Opening Weekend

[Blind Dog]

I returned last night from three nights in the Oscoda County bush kinda tired and dirty but pleased with the experience. The weather wasn't the best; off on and on misty, blustery drizzle; but, improved yesterday as I was leaving of course. The birds were there, both woodcock and grouse; and, we did ok. Some pics below. First is Tom, the youngest and newest to the game and appointed "chef" naturally; next is Jeff, all prideful with his fan; last is the only Parker in the group with three of the little ones. Jeff, in his second year at it did very well with his 1100 and has a very good dog (a GSP, ok Rich?). We had one frosty night. The ferns are browned out but still up and hardly any leaves have fallen from the hardwoods yet; called for fast shooting. I'll be going back in a week, probably not roughing it.

[Roundsworth]

Hey Fred. We get a lot of rain up here, too. I shouldn't gripe. Every year, just before the small game opener, it starts to rain. I hit the woods when it isn't raining and have had good luck so far. My RBL is a joy to carry. My 2 Lifters weigh 9 pounds and 10 pounds. Our forefathers must've been real 'he-men' to carry those around all day! I hit the brush at sunrise and usually walk for 7 to 8 hours. I'll take a short lunch break, but that's it. The brush is still quite thick. I try to get in as many days as possible when it is tolerable out. When the temperature stays below 30 dgrees, my hands cannot take it, and my season is over. It is a drag, because that is when the leaves are all down. Oh well, I am retired, so I get to hunt when most people are at work. Good Luck! Cheers!

[C.O.B.]

Fred it's a big ok on the GSP. I did a preserve Quail hunt last weekend and Gunner my 13yr old GSP who is about as deaf as a dog can be got out for a day. He can barly hear the wistle but when i got his attention and waved my hat he would come. I'm scratching his ear as I type this post. His heart is all there, it's just hard to watch them get old

I get my CHE 20 back this weekend and am lookin forward to hunting some birds with it. it's been gone for over a year getting restocked.