UP Parkers

[Harold Pickens]

Just returned from 14 straight days hunting grouse in the UP.I am exhausted, my dogs look emaciated, but we would go back tomorrow if we could. I met COB, alias Rich, on FRiday night for the traditional Friday fish fry, and then the next night at his cabin where I got to see a few of his Parkers, drank a little single malt(Laphroiag), and met his dog Daisy. I brought along my DHE 16 O frame and the scotch. Nice man, nice guns, nice dog!!! I got to see "Gunners Parker", a DHE 20,and a GH 16. Had a nice evening and look forward to future conversations.
Hunted one day with another Parker fan who was carrying an original AHE 20ga because he had fallen and rebroke the stock on his BHE(repro) fitted with 16ga barrels. Sorry, but I dont think I could carry an AHE in the grouse woods.
This may get me kicked out of the Parker club, but because of tennis elbow, I put away the VH 16 and started carrying a little Lion Country Ugartechea 20 (5 1/4 lbs), and shot better than I have ever shot any gun. In 2 days, I shot 11 times at 10 grouse and killed 9--a feat I doubt i will ever repeat. I have already reserved my cabin for 2 weeks next year.