Dove opener in Maryland
 

Nasty storm Ida blew through on Weds so it was a no go but Thurs was a typical post front day. High of 72* and windy with no humidity. Perfect weather for the dogs and me and sure made for some doves carrying the mail as they say. I started the day with my VHE 20 which has been my go to dove gun since 1970. Pushing 3/4oz/ 1150fps of 7 1/2's. I shot my first half limit with the old girl then switched off to another favorite a 20 Fox SW with 30" tubes. Funny thing is the VHE has only 26" barrels and is choked .019 and .023 and I really prefer her to a longer barreled gun because she is so nimble on those twisting, darting birds.

First pic- Two tired but happy pups
Second - Just chillin' waiting for more work

Looks like your dove fields were full of hunters! That parking lot looks full.

There were 15 of us spread out in a 240acre field.

That sounds like a great day Daryl. And the gray muzzled dogs. Love it.

Yep, those labs are getting long in the tooth. How old are they Daryl?





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They still look like pups to me! But I'm on the gray-faced side myself, so I may be biased.:)

I'm guessing they are between 11-12 years. You'd never know it by their energy in the field. Both are from rescues and simply have been great companions at home and in the field. Very rewarding experience working with them.

I should mention that the one on the left, a female, is named Fox. The other is named Parker and he is all male and one of the best upland dogs I have ever had the pleasure to hunt behind. He will hunt hard all 5 days in S. Dakota without missing a beat. Fox on the other hand is a very good retriever. Nothing gets away from her but she is not as tough as Parker.

Daryl, if you want to limit in the first 15 min - 30, shoot the Fox first! Then start on the Eurasions with the Parker... all my small Foxes are 28". I have A's with 32, another 30, and another 26, all 12. I think they all shoot the same, they're Foxes! Great dove shoot!

Chris, AZ

Great congrats ! Was that at New Mine Run ?

Very nice Daryl, great to see the pups starting another hunting season----nice shooting!!

Chris- Don't have to sell me on Foxes. I just love the way they handle and their chokes are amazing but I have a soft spot for the old Parker. Now as the season progresses I will carry the 32" SW 20 afield for the bigger, high flying migrants. Either way It's all good. I just wish we had your Eurasians and 24/7 seasons. I'd be in heaven.

Craig- No, it wasn't. It was on the eastern shore.