2024 Season In Pictures, Guns, Game And Dogs

[PTM]

No wind, fresh snow three days ago with no signs of humans made for a memorable morning.


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Heading into the 2024 season, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew the bird numbers were going to be phenomenal, but the thought of hunting without Ellie, who’s recovering from ACL surgery, was tough. She’s always been the closer, making even the toughest retrieves look effortless.

That left Willow (pictured below) to take the reins. At 4 years old, she’s a bird-seeking machine with the patience to hold points forever. But retrieving? Not her strong suit—at least, not initially. She’d pick up birds and drop them almost right away, which I’ll own as my fault for not giving her enough solo time in the field.

Fast forward to now, and Willow’s logged nearly 30 hunts this season, most of them solo. She’s learned the assignment and is absolutely nailing it. Three weekends in a row, she’s made incredible retrieves on wounded roosters, with today’s being the most impressive yet.

I couldn’t be prouder of the progress she’s made. It’s been amazing to watch her grow into her own this season!

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Pointing dogs and an auto loader?

 

[Plannerman]

Pointing dogs and an auto loader?

Go together like peas and carrots. Gotta have shots 3, 4 and 5!!

 

[Limitless]

Go together like peas and carrots. Gotta have shots 3, 4 and 5!!

Because yuh nevuh knohw whot yuh gunna git.

 

[Limitless]

Pointing dogs and an auto loader?

I resemble that remark. However, my auto only holds 4....3" shells.

Just think of it like a double double barrel.

 

[PTM]

I resemble that remark. However, my auto only holds 4....3" shells.

Just think of it like a double double barrel.

Talk to Goose, heard he’s going to be making someone a deal on a 28 gauge EELL.

 

[NDPheasant]

Looks like some tails there too!

Congrats!

One was 22, 23 and 24 1/2". Posted a few weeks back one that just stretched over 25". Excited to see what the next two weeks has in store.

View attachment 24 1:2%22 Tail Feather A.jpg. View attachment 24 1:2%22 Tail Feather B.jpg

 

[Limitless]

One was 22, 23 and 24 1/2". Posted a few weeks back one that just stretched over 25". Excited to see what the next two weeks has in store.

That is one limit for the scrapbook!

What are you feeding those birds up there?

View attachment 9814. View attachment 9815

Nice!

 

[birddude]

Pointing dogs and an auto loader?

At least it is a pretty one... for an auto..

 

[PTM]

I shot the same one for quite a few years

 

[NDPheasant]

I shot the same one for quite a few years

You inspired me. I remember seeing it in a photo and thinking it was definitely time to upgrade from my 25 year old 870 express. Thought about O/U but the xPlor fit my checkboxes - even with pointers!

 

[PTM]

You inspired me. I remember seeing it in a photo and thinking it was definitely time to upgrade from my 25 year old 870 express. Thought about O/U but the xPlor fit my checkboxes - even with pointers!

That’s a good gun, I don’t like where the safety is at.

 

[NDPheasant]

That’s a good gun, I don’t like where the safety is at.

It took some time to get use to it for sure.