I grew up in Iowa and have hunted pheasants since the 1960's (the glory days).
Now, I have 3 flushing labs and am a guide at Beckridge Hunting Preserve in Sabula, Iowa. I attached 3 of my favorite pics. They are all from a hunt with my then 5 year old grandson. He is carrying a "toy" shotgun. In the first pic, as the dog is about to flush a bird, he is just like Grandpa....perfect gun etiquette. The second pic the bird has flushed and I am shooting. Look where his gun barrel is!!! Ouch!!! We have to work on hunter's safety!!! The third pic is my grandson carrying his first bird. Look at that smile....it just doesn't get any better than that.
Now, I have 3 flushing labs and am a guide at Beckridge Hunting Preserve in Sabula, Iowa. I attached 3 of my favorite pics. They are all from a hunt with my then 5 year old grandson. He is carrying a "toy" shotgun. In the first pic, as the dog is about to flush a bird, he is just like Grandpa....perfect gun etiquette. The second pic the bird has flushed and I am shooting. Look where his gun barrel is!!! Ouch!!! We have to work on hunter's safety!!! The third pic is my grandson carrying his first bird. Look at that smile....it just doesn't get any better than that.
You stated your are from IL? Or are you now living in Iowa?