Bob Peters
Well-known member
It's been just over a month since I last was lucky enough to walk the prairies, plains, fences, field edges, marshes and food plots behind a good dog looking for a rooster. I know that every season needs to end. The birds need to survive the winter, dogs need rest, and we need to step away back into the real world in the meantime. I accept this, but still struggle at times, when I wish I could put Skye down in a frozen marsh or thick bluestem and maybe spook up a rooster or two. Sometimes it's tough to say why? Do I just want that satisfaction of seeing a shot well made? Maybe one more crockpot full of pheasant chili? Those would be nice for sure. Or even more, is it getting out there? Wherever there is. Usually it's far away from towns, even farther away from cities. Getting to a place where you feel there's not another person around for miles. It's pretty quiet excepting the sound of legs moving through the bluestem and the indian grass. Or the light crunch of Danners or Setters on a skiff of frozen snow. Then there's the sound, now well worn in my ears, of a dog, rustling in the cover ahead, searching with an eagerness for bird scent. Also the times when she comes back, checking in, her tongue out and a light huffing sound as she pants away her exertion. I can tell you now what I like best about this. All of it. I think this weekend I'll buzz down to some state land in Southern Minnesota, take the dog for a walk. Yes I could put her on leash, to the paved sidewalk for exercise. But there's something in the back of my mind that keeps telling me, she'll like it better to be in unspoiled prairies and untrammeled marshes than the paths trodden in suburbia. And when the dog's happy, I'm happy.
This is a great website to share the ups, downs, and wonders of pheasant hunting. Thanks WebGuy and Goosemaster for keeping this place running. Even if you're short, drive a suburban, or have a versatile dog you can still contribute. I wish all the members and their dogs a happy offseason, and good luck in the season to come.
signing off,
Bob Peters.
Pictured: My friends Bella and Beau. Two Spaniels I had the joy of knowning. You will not be forgotten.
This is a great website to share the ups, downs, and wonders of pheasant hunting. Thanks WebGuy and Goosemaster for keeping this place running. Even if you're short, drive a suburban, or have a versatile dog you can still contribute. I wish all the members and their dogs a happy offseason, and good luck in the season to come.
signing off,
Bob Peters.
Pictured: My friends Bella and Beau. Two Spaniels I had the joy of knowning. You will not be forgotten.
