Amen, Clark, and thanks for your friendship and encouragement. I know that I am blessed and grateful for it.

Oh how I've felt the frustration of seeing good solid bird work from a young dog, yet not being able to reward the pup with a downed bird. How many times have I missed the last bird of the season that I shot at, when it was a perfectly pointed bird? I feel so sorry at the time. And then I'm reminded how forgiving these beautiful creatures can be. And the next time or next year they come back with the same prey drive and work ethic if not more! One more life lesson learned from our 4 legged partners...and when we relax with them at the end of the day in front of the fire just know that all that twitching and galloping of the pups legs as they lay sound asleep is certainly a dream of working in the field, and likely a dream about chasing that darn bird we missed.
It's part of the bird dog rite of passage and Rill's so lucky to be able to experience it.

A 12 mile hunt is impressive, Garry. Glad your back home safe. I think I'm leaving Friday, one day early. I am very much exhausted after almost 3 weeks, we had only a half day off due to rain, at this point I think I would welcome a rain day.
I imagine quail season is opening soon in Missouri, hope it's a great season.

Harold, so glad your hunt went well. Bird seasons are open in Iowa and Missouri, and I’m hoping we find some flight woodcock in our coverts. The rut is in full swing here with heavy scrape checking. I’ve seen lots of bucks on our cameras, including a few bruisers. So much to do, so little time. Got a series of tests coming that will steal time, but we’ll do all we can.

Garry I just caught up on your posts and adventures in the north woods. You are strong man dealing with cancer and doing your best to pursue bird hunting with the pups. I am in awe of your mental strength and your dedication to your spouce and pups. We all experience set backs especially in our senior years but must power through them and you are a role model. Get well my friend.

Thanks, Craig, for your encouraging words. Life is not scripted as I know you are aware, too. As far as we know, we get only one crack at it, so it’s essential to “power through” the setbacks as you say. We’re not alone in our endeavors, and I’m grateful for the support I get — and try to offer — my colleagues here, some I’ve never met in person (but hope to someday).

Get that pup of yours as much action as you can…and don’t forget to “show and tell” us about it. See you at our annual meeting I hope.