Old school

I used to lose more birds. I didn't know my head from a hole in the ground. And of course the dog was learning too. I don't think I've lost one this year. I'm sure there's good odds of it though. There was one my buddy winged on a windy day, we couldn't find him. I always look a long time, and if possible make a second loop through on the way back if possible. I'm not afraid to make reasonable shots over cattails hunting with a good dog. And as benelli banger taught me, when in doubt, double tap it out.
 
I’ve really tried to make it a point to immediately walk towards a down bird with zero hesitation just in case the dog didn’t see it down. In thick cover or if the dog didn’t necessarily flush it off the nose and didn’t see it at all it’s made a big difference. I’ve hesitated looking for the dog and then lose the exact spot I dropped it. Same time I’ve also learned to trust the dog more. She’s made some impressive recoveries this year

Obviously losing birds happens but I’ve walked some stuff damn near over my head where I’m almost hoping a bird doesn’t get up because I already don’t have confidence in finding it, and there’s your sign.
 
Goosemaster said:
That would essentially end my hunting.Montana terrain is different than Dakota.
Click to expand...
You must be a near invalid. I hunt MT all the time (as well as SD and ND), and there are few pieces of habitat that I can't enter. You seem to have little regard for the bird you're pursuing, given your say la vie attitude about losing them. I kick myself up one side and down the other if I take a shot and wound a bird that I probably should have let pass. Do you ever reflect on your behavior? You really don't seem to care, and have an excuse for everything that goes awry.
 
Funny how a couple/few adults can't just keep they mouths quiet about Goose. Don't like him so trash him every chance they get, keyboard tough guys with short man syndrome
 
hyresmack said:
Funny how a couple/few adults can't just keep they mouths quiet about Goose. Don't like him so trash him every chance they get, keyboard tough guys with short man syndrome
Click to expand...
I'll just assume you're referring to me. I'm far from a tough guy here, but I happen to find him unethical, and I think it should be called out. All of us lose birds, or have other things go south on a hunt. I'd like to think that most of us reflect on what just happened and try to improve the next time. A good portion of his posts are about shooting birds that he seems to know he won't find. He talks openly about dropping a pile of s*$t in the parking lot of a public hunting area. He seems proud that he won't pay a hotel's pet fee by sneaking his dogs into a room. He denigrates others for wearing orange, paying to hunt, spending more than $20 on shells, you get the point. His apparent pride is disconcerting to me, so I'll continue to respond where I see fit. I happen to believe that hunters should police themselves, given our dwindling numbers, and an often poor public perception.
 
Speak our peace? You mean piece? Whatever. I think he's genuine but at the same time plays you guys like cheap fiddles. Pretty comical.
 
hyresmack said:
Speak our peace? You mean piece? Whatever. I think he's genuine but at the same time plays you guys like cheap fiddles. Pretty comical.
Click to expand...
I have no doubt that some of his posts are made purely for reaction. I also think a lot of what he posts are indeed his actions in the field. The former is entertaining; the latter stuff is unethical. Since I can't know which he has chosen, I'll assume he's telling the truth all the time. See, I think he's genuine as well. I'm glad I can provide comic relief.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top