Bobwhite hunt in Central Texas

[AmarilloMike]

Hunted with an outfitter / friend in Central Texas. Moved twenty coveys Friday and eight on Saturday. We quit about two on Saturday as it was getting too hot for my dogs and their feet were sore from the rocks. We ran my French Brittanys almost all the time (at my request). Moved twenty coveys on a very cold Friday. My first quail hunt with an outiftter. We rode on a side by side Polaris buggy with big aluminum boxes on the back. When a dog went on point we dismounted and walked up the birds.

Normally the outfitter runs big motored English Pointers and English Setters. My Brittanys weren't bred for hunting from a Polaris but they did very well.

It was cold and wet and cold on Friday so I carried a slinged V. Bernardelli Elio 12 gauge. On Saturday I carried a slinged one frame Parker VH 16 with 28" barrels.

It just so happens that my guide breeds and trials French Brittanys and we ran his along with mine some of the time.

My two year old Buddy dog (didn't get a picture of him) got his feet under him. He turned into real bobwhite dog. Before this trip he was an avid songbird hunter and chaser. But by Saturday morning he wouldn't give a flushing songbird a second look 'cause he was looking for bobwhites! Saturday he pointed one covey at 30 yards. I managed to shoot one for him. He has always been a good retriever. A great sense of relief and gratitude came over me after I watched him turn into a bird dog this trip.

Y'all know how I hate to brag on my bird dogs but I know some of you have a keen interest in them and I try to keep you informed.

First picture is Red pointing a single in a cactus patch.

Second is of Red retrieving that single.

Third is also of Red retrieving the cactus patch single. He came down the road rut as far as he could to avoid cactus.

Fourth is Red on point with the guide's Ella backing

Fifth is of me going in to flush Red's bird.

Best,

Mike