Family pheasant hunt in Canada

[Richard Whitfield]

We had our annual pheasant hunt on October 11th this year. Usually there's a mix of friends and family, but due to work schedules, this year it was just me, my dad, and a cousin. There's normally an odd assortment of vintage doubles as well, but this year I was the only one carrying a vintage double.

I started the hunt with a pre war Browning Superposed pigeon grade. It was set up for trap shooting with a step rib and full over full chokes. At some point though, the bottom barrel was opened to Mod. I had good success with that gun, but switched over to a Parker for most the hunt.

The Parker is a straight stocked GH on a 1 1/2 frame. It has damascus barrels and is choked full and mod. It was manufactured in 1905 and weighs in at a scant 6.6lbs. That gun was like absolute lightning on the birds.

The Parker is a little rough. Its action needs tightening and there's a couple small bulges in one of the barrels, but it shoots true and is a delight to carry. At some point I'll have it sent off for some repairs, but for now I baby it and love it for what it is.