. Gigi's lineage going back 4 generations includes 10 field trial champions, 2 of which were national champions and in the Field Trial Hall of Fame (Dunns Fearless Bud, Elhew Snakefoot). I have posted a link under my Gun Dog and Bird Hunting section to an interesting article about Elhew Swami and Elhew Sunflower, both great champions and both in Gigi's lineage. Gigi looks very much like her Grandmother Elhew Swami.

I purchased Gigi at 5 1/2 months of age because she fit my expectations for genetics and color, and she will be just over 1 year old next season which means she will be very well exposed to birds and guns by the time the 09/10 season opens. The down side to purchasing at that age is that the dog is well into if not past the most important socialization imprinting stage. What I have noticed with Gigi is that she is somewhat timid around new things such as the vacuum cleaner, or any unfamiliar item. On the other side of the coin, she is obsessed with birds and the field, and has progressed through her first month of training beyond my wildest expectations. She has been exposed to about 30 of my pen raised Chukar to date and is now scent pointing, holding point for flush, and accepting the .32 caliber blank pistol to be shot over her.

As to the training regime I have been using with Gigi, my observation is that all successful trainers Like Bob Wehle(founder of Elhew Kennels), Ferrell Miller (Miller strain of Pointers and in the Bird Dog Hall Of Fame), Scott Miller (9 time Walking Field Trial Champion), and George Hickox (developed the best training system I have seen), all utilize variations of the same basic concepts for introducing birds, holding point, and retrieving. These training methods have withstood the test of time and there is no reason in my view to reinvent the wheel. The one area in training which is new to me and just being accepted by the hunting dog fraternity is clicker training. This is by far the most successful and effective training method for teaching yard work that I have ever seen. It is essentially a low to no pressure method of developing reliable habits in any animal. I will not go into all the details of clicker training but I am posting a Link in my Gun Dog and Bird Hunting section to a web site for Karen Pryor. Karen developed the clicker training system during her work with Bottle Nose Dolphins. Be forewarned that the training material she distributes has no reference to hunting dogs. Because the system can be used on any animal from birds to dolphins, her basic concepts can be adapted to teaching many of the skills we require of our bird dogs.

I look forward to a Summer of field training and the start of the new season in September with a young and energetic addition to the pack. Enthusiasm is contagious and bringing a young ball of fire into the string has me fired up for the coming season!

Reflections On Seasons Past

2009-02-07T22:27:00.026-07:00

This year was a great upland sesason for me. I was blessed with the opportunity to travel extensively, strengthen relationships with my family, and witness the
awesome abilities of an animal who possibly loves the upland hunting lifestyle more than I do.

Reflecting back on this season I can recall the images of bluebird days in seas of prairie grass, the excitement in the eyes of a young boy experiencing the flush of a wild pheasant for the first time, the determination of an old bird hunter still in the hunt, Quaking Aspens ablaze in color from 11,000 feet, the explosion of a large covey over a staunch point, and the amazing beauty of the savanna of the Sky Islands.

Given those images mentioned above it would appear to be the end of a charmed season, and it was. Ironically though, the initial idea for this essay started out as an effort to deal with the frustration over some of the not so positive encounters with other "sportsmen" that I experienced this year. In retrospect the good experiences of this past year far outweigh those bad encounters and as I began to write I realized that the criticisism of specific events only fosters a sense of negativity. So instead what follows are the 10 keys based on my forty years of experience chasing birds and bird dogs to making the most of a day afield. To put it another way, the pages of bird hunting history are full of well intentioned nimrods who either ruined their own hunt or that of another beacuse they did not grasp these basic concepts.

1. Gun safety is the top priority while in the field. As my dad used to say "Once you fire the shot you can't get it back". Ask Dick Cheney.

2. Hunt and work your dog silently. If you find yourself reaching for the ACME Thunderer every five minutes you should kennel your dog and apply as a Referee for the NBA.

3. Never return to a favorite covert shared to you by a friend without that friend. PERIOD. If you do you will probably ruin the friendship, not that your were much of a friend anyway if you have the inclination to sneak back.

