The Pheasants are Flying!

The crisp cool air of the morning blows through my hair as we are greeted by the dogs that will be working with us this morning. The energy is high on this 48 degree morning and the pups know they will soon be in the field working.  They run and play as we unload our shotguns and put on our field attire. We have a great group of people going to hunt these birds this morning but first we warm up in the skeet area. 

I struggle to get the hang of my shotgun as it is the first time I've used this one.  It is lighter and will be easier for me to carry all day. The Huntsman picked it out for me just for that reason, knowing that navigating the corn and tall grasses of the field would be a challenge for my short frame, a lighter gun is one less challenge for me.  After a few shots, I quickly get the feel for this shotgun, my excitement builds.   As the clay pigeons fly the dogs start to whimper with excitement- they know we will be going soon! We finish our practice shots then head to our bus that will take us to the field; the dogs have already beaten us to the bus and have claimed their seats.

We have a short drive to get to our first field.  We all get out and  pups are anxious to run and I'm excited too!  This is my first pheasant hunt in many, many years and it is The Huntsman's first one.  We start our adventure- I'm on the right flank with The Huntsman to my left. Almost immediately the dogs are on a bird and flush a rooster, he's beautiful he's our first success of the day.  We continue on, adrenaline pumping, three more roosters up and a hen fly against the early sun . the right side of our line is successful, however, our side has had no shots yet-but its still very early!!

We move onto our next field, this time we did not flush a single bird- hmmm. I was hopeful but nervous, this is a hunt nothing is guaranteed.   The dogs are mesmerizing to watch, they know their job and do it well. We continue on to our next field, the dogs start to point-incredible! A rooster flushes, his wings so loud it sounds like many birds, he flies our way, The Huntsman has a shot- boom! He got him!! It’s his first pheasant and he's large and stunning. We both cheer and the support from the other hunters is wonderful! Everyone congratulating The Huntsman on his first bird, such wonderful people! I’m so proud, so happy for him!  We finish walking our field then move onto the next one.  Our group has had wonderful success so far, but id like to be successful too!!

We set up again, this time I’m on the outside left, I’m feeling good and excited. A rooster flushes, he heads our way- I pull up my gun as The Huntsman does too, we both shoot, we get him!! Go Team!  We both have had success and feel a great sense of accomplishment!  We both get a few more shots and before we know it our limit has been reached!

As a group we all are successful and the other hunters are very supportive as we both experience this new hunt.  We are all smiles when we head back to our bus, all of us tired especially the pups who are rewarded for their work.  We leave with a wonderful experience, great memories as a couple, new friends and food for our family- there is truly nothing better.