I had an absolutely wonderful first two hunts, with my middle son and his lovely wife. Weather was too nice. A cool wave with lows in the lower 50’s caused a lot of our birds to depart. With the heat returning I expect a reverse migration of sorts, some next week will be better. Where we had almost a thousand birds feeding two weeks ago, was down to just a hundred to hundred and fifty. So no big waves, but mostly singles and pairs spread out over most of a half day. Limits were taken but shooting was less than perfect. Took me 37 shells with my late uncles Crescent .410, opening day. Day two was better with my 42. Son shot a 20 gauge model 12 opening day and Ruger 28 day two. Daughter in law used her Bernelli which she uses for everything both days. I don’t hunt Sundays.

Most appreciated was my dog who got to retrieve every bird. Without her more than a dozen would have been lost I’m afraid. She even found several which fell into a hedge row that we had no hope of searching properly. To say my dog and I were both delighted would be an understatement. A lab can smile, with a Dove in its mouth, and wag its rear so hard her back end almost passes her front, as she brings birds back. That was her. Head held high, with excitement everywhere.

Last year she missed most of Dove season, being off to the breeders. Next week her son gets his first hunt. I look forwards to that. Mom gets Teal in the morning and son gets Dove in the afternoon. You need to pass it on to your children and your dogs “children”, I have found. I honor my late uncle by shooting his .410 crescent, opening day and now take my kids and soon my dog’s offspring as well. Wishing everyone good hunts and good, clear memories of great times.