It never gets old

[CPAjeff]

Yesterday was opening day here in Utah and the thrill of a rooster erupting out of the weeds still scares me half to death, just as it did when I was 12. I was fortunate to be raised in a small farming community and have access to some prime pheasant habitat. One spot, in particular, is a slough behind an old abandoned feed lot. This spot is "the spot" for a mid day hunt, as the pressured birds head to this slough for safety. I had some obligations that I needed to take care of early in the morning, but was able to get out and hunt shortly after noon. As I was walking across the feedlot to the slough, I came across two or three tumbleweeds bunched up against the cement feed row. Not paying much attention, I stepped into the tumbleweeds and two roosters came exploding out. Two shots later and I was done for the day - in my opinion, there is not a more gorgeous bird on earth than a rooster pheasant!



In Utah, there is no season or limit for Eurasian doves, so I spent a little time chasing them around. Pheasant fajitas and jalape?o bacon wrapped doves are for lunch today! Needless to say, I never made it to the slough, but I will this week sometime!

 

[Madison COunty]

You are right, a rooster pheasant is a beautiful bird. Congratulations on the great hunt and it sounds like you will be eating good.:thumbsup:

 

[Kismet]

Beautiful images and beautiful birds!

You ever feel a bit short-changed when you limit out so quickly? I do, I know. It's like the hunt got shortened and I still had all this energy to use.

:coolpics:

 

[KSBrittman]

Way to go thanks for sharing your hunt , yep I am with you when I see my dogs working a bird and work out the scent puzzle and point a bird and then put it up and the one of the girls delivers to hand never gets old for sure !!!

Congrats on a nice double !!! Like them M-2 s

 

[CPAjeff]

You are right, a rooster pheasant is a beautiful bird. Congratulations on the great hunt and it sounds like you will be eating good.:thumbsup:

Thanks! Not only is the rooster pheasant the king of gamebirds, in my opinion, he also ranks right up near the top of the list for table fare!

 

[CPAjeff]

Beautiful images and beautiful birds!

You ever feel a bit short-changed when you limit out so quickly? I do, I know. It's like the hunt got shortened and I still had all this energy to use.

:coolpics:

Thanks! Yes, I felt a little short-changed that the hunt ended so quickly, and I wasn't even able to make it back to the slough. However, as I was sitting under a Russian Olive tree waiting for the Eurasians, I couldn't help but admire over and over the sheer beauty of the pheasants I had just harvested. This year was the first year in 13 years, dating back to my early teenage years, that I didn't make the trip out to South Dakota with the rest of my family. Life is changing for my wife, our young children, and myself as I accepted a job in Texas and will be leaving Utah. As I sat under that tree, admiring the birds, it seemed that time stopped and I had time to reflect on my life and the things I have been able to participate in - and finally realized that it's ok to move on and have new adventures. On any other day, I would have been sad the hunt ended so soon - yet on Saturday, it was a blessing in disguise.

Sorry for the long-winded reply.

 

[CPAjeff]

Way to go thanks for sharing your hunt , yep I am with you when I see my dogs working a bird and work out the scent puzzle and point a bird and then put it up and the one of the girls delivers to hand never gets old for sure !!!

Congrats on a nice double !!! Like them M-2 s

Thank you! I shot a Citori at the local sporting clays range last week and started to fall in love with it, but then I remembered my trusty M2 back in the truck and felt like I was betraying her. That gun has worked flawlessly in Canada, the Dakotas, and the Intermountain West.