Minnesota Recovery

[Harold Pickens]

Garry, so sorry to hear about the cancer treatments, had no idea. Been wondering how you were doing in Minnesota. That fall air is good for the body and soul. Been looking forward to Elaine's photos.
Perspective from the UP:
grouse numbers do seem down from last year, but are still good.
Birds are running on more points than not, often hearing them run off and seeing them run. The dogs dont break hard, but just cat walk, or walking on eggs, but that is often enough to make the birds fly.
Been hunting 12 days now and have worn the edge off. Still have 10 more days if the body holds up. Been finding alot of new productive covers.
Stay strong

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Harold Lee Pickens

Garry, so sorry to hear about the cancer treatments, had no idea. Been wondering how you were doing in Minnesota. That fall air is good for the body and soul. Been looking forward to Elaine's photos.
Perspective from the UP:
grouse numbers do seem down from last year, but are still good.
Birds are running on more points than not, often hearing them run off and seeing them run. The dogs dont break hard, but just cat walk, or walking on eggs, but that is often enough to make the birds fly.
Been hunting 12 days now and have worn the edge off. Still have 10 more days if the body holds up. Been finding alot of new productive covers.
Stay strong

I'm not sure I've seen the birds as consistently skittish as we've encountered this year. The dog will indicate scent and the bird gets up 20-30 yards away. We did have better luck on Monday with 17 flushes...and of course, I missed my only shot It has been windy with a couple of days of all day rain. Almost all leaves are down. In past years the 3rd week still has some leaves and color. Not this year. All years are individuals, just like people...and pups.

Harold, you are in such great shape to be able to go so long and so hard. Elaine would divorce me...IF I could do that. We've had several 10 mile-plus days, and boy, do I feel it the next day.

I'm just glad to be here, or as my old boss would say (he had cancer, too), "I'm just glad to be anywhere!"

Be safe, Harold, and give those pups of yours a hug from me and Elaine.

(A photo of Aspen pointing a swan. No, I did not shoot it for him)