SD Hunt

[Model12]

Just got back from a quick trip to SD. Haven't worked so hard for birds in my whole life. I could always use some exercise but that was ridiculous! Please understand I'm not complaining as I have, arguably, some of the best land to hunt. Hundreds of birds in every slough, nook and cranny but they're so damned wild a one man show was not the way to go. I'd park nearly 1/2mi from most of them and the moment you saw the slough, they'd see you and out they'd go. I know I ran for just over a mile before shooting the first two birds. I just started zig zagging and running around the slough to get them running in diff't directions. Luckily I'd get a cock or two to hold. It's not good for the pooch as she wasn't even sure of what the hell I was doing. I ended up w/all my birds but what a tough go.
I'm going to shave a few weeks off the date on my trips over next year and let the dog do have the fun running! She's getting a bit old and two shorter days was good for her. It's good to have a few birds in the freezer.

[Spinach]

Thanks for the report Derron. Sounds like our trip to Worthington in October. I'm still sore from that weekend.

I like the part of your post that talks about you and the dog adapting to the area and fields. That is a very important lesson that we should all remember in everything we do outdoors.

I always like reading your posts, thanks for sharing your thoughts.

How old is your dog getting to be now, my Macey will be 9 in the spring, not too many years left with her in the fields. I'm planning on a new pup this spring. Looking for a smaller tick (white) colored GSP.