carptom1
Well-known member
So BrownDogs had mentioned to me that he was planning to go to South Dakota and wanted to know if I wanted him to pick me up on his way north. Well my wife had put the kabosh on most any trip in December due to kids college graduation and party along with other family obligations. So I secured an ok and we were off. Here’s a reflection of our recent trip:
The Good
There are still plenty of birds around and although many were missing some tail feathers due to the ice, we still saw plenty. My little Pudelpointer sure took a big step forward. In October she had to be coaxed to retrieve, but not this time. She made several retrieves and was marking very well. She was unsure how to pick them up before, but she full body grabbed these perfectly and even tackled a wounded one that was fighting with her. Got multiple points and she hunted the cover well and attacked the cattails with aggression. At 11 months I couldn’t be any more satisfied. After she settles down a bit I think she will be good. I also enjoyed watching Aaron’s dogs. The chessie is a tank in the cattails and the Boykin hunted well. Three dogs in a hotel room was fun at times. I also went 3 for 3 with some cheap steel with no cripples. I was going to brag about that, but after the last day I cannot.
The Bad
Food in Aberdeen sucks for the most part.
Having Covid twice this year and being overweight sucks. I have to be better or I will be done in a few short years. Getting a bolt in a tire and having to change it while hunting. Hunting in 40 plus mph wind and snow.
The Ugly
My shooting was beyond bad on the last day. I can blame it on being tired, switching to lead shells I was unfamiliar with after going 3for 3 with cheap steel, being out of shape I really don’t know. I literally went 0-3 in about ten minutes on waay easier shots then the day before in high wind. So at the end of the day I had a chance to redeem myself. Raven was working birds in the cover and we headed towards the cut corn. You know the spot, right where the cover is pinching to the corner of the corn. There isn’t always a bird there, but whe there is it’s always a rooster. Boom she locks up on it a the very edge. I walk up and son of a bitch I missed it too. Worst couple hrs I can ever remember. Oh well at least I didn’t cripple them. I know I got in my head and started aiming. I was actually glad when it was over. I just wish I could have completed the deal for her. She really worked hard for the three days
I envy you guys that live close to good hunting. I guess it’s probably some game farm work the rest of the year. Unless I can con my way north in January
The Good
There are still plenty of birds around and although many were missing some tail feathers due to the ice, we still saw plenty. My little Pudelpointer sure took a big step forward. In October she had to be coaxed to retrieve, but not this time. She made several retrieves and was marking very well. She was unsure how to pick them up before, but she full body grabbed these perfectly and even tackled a wounded one that was fighting with her. Got multiple points and she hunted the cover well and attacked the cattails with aggression. At 11 months I couldn’t be any more satisfied. After she settles down a bit I think she will be good. I also enjoyed watching Aaron’s dogs. The chessie is a tank in the cattails and the Boykin hunted well. Three dogs in a hotel room was fun at times. I also went 3 for 3 with some cheap steel with no cripples. I was going to brag about that, but after the last day I cannot.
The Bad
Food in Aberdeen sucks for the most part.
Having Covid twice this year and being overweight sucks. I have to be better or I will be done in a few short years. Getting a bolt in a tire and having to change it while hunting. Hunting in 40 plus mph wind and snow.
The Ugly
My shooting was beyond bad on the last day. I can blame it on being tired, switching to lead shells I was unfamiliar with after going 3for 3 with cheap steel, being out of shape I really don’t know. I literally went 0-3 in about ten minutes on waay easier shots then the day before in high wind. So at the end of the day I had a chance to redeem myself. Raven was working birds in the cover and we headed towards the cut corn. You know the spot, right where the cover is pinching to the corner of the corn. There isn’t always a bird there, but whe there is it’s always a rooster. Boom she locks up on it a the very edge. I walk up and son of a bitch I missed it too. Worst couple hrs I can ever remember. Oh well at least I didn’t cripple them. I know I got in my head and started aiming. I was actually glad when it was over. I just wish I could have completed the deal for her. She really worked hard for the three days
I envy you guys that live close to good hunting. I guess it’s probably some game farm work the rest of the year. Unless I can con my way north in January
