NDPheasant
Well-known member
I am here at work today, but my mind is somewhere else. Two weeks ago, my family and I went through a tragedy. My granddaughter passed away after just 15 days with us. She was born early at 26 weeks because my daughter had preeclampsia. Losing her has been hard, harder than I can put into words. I have taken some time away from work, hoping to find a bit of comfort in the only way I know how: being out in nature. This October, though, hunting feels different and emptier.
To make things harder, my dog Ellie missed her eighth season opener. She is out of action because of an ACL repair, and it has not felt the same without her. Still, I have kept busy out in the field. Last night, I got my 23rd pheasant of the season, and I needed that. This October has been tough, different than past years. Hunting the big public lands where I usually find birds has not been easy. The weather has been warm, the ground is dry, and the birds are spread out, hiding in every patch of cover. After miles of hiking with only a few opportunities, I began to wonder if my prediction of an "epic season" was wrong. But last night proved there are plenty of birds, just more work involved this time.
And I could not resist breaking the rules to let Ellie come out for a bit to make two retrieves. The vet gave us the green light to slowly increase her activity, and while I know hunting was not part of the plan, she stays close and controlled. The joy on her face was worth the risk. Ellie will spend most of this season on the bench, but I will find a few small walks to keep her spirits up.
This October, hunting feels different, but getting back into the field last night sparked some of that excitement again. I think my daughter and her husband felt it too; they do not hunt often, but they have suggested we all go out together. That is a trip I cannot wait to make happen.
For those out there working hard in the field this season, it is worth the miles. The birds are there, and they are keeping us moving forward. I will keep at it, looking for peace one step at a time.
To make things harder, my dog Ellie missed her eighth season opener. She is out of action because of an ACL repair, and it has not felt the same without her. Still, I have kept busy out in the field. Last night, I got my 23rd pheasant of the season, and I needed that. This October has been tough, different than past years. Hunting the big public lands where I usually find birds has not been easy. The weather has been warm, the ground is dry, and the birds are spread out, hiding in every patch of cover. After miles of hiking with only a few opportunities, I began to wonder if my prediction of an "epic season" was wrong. But last night proved there are plenty of birds, just more work involved this time.
And I could not resist breaking the rules to let Ellie come out for a bit to make two retrieves. The vet gave us the green light to slowly increase her activity, and while I know hunting was not part of the plan, she stays close and controlled. The joy on her face was worth the risk. Ellie will spend most of this season on the bench, but I will find a few small walks to keep her spirits up.
This October, hunting feels different, but getting back into the field last night sparked some of that excitement again. I think my daughter and her husband felt it too; they do not hunt often, but they have suggested we all go out together. That is a trip I cannot wait to make happen.
For those out there working hard in the field this season, it is worth the miles. The birds are there, and they are keeping us moving forward. I will keep at it, looking for peace one step at a time.
