Chasing roosters in Saskatchewan in December starts by keeping a close eye on the short term weather forecast. For the past week Thursday looked like it would be that window of opportunity to be able to wander the creeks. And it was - just needed a parka, balaclava, long johns and insulated bib-overalls. Now think about shouldering the GHE with all that gear !! Can't just bring it up, have to poke it forward and pull back into the shoulder, well padded with a lofty down filled parka. I practiced that so I would be ready when necessary but it was never necessary. We got to the creeks around 1:30. CHARLIE put up some huns and sharptails but no pheasants. We headed to an alfalfa field and all I could do was look at the roosters out there because there was a couple hundred yards of "nothing" between us, so no chance to get close. Another creek and lots of tracks but they make pretty thin soup. The sun was touching the horizon, so the day was coming to an end. A roosting spot I know of was about 15 minutes away, so we headed there and had a 15 minute hike through the snow, cattails and rose bushes. CHARLIE kept getting birdy but nothing. She lifted her nose skyward, scenting something exciting. Down the bank and across the ice to the other side. She stopped dead and was in hold mode. She was about 40 yards from me. I was not going to chance the ice. CHARLIE did her jump and flush move but nothing. Then she buried her head, shoulders and eventually chest into the snow and rose bush. She backed out with her pheasant. She wasn't quite sure what to do. She has a very soft mouth but predator instinct swiftly dispatched the bird. Now what. I tried to convince her to come back and bring the bird. She wandered back and forth, then dropped it and came back. She has never gotten the idea of retrieve. So, I made my way back and around and over a crossing and picked it up. We went back to the rolling kennel, cased the gun, fed and watered the four legged partners (KYRA is always along) and headed home in the dark. No shots fired but a good meal will still come out of this day's hunt. Thanks CHARLIE
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Cheers,
Jack
CHARLIE - 1 Jack - 0
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