11-3-2012 Quick Hunt

[nstric]

Had 45 minutes open yesterday morning before family obligations, so I picked up a buddy and we hit some public less than 20 minutes outside of Des Moines.

(No water, KBell.)

We did a down and back, and each managed one rooster on 1 for 1 shooting. A total of 5 roosters and about the same number of hens were seen. Nearly all were running ahead of the dogs and flushing wild . . . and this was in seven to eight foot tall bluestem.

I took a longer than normal shot on mine, producing immediate somersault, but he somehow managed to recover and fly another 100 yards or so until gliding down. Amazingly, and example of why I'm sure I'm blessed, the rooster was laying in the middle of the road between two giant tracts of ground. Longest tail feathers of the year.

Next heading out on Tuesday, taking a friend, and thinking of heading further NW than has been the case so far this season.

 

[IA at heart]

Nate - It sure looks like a good start to your season for you and Gunner. I am going to be up later this week at my ground and am going to try and get out for a half day hunt with my nephews from DSM. I hope to at least see a few birds with them since the last couple of times I have taken them out over the last few years, we have not had great luck with getting many shots. We'll see....kp

 

[nstric]

Good luck . . . and let me know how you do!

 

[KBell]

Nice work!

Hello Nate,

Bone-tired tonight but thought I would post. Great job by you and your friend. I would "feel" very rushed to make a 1/2 hour hunt but applaude your efforts! Your rooster is very representative of the breed. Fight until the bitter end I always say of them. You are indeed fortunate to locate him in the open. Most often head to thicker cover and burrow for effect.

Rock Valley area was hit hard this weekend. Much shooting even today which is usually less for a Sunday. Saw larger groups working the public and larger private tracts. Those birds will be highly educated for the remainder of this season.

Saw decent numbers today and managed a few but we did not limit. We cut our hunt short due to a golfing challenge and lunch with the relatives. Will sleep well tonight!

 

[jjoel]

Your Vizsla looks EXACTLY like mine. I thought, for a split second, that you may have taken my dog for a hunt.