Maine Bird Hunting - Opening Day

October 1, 2010

Jack and John headed out early on this drizzly, overcast Friday morning and returned home to ATB by 8:30 a.m. with a very nice young hen pheasant.  Sitting down over a cup of coffee together I listened intently to hear the story and was not disappointed.  Jack had no trouble picking up the pheasant's scent and showed John a really nice stylist point.  The hen pheasant ran in the grass for a little bit while Jack held steady and John tried to flush.  She took flight and John took two shots, the second one bringing the bird down.  John released JackDog to retrieve the bird.  Jack quickly located the downed pheasant and brought her directly back to John's hand without any damage to the bird.  Relying on the weather forecast which had predicted heavy rains on Friday John had left the youngsters at home but wished later on they had accompanied him. It was not raining. (Anyone notice how 'off' the forecasts have been lately?  As I write the sun is coming, temperature and humidity are rising.)  When they returned back to ATB they were greeted exuberantly especially by Treasure who always has to get her nose in the middle of things.  I was reminded of last fall when Treasure was days away from whelping her first litter of pups and therefor missed out on going with Jack and John.  She checked the bird, John, Jack, the shotgun, the interior of the truck and truckbed out sufficiently and of course had to be in the middle of the picture taking such as pictured above!  I will be pouring through my favorite pheasant recipes !  Congratulations to Jack and John!