After working the mountains for some duskies, sage plains for sage grouse, and some high rocks for ptarmigan... it was finally time to hit the CO eastern grounds. I hunted NE on some WIA with only a little success, 2 birds/day, but very slow.
So the pup and I left castle rock at 3am, headed for yuma county. Got there early with no one around, started walking about 15 minutes before sunrise. After about 45 minutes, it became clear that I wasn't the only one out there. About four other groups.
We walked one edge, and as I was turning around to give other hunters some space, the dog pointed a bird. I took one step and the first roosters busted out on the edge of the field, towards my back. Luckily enough, I got the gun halfway shouldered and smoked him. We left that area flushing another bird I couldn't get a shot on, and a few more wild birds.
Headed towards kit carson county hitting WIAs on the way. We found one that held a ton of birds. We started in the shin high grass and when the dog got birdy and hens started busting 200yards out, we hustled up the hill and pushed the birds down into a draw. Bailey locked up on on the side hill and as I walked in, 2hens/rooster rose and the second bird was easily bagged.
We left that area to scout some more spots, with plenty of birds still in the field.
Kit Carson co, had lighter cover, however, we hit a few spots where bailey pointed a handful of hens, but to no avail on roosters. Finally at about 2pm, while walking a ridge, back to my truck. I was walking in some heavy brush, and the last bird came blazing out unexpected. Took a snap shot and dusted him.
All in all a great day, 3 birds, 3 shots all with the bottom barrel (skeet choke), and all dead on the ground, with no runners.
Saw 2 roosters fly into another WIA as we were leaving. We may head back out sunday, but I'm ready for December to thin the crowds!
So the pup and I left castle rock at 3am, headed for yuma county. Got there early with no one around, started walking about 15 minutes before sunrise. After about 45 minutes, it became clear that I wasn't the only one out there. About four other groups.
We walked one edge, and as I was turning around to give other hunters some space, the dog pointed a bird. I took one step and the first roosters busted out on the edge of the field, towards my back. Luckily enough, I got the gun halfway shouldered and smoked him. We left that area flushing another bird I couldn't get a shot on, and a few more wild birds.
Headed towards kit carson county hitting WIAs on the way. We found one that held a ton of birds. We started in the shin high grass and when the dog got birdy and hens started busting 200yards out, we hustled up the hill and pushed the birds down into a draw. Bailey locked up on on the side hill and as I walked in, 2hens/rooster rose and the second bird was easily bagged.
We left that area to scout some more spots, with plenty of birds still in the field.
Kit Carson co, had lighter cover, however, we hit a few spots where bailey pointed a handful of hens, but to no avail on roosters. Finally at about 2pm, while walking a ridge, back to my truck. I was walking in some heavy brush, and the last bird came blazing out unexpected. Took a snap shot and dusted him.
All in all a great day, 3 birds, 3 shots all with the bottom barrel (skeet choke), and all dead on the ground, with no runners.
Saw 2 roosters fly into another WIA as we were leaving. We may head back out sunday, but I'm ready for December to thin the crowds!
