[Dean Weber]

Thus far this year I have had some really good days afield with friends. Yesterday was a Purdy good day as well. In addition to blooding a gun for the first time (Purdy 16ga), I was able to get out with my constant companion Oz and a good friend, Charelton.

Charlie is 83 years young. He is a skeet shooting mentor and an avid hunter. Charlie and I did 5 miles of walking with 2 spirited labs. We killed 2 limits of birds and had a wonderful talk to and from the hunting area. He has become one of my favorite conversationalists. Originally from upstate New York, his wife and him moved to SD 25 years ago to retire. However, I don't think he has retired at all considering his cowboying and contractor activities.

It started out as a 20 degree day with ice/sleet/fog with a wind. The pheasants were especially active in ditches and feeding areas throughout the day. We even flushed a nice covey of Prairie Chickens, which we are not allowed to take on this particular land (landowner's rules).

I was very pleased to get Oz out with Ellie/Charlie. Week prior, Oz hit a stick/pole or something while hunting deep grass and tore a nice hole in his chest. So, notwithstanding my wife's urging to NOT take Oz hunting, I couldn't leave him. Tried a chest protector which he hated but it kept him intact during this hunt. No harm done and another 5 flushes and retrieves for the tally.

BTW, the gun is 1920's with 28" Whitworth steel barrels weighing 6 pounds 5 oz. A delightful bird gun to carry and now has it's first harvest, at least with me.

Merry Christmas to the PGCA gang!