4. Take time to learn the traditions of the sport. Bird dog men were as avid about the sport 100 years ago as we are now. You do not have to reinvent the wheel.

5. Never impede, infringe, interfere, intrude, block, delay, disrupt, thwart, hamper, hinder, encroach, meddle or molest the hunt of another bird hunter. EVER!

6. Do not hog public resources. Educate yourself about the resources and protect them.

7. If you have to shoot a limit to feel successfull, take up golf. You will then get the peace of mind you deserve.

8. Take care of your dog's needs before your own. Most experienced guys assess others buy how they treat their animals.

9. Wear comfortable boots. As Babcock so eloquently put it "A bird hunter must walk".

10. If any issue arises in the field your are unsure of, refer to item # 5.

Sky Island Paradise

2009-01-07T11:40:00.023-07:00

To say that I was ready for some warm weather when Christmas break rolled around would be an understatement. Late December and early January locks the Western Slope into the coldest weather of the season and at my current project early morning sub zero was the rule versus the exception.

The long break between Christmas and New Year has become a travel opportunity for the family and I and our most recent tradition has been to head South to Southern Arizona for the holidays and some R&R. As is probably apparent by now, R&R to me means some serious wing shooting and Arizona fits the bill perfectly. I generally hunt from daylight until around noon when the temperatures reach the upper 60's to mid 70's. Then it is family time at the heated pool or a round of golf on the links with my son. Now let me tell you, that is living!

This year the hunting and the weather was exceptional. The high country on the border with Mexico is some of the most beautiful country I have ever seen. The people are friendly and our Border Patrol agents are working hard to keep it safe.

The Sky Islands are as unique an ecosystem as exists in this country. Among the Live Oaks and Grass live the secretive Mearns Quail. They are the perfect quarry for a Pointing Dog.

The Birds hold well to point and Sabrina was in top form this year. Sabrina pins down a covey under a Live Oak.

Another covey with the opportunity for some blue sky shooting.

Working singles in the tall grass.

A hidden treasure not to be seen without a climb to the bottom of the canyon.

I shoot better with my sombrero on.

My favorite hunts are with my son Grant. He enjoys being with dad and seeing new things.

Many images remain burned into my memory from this great land, but those of the Sky Islands are the most frequently recounted on a cold Winters day.

Migratory Dreams

2009-01-05T15:51:00.031-07:00

As the Rocky Mountain Winter sets it's mighty grip a faint voice summons to begin the trip.

The paradise that brings hunter and hunted together are The Sky Islands of the Sonoran Desert.

The Montezumas there harken back to days of old when Quail had manners and would hold.

The whisper to head South stirs all of Gods migratory creatures but none more so than the restless wing shooter.

The secret valleys of his dreams remain in sacred trust as they are the object of his wanderlust.

Of Prairie, Mountains, Forest, and Streams, the Sky Islands are all that consume a bird hunters dreams.

The Power of Positive Thinking

2008-11-30T19:34:00.038-07:00

HERE'S YOUR SIGN

If waking up to Kansas winds of 25 - 30 gusting to 50 was not enough, then the cold from hell that descended upon me overnight should have certainly stuck a fork in me. Don't get me wrong, I did lay around a little later than normal but at 6:30 I could not stand it anymore. In spite of the deck being stacked against me I was determined to make a go of it.

My plan to explore new country was devised the night before, a result of the slow hunting I had experienced that day. I had gotten into a few Pheasants but overall the bird numbers were disappointing. So the maps were examined and the plan was set. I decided to concentrate on Gentleman Bob today since the Pheasants had obviously been pounded and were almost unapproachable.

Now I have to admit that I am usually in position at my chosen hunting location waiting for the sun to rise in the morning, But given the challenges of the day and the late start I decided to stop by the hotel buffet and whip up a sausage and egg biscuit for the ride. My first sign of the eminent disaster should have been that my Pointer refused her share of the biscuit when it was offered. Sabrina is my favorite hunting partner and always rides shotgun on these trips and I had not noticed any unusual behavior until this refusal. "Quite unlike you not to have your breakfast Sabrina" I thought to myself. Little did I know that the cause of the rejection was forthcoming. We had been on the road for about 45 minutes when Sabrina decided to expel the demon that had curbed her breakfast appetite. Needless to say at that point I began questioning my decision to get out of bed. Fortunately I was close to a rest stop with an outdoor hose bib, and after cleaning up the rig and chasing my hat to the county line we were ready to roll again.

