Well, today was the first day of small game season here in Michigan. I took Hunter out this afternoon after work. Ran into a couple other people in one of my favorite spots so we went elsewhere. Hard to see those Partridge with all those leaves on the trees still. Hunter did good though. He ran onto the first grouse but then he realized what we were there for and got his game face on. We ended up getting 3 grouse today and had alot of fun doing it. There are alot of birds this year but the normal places are not there this year. All the berries have long gone so we hit the edges of the swamp. There are still a few woodcock around but we like the grouse much better. We are headed out in the morning again. Who knows maybe we'll find some more.

I had wanted one of these dogs for so long, to be my hunting partner. So five years ago right after my Grandmother passed away I decided it was time. I found a pheasant farm in Hillman who had a litter for sale. I wanted a patched one. When I got there there were only 7 solid livers and one liver white male in view. I really wanted a female. I was talking to them and kept thinking about the male because of his markings. Then they said there was one more girl but they couldn't find her. We looked all around and she was locked up on point right at their pheasant coop. She was liver patched and ticked! Just what I wanted. Plus obviously was very much into the birds. I picked her up and she put her head down on my shoulder. I took that as a sign that she was the one for me! She has been like a second skin to me here at home as well as being a bird busting hunter. She also helped with my Grandmother's passing! God Bless these animals! They are the best.