Like Once It Was

Like Once It Was

I thank God most weekdays, and sometimes twice on Sunday, that there’s not a Trout Angler’s Sportsman Society. That, in modern matter, the fine art of fly fishing for species Salmo continues quietly and foremostly a gentleman’s endeavor, largely...
When a Zero Bar Cost a Nickel

When a Zero Bar Cost a Nickel

All grown up and reputable now, it’s time to be proper, to forget about catchin’ carp and all those boyhood memories, back when a Zero bar cost a nickel. I wish I wasn’t so sophisticated as I am, so I could just haul off in the daylight and find me a...
Half a Dog

Half a Dog

All his life he’d wanted such a bird dog, and finally he was getting one, though problem was, he could only have half of him and dang if he could decide which half he wanted. Two old friends, been longer together than shoe leather, out huntin’: The morning...
Everyone Needs a BB Gun

Everyone Needs a BB Gun

I’ve always had a few BB guns around the house, but now there’s a whole lot more, and I’m hungrily riding happy trails looking for the rest. I suppose if you’re going to revert to childhood, you might as well just get on with it, whole hog and all the daisies. My...
Great Dogs

Great Dogs

The most difficult part of nurturing a great dog is keeping yourself straight. I think of the dogs I have loved. Bird dogs. Yours and mine. I think of the ways I have loved them. This time, aside loyalty and devotion—almost a given within kind and understanding...
The Fishing Plug Man

The Fishing Plug Man

He was the best kept secret since the Trojans hid in the Horse. His name was W.C. Crissy; he was an august old codger from Little Rock, Arkansas, and his game was rare and valuable commodities. I say old and august. August for certain; old I’m not sure. For I...
Duel On Tabernacle Mountain

Duel On Tabernacle Mountain

Partridge and setter, each super-naturally gifted within his time. Bound within the all-consuming mission each was born for: to best the other. This story is true, as true as you wish it to be…as true as the truth of all the great grouse dogs and all the great grouse...