THE TURNAROUND

Upon arrival to the designated spot determined the night before I was skeptical about our luck changing. This instinct was confirmed when stepping from the truck my hat wind launched off and skirted along the prairie like a sail boat on the open ocean. Always the optimist, I decided that a toboggan would fit the bill nicely today. To add insult to injury, when Sabrina was released for her cast, she immediately went into the "cat on a hot tin roof routine" - sand spurs! I had come prepared and in a few minutes the dog boots were applied and we were off.

There was a fresh picked corn field bounded by a fence and adjacent to the big plum thicket draw we wanted to hunt. I decided to work the fence line in hopes of catching a covey coming back from their morning feeding session to loaf in the scattered brush. We were not 25 yards from the truck working into the 30 MPH wind when Sabrina went on point over a small plum thicket. One kick and a covey of 20 bobs came out the other side. I missed on the first barrel but connected on the second. In the blink of an eye our luck had changed! We marked the birds down and subsequent singles held as tight as you could ever ask for and made for some dandy dog work. After taking 4 birds from the covey we left them to find another.

Although we did not find another covey of birds we we fortunate to take two tight holding roosters off of beautiful points in habitat you would not expect to find Pheasants in. The day turned out to be our best day in Kansas on this trip and brought back old memories of my adventures with Gentleman Bob down South in the Carolinas. There is nothing like good dog work on tight holding Quail and as I write this I am getting excited about my next opportunity to hunt them - Arizona Mearns 23 days and counting!

2008-10-31T23:16:00.004-06:00

Sabrina the German Shorthair Pointer

Colorado High Country Grouse

2008-10-31T21:50:00.014-06:00

I always count the days through the Summer until the Blue Grouse opener here in Colorado. The Grouse opener marks the official start of the upland hunting season for me and September is breath taking in the high country where the Blues reside.

As Fall approaches the birds begin their migration up to the pockets of dark timber where they will Winter and subsist on the needles of the Douglas Fir. You might assume that these birds would be low on the culinary scale with their diet of evergreen needles, but in fact Blues are second only to Quail on the table in my opinion. The Blue Grouse are the only animals in the high country to actually migrate higher through the Winter, and my favorite hunting location for them is at or above11,000 feet.

Blue Grouse hunting is challenging due to the steepness of the terrain and the elevation they inhabit. The only places I found Grouse to be numerous were areas that are not accessible to motorized access. This means hiking in to some of the most remote and beautiful places in the high country. Though Grouse typically inhabit the dark timber, the birds will concentrate in the evening out in open parks around the berry bushes and grasshoppers that occur there. This makes for a great hunting opportunity for a pointing dog as the birds will hold well when caught out in the open.

Three Generations On The Prairie

2008-10-29T23:23:00.024-06:00

The North Dakota non resident Pheasant opener started October 18 and I couldn't remember when I have been more excited about opening day. Last year was a phenomenal season in the Dakotas. The reports this year were not as encouraging with the substantial loss of CRP due to emergency haying, and the lingering drought in the South West, but even an average season in the Dakota Territory is pretty impressive compared to other states.

The most exciting aspect of this year was not the Pheasant forecast, but the opportunity afforded me to hunt a few days with my dad and my 8 year old son. I was elated this year as my son was ready and willing to come along for a couple days, and Grandpa had accepted the opportunity to fly out and join us.

It had been a long time since I had hunted with my dad. I must admit that in years past I had taken for granted the time my dad spent introducing me to hunting and dog handling. But as I waded the prairie grass this October, and watched my son being introduced to the tradition of hunting so deeply instilled in our family, I felt a sense of appreciation for my dad I had not acknowledged in a long time.