My First Parker

[Trey Miller]

I'd like to say hello. While I've only been a member for a few days now I'd like to say I'm more than impressed with this site and how it operates. I'll be honest I haven't always been a fan of doubles. In my early shotgunning years it was automatics with camouflage that really turned me on. Those days are long gone along with the lite beers and cheap liquor. Here's my short intro into bird hunting, doubles and more importantly Parker shotguns.

I bought my first bird dog at the ripe age of 25...I'm 30 now. No past experience with handling a bird dog but always new it was a true fit. My second dog came a year later as a surprise gift from my wife....surprise, another chore I thought! Two dogs have been a blessing actually, it's the only way to go. I've even got a third one in the works, a little English Setter that I can't wait to get. At 28 we moved to WV where I entered a professional program where I'm currently enrolled racking up $$$,$$$ in student loans. Moving to WV has been a blessing for my family, my education and my love for grouse hunting.

I shot my first grouse over my oldest dog when he was 1 year old...that's all it took, I was hooked. My father-in-law Dan, 40 years my senior, introduced me to the sport in upstate New York. Dan is a Parker man coincidentally. Owned them all his life and fortunately for me, he's taught me the same appreciation and liking that he has. Dan and I are lucky. We've struck up a father/son relationship that I doubt many true father/son's ever have.

So, I shot that first bird with a Browning o/u 20. It fit my 6'2" frame so poorly a sling shot would have suited me better. I shot a few grouse last year with it but I threw enough lead in the woods to cause groundwater contamination. I've always thought I was a decent shot, like every one of us on here, but this gun made me feel like an utter failure often missing the easiest of shots. Truth was it just didn't/doesn't fit me. So I did what any sensible person who is accumulating a lot of debt would do. I convinced my wife that I needed a Parker...makes since to me. So I bought a Parker. But, not just any Parker. My First Parker! A beautiful 1913, 16 ga Trojan. It's no high grade masterpiece but I think it's perfect. Best part is I've never shot straighter or had a gun fit me better. Needless to say I'm thrilled to join the club and I smile every time I take it out of it's case!

Below are a few photo's from this season with my new Parker. Hope you enjoy.

Thanks!