Hunting was weak, the game was great!
Last Thursday was the bird season opener here in Montana. I had a full schedule, so I planned and afternoon hunt after work. The day started out unseasonably cool and overcast. So cool in fact, I was contemplating long sleeves – or even a jacket. But alas, the clouds broke and the sun came through – and we warmed to a balmy 60 or so 
I loaded the dogs up after work and drove to Shields Valley. I’ve never had huge success here, but I usually kick up a bird or two – and it’s the closest hunting opportunity to home for me. As I drove up, I wondered what this year would have in store for the huns and sharptails. We had (another) hard winter here in Montana, but this year it was compounded by a wet, cool spring – not a great formula for hearty fall bird populations.
I pulled up to the target field and parked the truck. I threw on my Wingworks vest, filled my water bottles, then started on the dogs. After the collars were checked and secured, they hit the ground running. I was still at the truck filling my pockets with a handful of Remington Nitro #6′s when Gracie and Cora (my 2 shorthairs) went on a solid point and back about 30 yards in front of the truck. I hurriedly finished getting my gear on and reached for my gun case. The dogs were both still rock solid. I kept an eye on them as I uncased my gun – looking for any sign that they were lying to me or pointing a field mouse 
– but nope, they continued a staunch point and back, which usually was a sure sign of birds.
I finally had my gun ready, but I still had a barbed wire fence to negotiate before getting to the dogs – who continued in their motionless state. Past the fence now, I reached the dogs and kicked around the grass and sage that was the target of their prolonged point. Nothing. I continued to kick around as I released the dogs to relocate. They both circled and searched – but whatever got them to stop hard and point so long was gone. That first point wasn’t completely wasted – it did give me a lot of optimism the hunt would be good and that the birds were there despite the rough winter and spring.
So much for optimism I hiked the countryside with the dogs logging considerably more miles. We finally came full circle back to the truck as the sunset faded to darkness. The cool temps returned as well and I could see my breath in the air. Fall has definitely arrived to Montana.
After a stop at the Warehouse to get a couple of truck decals cut out for Glen Bahde and Randy Schultz, I finally headed home to pack my bags for my next adventure.
Ole Miss fans had some funny signs
By 6am Friday morning, I was already in the air – flying to Memphis, TN to meet up with my dad and drive down to Oxford, Mississippi. Last weekend was the opening weekend for college football – and my BYU Cougars were playing at Ole Miss. I had bought a couple tickets to the game several months ago as a Father’s Day gift to my dad (he may be an even bigger Cougar fan than I). I was thoroughly impressed with Ole Miss – beautiful campus, VERY hospitable fans. As for the game, it was pretty ugly for the first 3 quarters. Both teams struggled offensively and when the 4th quarter started, my Cougs were down 13-0. Hope was dwindling, but we finally got a touchdown – 13-7 Ole Miss with 10 minutes left. A couple possessions later, BYU sacked the Ole Miss QB, caused a fumble, and ran it in for our second touchdown. 14-13 for BYU was the final score. But, as they say in Oxford, they may lose the game, but they NEVER lose a party – and I can attest to that.
Overall, a wonderful weekend. Happy Father’s Day Dad.
Discussion
No comments yet.