After work hunt. 90 mins. or so, super action packed.

Got on the chickens in about 20 mins. of hiking. Man they were running. I was walking, trying to slow them and get them to hold. Boss-cock stopped the bunch 30 yards before a cliff on this Finger mesa we were on. I got to sneak-n-peak from behind some thick stuff. Saw some stragglers under a bush goofing off. I sent one in their direction to get them to bust. After smoking those two on the ground, up came the big boys. Got a nice fat male going right, his buddy going left, two shots, two birds- but that one went over the side and I lost him. I think it was the Boss-cock I bagged judging on his size and his lead-out. Lost the ground shooters (more on that....)...WTF???

Went and got my bird. Took a seat. Chilled about 20 mins. Called them back. Oh and they came right back calling away like lost kids. I knew I had the Boss then. Comon back kids, some yummy stuff to eat over here!

Chase went back on, over and through some really ugly stuff. I missed 3 ground shots and 2 cork-screw Hail Mary's. Couldn't figure out why.

Well, I grabbed the wrong loads. #8, 7/8 oz. light trap loads! UGH! No wonder! #8 won't go very far in the breeze and certainly not through scrub.

I was super lucky to get this one- but I drilled him nicely with the old Winchester 1300 Defender pump at 25y w/ a fixed CYL bore choke, wicked fast right crossing shot between two big trees. 2 in the head and a bunch in the back, only two in the breast on one side. Folded him nicely.

Best 90. mins. I've spent in a long time.

Some tricky thick stuff. Lots of vertical drops and cliffs.

Gorgeous afternoon on the plateau.

Birds: fear THIS. Hehehehe....

Monster Gambles, what a plumper! ....since I live alone, this will do nicely.

Tough looking terrain in places. But sure is pretty.

Looks like that little fella will make a nice little meal.

Wow, stovey, this is progress. Congrats! Its been awhile since you had a photo with a shotgun and a bird in it.

Yum.

slimjim wrote:

Wow, stovey, this is progress. Congrats! Its been awhile since you had a photo with a shotgun and a bird in it.

Interesting point, and true!

Let's work on that, shall weeeeeee!?

Last year? I logged over 175 miles on my boots. I was averaging 9-12 miles hiking a hunt. I'd see and hear birds, but just no shots. I got worked. Once you get on them and the blood starts going, you pretty much go where they go...sometimes it's really ugly! Sometimes you pop out somewhere and go WTH is my truck?



Luckily I bumped them on the mesa...once they get down the side- buh-bye! Shoulda had two- his brother took a bad hop after I folded him, then over the side and down like 150'. Yote's will have one on me I guess....ugh!

I love the rush- still get it big time. Especially when the calls and songs are going and you are smack in the middle of them- and can't see a-one! I really respect these little guys and love the chase.

Public lands, smart birds....just you, your boots and a pop gun. Sneak-n-peak, pop-n-drop. Call 'em back. Do it again.

Good times.

Very nice pictures. Thanks for sharing. All the best...
Gil

Great work Stovey, and that little fella looks downright delectable mate. A good meal there for sure. Shame about his mate though. Was there any way you could drive around to the bottom of the drop and search him out?

Keep up the good work mate, it's great to see you are finally having some luck.

Vince wrote:

Was there any way you could drive around to the bottom of the drop and search him out? Keep up the good work mate, it's great to see you are finally having some luck.

Not a chance. It's public wild lands where I was. No roads in that spot. Gota hike in. Horses don't even like it there! He did a perfect 180 roll with a tucked wing, then spiraled/tumbled in a trail of feathers like a wobbly stone. Looked like for sure he'd hit the dirt, but the switchy breeze juuuust took him over the side....I ran over to it and it's vertical, super thick stuff. Even if I could get down there, I'd never find him. I don't give up easy on kills, I never give up on a cripple and will stop the hunt in case of one. But I'm 100% sure this guy was a stone so...the 'yotes get one on me!

And thanks mate! Cheers!