Took a good friend from Church out on Saturday afternoon (we have been busy during the mornings). First time he had been out to a club, and first time he had been out hunting in Illinois (of which I apologized profusely on behalf of the state of Illinois...). I normally don't like hunting in the afternoons - seems the birds are not as active - and/or I am just not used to their habits in the afternoons. We did OK, though, putting up 9 birds. I took a nice sized rooster as a highlight to my day, though not because I actually was able to hit a rooster (amazing enough for me...).
Sadie had a nice point on it in a clump of cover, and it spooked, Cackled at her, then flushed. I took it on a single shot, to the wing. It found it's legs quickly and bolted, Sadie in pursuit (with a "Fetch!" command from me) into the woods we were hunting on the fringe of. As Sadie gave chase (whining as she does when she is on a bird), I got to chat a little with my friend, and his son. Soon enough the whining stopped, and I was able to tell them - "She's got it!". She emerged from the woods, bird in mouth, looking her in the face. We all chuckled a bit (I believe they both said, "Wow - good dog").
Although my buddy didn't get a bird, I think he will be back. It has been 8-years since he hunted upland, so I can imagine it takes a while to get the rhythm of shooting back. We had fun though, and Sadie is really coming into her own (she is still not yet 2.5 years old).
We have 2-more hunts planned for March before the end of the season. |