Best Day Afield

[Brett Hoop]

Giving a single “Best Day” would be impossible. I have been blessed to have been started right by a hunting family that owned property managed for wildlife probation. And traveling for additional hunting was just a normal course of planning. Further blessed with an understanding wife that has allowed me to “make a plan”. Many plans, many dreams, many places.
Currently nothing drives me more than a young Setter working a covert where grouse, and as Evans called them cock, make a life. I am my best and feeling most alive watching a young dog quartering, head high and out in front. When that dog stacks up in a scent induced quivering trance or I can see his wheels turning trying to figure out just what to do about a moving grouse, I know he is living out his dreams while fulfilling mine. Those are best days. We do something everyday to work for those best days.

Harold Pickens and I work on doing our part and shoot a few sport clays those are best days.

As C.OB. Says the best grouse gun is the next one, I try and make tomorrow the best one.

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Brett Hoop

I try and make tomorrow the best one.

Brett, your entire post was excellent, but this last phrase in particular is most poignant for me. Thanks for your post.

[mobirdhunter]

Phil, Thanks for taking the time to write this down to share with us. Do you by chance have a photo from that day?

Reading over these responses reminds me of just how much more hunting is than taking game. Too bad non-hunters — and especially anti-hunters — don’t (or won’t try to) understand this.