I long for the smell of Autumn, the earthy scent of drying leaves, the rustle of those that have yet to desend. I miss the October wind, and with it the cold rain that promises downed leaves and rustic trails.
The Steel grey sky that comprises a November day, as you and the dog bracket from the chill, hoping to catch just one more scent trail on his nose, and a chance for a flush before the flurries begin.

The sound the ruffed makes as it takes flight with a start, and the scent of a #6 as the shot echoes in the wood. The startled look on your lab, and the disappointment in his eyes when you don't make the shot. it is as if he's saying, "hey, I did my job, you missed yours".

I miss the stillness of the wood on a windless day, when your every step sounds as if it amplified, calling to the rabbits, "hey, here I am!!!" When the sound of the lonely woodpecker sounds like a jackhammer.
Soon the season will be upon us, with all it's delight. Canvas and Cordura blending together, dog hair and Blued steel working in unison.

What is it that makes an upland hunter treasure the season more than any other species of hunter? Is it the season itself, or the scents I have described? Is it the quietness of the noisey wood, the concentration of your dog, or just being there and being envoloped by the thrill of the hunt?

Pheasant or grouse, rabbit or hare, wood or prairie, flusher or pointer, it is the hunt that we all long for all year. The days spent with friends, dogs and family, and the memories built on those days.

Just a few thoughts on this hot July day.

Best,

Chris~

I hear you Chris. I'm ready for cooler days and fewer bugs. Happy hunting. Q

Chris,
I know I wouldn't hunt chukar much if I didn't have my dogs. They aren't trained at it, so it's just the instinct in them, and they have much more fun than any human I've seen. So for me, it's the thrill it gives the dogs. The chukars at the end are just a bonus.

I have always thought, that the sport was about the dogs, and NOT the game.

There is nothing better in life to envy than a dog in the field. They are at peace, and as happy as a dog can be, doing what they do best.


Every once in a while, if you watch them really close, you'll see them smile.

I have always thought, that the sport was about the dogs, and NOT the game.



You've been watching me shoot Chris.

You've been watching me shoot Chris.

nah, just reflecting on myself....:p

Good post.
The one thing that starts it all up for me is seeing and hearing the first flights of Canadians flying down to the coast of Texas.
To me, that is amazing, that these geese return every year to the same fields at the same time.
The Good Lord knew what he was doing.
Those flights signal the coming of fall to me. They are beautiful to see.
I don't have a hunting dog any more. My mutt, Duggie, acts like he knows what he's doing sometimes. but he loves to chase rabbits and armadillos, does that count?

Sure does, as long as He and you enjoy it.

My Health Is Better in November
Thus saith Havilah Babcock

Not to mention Corey Ford and the Lower Forty Hunting, Fishing, and Inside Straight Society.

Thanks, Chris -- thanks for the memories.

The Old Guy

Thank you. I needed that.