Whos headed west opening day? Not me.

D

duckn66

Well-known member
Only been west one time on opening weekend and that was when I was a kid. My dad delivered one of his labs to a guy from Colorado and we met him in Colby and hunted with him for what was supposed to be all weekend.

I was about 12 or 13 at the time. My lab was a littermate to the one we delivered. It was the first time hunting with a dog of my very own and I worked with him all summer. Never will forget that time. It is the reason why I don't head west on opening day and won't ever. The group of hunters were clueless about dogs and all drank between fields. Sunday morning my dad and I headed home before there was a hunting accident.

Anyway, I have my opening day for KS all figured out. Headed SE with my wife and 3 pointers to hunt some old familiar ground. Going to sight see, remember days of the past with lots of birds while a new generation of dogs scour the land for quail. No westward migration for me.
 
I generally don't head out west until after Thanksgiving at the earliest.
The dogs and I will be after quail closer to home.
 
Will be heading west again this year. Brother visited and talked to farmers this past weekend. We join their family on opening day and stay for a few extra. His scouting report was that lunch in the barn would be very good, if we're lucky we might see a bird or two. Expecting nothing as far as birds go, but will enjoy time spent with great friends and family.
 
I still haven't decided. I get a preview the week before as I'm taking my boys out for the youth opener. Some friends want to buy birds and release them, just like we did last year. While that's a great time, I'd much rather go chase the wild ones......UNDECIDED.
 
Yeah, I'm going. I always go, even when it's just for a walk due to lack of birds.
 
I'll be headed west, sort of. West of where I live, but not necessarily what I consider western Kansas. This will be our second year to spend the opener in this area, and I think it will be a little better than last year. These last two years its been more about the social stuff and maintaining the connections for future years when the birds are again plentiful.

Wht truly sucks is that my dog is in her prime years right now. She's 5 years old. I'd love to see what she could do if there were some birds around.
 
matto said:
I'll be headed west, sort of. West of where I live, but not necessarily what I consider western Kansas. This will be our second year to spend the opener in this area, and I think it will be a little better than last year. These last two years its been more about the social stuff and maintaining the connections for future years when the birds are again plentiful.

Wht truly sucks is that my dog is in her prime years right now. She's 5 years old. I'd love to see what she could do if there were some birds around.
Click to expand...

Well, on the bright side, you are not trying to start a pup with low bird numbers.
When numbers are low is when a dog in it's prime is at it's best.
 
We'll be headed west, because that is what we do.

I guess we could stay home and watch chick flicks on Lifetime, but that just isn't fun.
 
cheesy said:
We'll be headed west, because that is what we do.

I guess we could stay home and watch chick flicks on Lifetime, but that just isn't fun.
Click to expand...

Yep, we are going too. If we don't then another tradition dies. I will be going out thursday before and an staying till tuesday. I have added in bow hunting for deer to supplement the rooster hunting. I also going to hang stands for the gun season too.

Gotta play the cards we have been dealt this year.

Get out there and Kick'em UP!
 
SetterNut said:
Well, on the bright side, you are not trying to start a pup with low bird numbers.
When numbers are low is when a dog in it's prime is at it's best.
Click to expand...

I know that feeling, this is my pups third season. Thankfullt ge gets to work some birds in MT every season. Low bird numbers have given him the opportunity to excel on the waterfowl side though.
 
Well I'll be heading west but flying right over while you guys are hitting the fields. Work trip to Vegas. Hopefully I can still afford to make the trip the following weekend :D
 
I will be making the trip as usual with or with out birds. We are taking a handful of youth out on the 2nd to an area we produced birds from last year. Hopefully there are still a few so the cubbies can get a shot. Our group is dwindling for opening weekend due to the low numbers but there will still be a burban full of us die hards that are excited as if it were christmas and we were five all over again. Good luck to everyone enjoy ur trip the best you can.

JF
 
i dont yet know what ill be doing havent decided. Either i go to a game farm or go NE Kansas. No more west that Maysville lol. Then 2nd weekend out to Clay Center.
 
I am excited to be heading out west. I have been going out there for over 20 years now and i would not give it up if i had too. Over the years i have found some honey holes that i like to go to but west is were it all began for me. Some years are better than others but that is just the way it is. We seen the fewest birds in all my time out there last year but it made it all that much better when we did find them. Good luck to everyone and be safe.
 
I got free from work but the usual buds I have hunted with for years are either working or are honestly getting to where they just dont go as much anymore. I plan on goin out for at least a day , day and a half. I didnt even get a hotel for this year but will probably get on the phone here in a few.
 
As of now after running my dogs 3 successive weekends, my motivation to go opening weekend has dwindled to about 0.

Im more excited to walk miles in the hopes of seeing a prairie chicken. I'll probably at least see some of those everyday if I try for them.
 
I'm headed south at 0430 in the morning after getting off work at 1100. I won't be able to sleep tonight!
 
on I-70 now and headed west. heart is racing and getting more and more excited with every mile that passes. good luck to all and be safe
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top