It's In the Air
 

Every year there is a day that let's you know it's getting close. Yesterday, CHARLIE and KYRA had a later than usual exercise run in the country. A hun stopped picking grit from the gravel road to fly a few yards into a field, as we were nearing one of our favorite spots. We stopped near a little used rail line and the two burst from the car in unison and made it a hundred yards down the dirt road before stopping for breath. The sun was low and within minutes it was a ball of fire on the horizon. There had been a vapour trail from a jetliner passing over that had dissipated and became gilded into the sunset colors. The dogs enjoyed jumping a couple ducks lazily floating in a shallow slough. They carried on chasing and being chased by a few avocets. We were in that magical half hour after sunset when many a game bird has been taken. The pungent odors of the country-side had that hint of fall and the air was crisp - not cold but a definite change from the last few weeks of more heat than a temperate zone person enjoys (probably cool for some southerners). Yesterday was the first day of 2010 that said time to make sure the huntin' irons are ready to go. Yes, it is still several weeks hence, but Mother Nature has served notice.

Cheers,
Jack

Jack ;My wife and I take a ride every evening ,you can always spot at least a handful of " Velvet Antlered Bucks " in the local corn patches and last week on her way to help her Mother on Tues. ,My wife spied an old Hen Grouse and eight baby chicks crossing the old dirt road as she took the back way into her Moms place ! Wonder how many will make it through the summer ?

All of em I hope!

Russ: Around this time of year a couple years back. 5 mulie bucks at 800 meters. They love the canola fields. Not much corn around this area.
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/cpg1...MG_9999sgw.jpg
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/cpg1...den_AB_sgw.jpg

I'm having a little trouble judging their racks without a good glass. The one on the far left and the one in the middle look to be the best and although the one in the center has a good spread I think I'll take the one on the far left just for his mass... what do you think Jack?

I'll take the 1 on the right he has the best backstraps.. ch

Now there's a practical deer hunter! :cheers:

I think you are both correct. I was helping a cousin with his haying operation as he had injured his back. Deer, moose, elk and bear all abound in the area. I was not there for the season but I suspect the backstraps have long since been enjoyed and at least two very good racks are on display over a ranch entrance or gracing a gun room. The locals who see this every day know exactly where to be as the sun is rising on opening day. If I had had the big lens with me that day, we could have a better image from which to determine the trophy vs the tender. My camera took a beating that week banging around in tractors, but I did get some great shots.

Cheers,
Jack

Most of all I love the fall... However, Columbia river salmon and steelhead runs are way above average and it really just got warm here this week. The stone flys are gone but but lots of fishing remains. I love to fish but pictures like this get me thinking of autumn. Thanks Jack

Whats canola look like. What kind on hay? ch