Got to spot #1, dawn approacheth, windy, cold, muddy and wet. Hmm, coveys could be anywhere. Swell. Sun comes up and no little buddies. Got out and kick some bushes for a few, no one home. Off to spot #2. There they are!
Hop out, bust the covey flapping my arms and send them off in smaller groups, I dont fire on or near big covey rises. Pick my players, they are coming up in every direction, dove too, and jacks! Faak! I want QUAIL, everyone else go home!
And, I miss.
Over and over and over and, not one hit.
Let this spot cool down, back to #1, yank the skeet choke, in goes the Mod, find an old car hood, perfect pattern, no holes, it aint the gun!
It's been 10 mos since I've shot the Benelli auto 20, I'm rusty, my nose is running- etc. I'm choking....gotta settle down.
Back to #2, birds galore, find some to flush into more open stuff, 3 come up, pop! Down she goes and in my belt. Rinse and repeat 10 mins later, pop!, plop. One shot drops, clean kills.
Things are getting spread out and they are on to me but not before I corrall some on a fringe, some back-flush, get the wind and are gone to the side, one crosses left @ 30y and is really moving and -pop! Down like a spinning sack of taters. 3 shells, 3 birds, all is well.
My belt's kinda full, time out to dress the kill, think about going back for more but...hip says no, time for a pill, save some for next time, etc. These fat puppies sauteed in cream of mushroom, peppers and onions will make a nice meal with whipped garlic taters, veggies and some cold one's. First 3 ofr 2010 and things are looking REALLY good.
Happy Quail opener everyone!