BlueSky Rooster
Member
Well, sorry this is so late as basketball, volleyball and softball for my kids seems to use up any available time. But here goes a summary of how our season went.
In the area we hunt, I'd say the birds were up at least 50%. I did not keep as accurate of records as I usually do, but I'd say I hunted roughly 25 to 30 days. I only hunt with my dad and brother in law as none of us like to do the big group madman lost march. No fun in my opinion and takes the sport part out of it. We walk most of the day. Some days we walk 15 miles, some days 10. I'm 42 now and I find that I enjoy the sport just as much now as I did when I was 16, if not more. I was encouraged by the birds this year since our previous 13 years have been very rough. Two years ago was better, last year even better and another improvement this year. Unfortunately in Kansas , it can't get back to the way it used to be. Too much habitat is gone for good and there is not nearly the grass as there once was. Grass is the king. Not draws, fence rows or old farmsteads. But true, native, good for the soil grass. Other habitat helps but they can only sustain a certain amount of birds. I was encouraged by the amount of birds we saw this year and I did get relief that we will be able to continue the sport that we all care about dearly. Timely rain and bugs in my area have been helpful and because of this we did have some very enjoyable hunts. Last days of the season we were able to shoot a 3 man, 3 day limit and we worked very hard for them. I believe my brother in law tracked us at walking 21 miles that last day. Of course some of that was walking roads to get to our spots where the roads were too muddy. I'm hopeful for next season and no.matter what, we'll be out there. I've forgotten how fun it is to be birdy most of the day and actually anticipating a bird at the end of each field, instead of being shocked I saw one. I do think Kansas has a chance. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I was able to spend with my dad, my kids and my brother in law in the great state of Kansas this year. It was a joy to watch my dog and work with him. And man o man it was a joy blasting some birds. Even if there's 1 billion birds out there or only one left, I'll be looking for him. Good luck to all and hope for some timely rains and mild weather. We will see what happens in the fall. Take care.
In the area we hunt, I'd say the birds were up at least 50%. I did not keep as accurate of records as I usually do, but I'd say I hunted roughly 25 to 30 days. I only hunt with my dad and brother in law as none of us like to do the big group madman lost march. No fun in my opinion and takes the sport part out of it. We walk most of the day. Some days we walk 15 miles, some days 10. I'm 42 now and I find that I enjoy the sport just as much now as I did when I was 16, if not more. I was encouraged by the birds this year since our previous 13 years have been very rough. Two years ago was better, last year even better and another improvement this year. Unfortunately in Kansas , it can't get back to the way it used to be. Too much habitat is gone for good and there is not nearly the grass as there once was. Grass is the king. Not draws, fence rows or old farmsteads. But true, native, good for the soil grass. Other habitat helps but they can only sustain a certain amount of birds. I was encouraged by the amount of birds we saw this year and I did get relief that we will be able to continue the sport that we all care about dearly. Timely rain and bugs in my area have been helpful and because of this we did have some very enjoyable hunts. Last days of the season we were able to shoot a 3 man, 3 day limit and we worked very hard for them. I believe my brother in law tracked us at walking 21 miles that last day. Of course some of that was walking roads to get to our spots where the roads were too muddy. I'm hopeful for next season and no.matter what, we'll be out there. I've forgotten how fun it is to be birdy most of the day and actually anticipating a bird at the end of each field, instead of being shocked I saw one. I do think Kansas has a chance. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I was able to spend with my dad, my kids and my brother in law in the great state of Kansas this year. It was a joy to watch my dog and work with him. And man o man it was a joy blasting some birds. Even if there's 1 billion birds out there or only one left, I'll be looking for him. Good luck to all and hope for some timely rains and mild weather. We will see what happens in the fall. Take care.