Woodcock Days

Woodcock Days

The best hunting spots are secrets among friends, where a bird in the bag is just a bonus. A mist conceals these mountains. They are gray like bone. The sun will not rise above them for another hour, and yet it is eight o’clock. This is a favorite spot. I find...
Dog Eyes: Windows to the Soul

Dog Eyes: Windows to the Soul

Gaze into the eyes of a dog. When they are deep and clear, when they pulse for the hunt like bellowed coals and the reflections in them flash like lightning with the restless lights of life on fire. And where do you find tranquility? A restoration of spirit, a calming...
The Meat Dog

The Meat Dog

“Any dog courageous enough to bust himself up to point a bird for me earns my respect. And it is for their tireless and gritty hard work that I am forever grateful.”

Canine Myths and Misconceptions

Canine Myths and Misconceptions

I used to think that everyone who’s ever owned a dog considers him- or herself an expert on canine behavior. Upon further review, however, I’ve amended that opinion. I now think that everyone who’s ever been around a dog considers him- or herself an expert on canine...
Ready to Go

Ready to Go

As I have mentioned numerous times in these columns, I’m a dog on the go. I stand ready to move and head outdoors at the drop of a hat, or make that the mention of key words. While Mike thinks I’m just lying on the couch and sleeping, I’m observing and listening for...
Changing Hunting Focus

Changing Hunting Focus

Well, it is time to change gears and go in search of pheasants, sharptails and huns. I’ve been hiking in sage brush and through dense forests for the past month. The target on my treks and hunts — grouse. OK, Mike and his friend, Marlon, have managed to bring down a...
Noisy Noises of Birdy Birds

Noisy Noises of Birdy Birds

Around my house these days and nights, it’s nonstop quacking and quacking as the duck season approaches. The loud noises are enough to drive any dog crazy. Around my house these days and nights, it’s nonstop quacking and quacking as the duck season approaches. When I...
Checking the Calendar

Checking the Calendar

The calendar wasn’t going fast enough from August to September — so I took the initiative to take it down myself! The other week, I was passing through Mike’s office when I noted his calendar was still on the August page. I know bird hunting seasons open in...
Clayton Flowers

Clayton Flowers

Never said nothin’ to nobody,’ folks said of Clayton Flowers. But he’d talk to me, about livin’ and even about dyin’. I’ll tell this the way Clayton Flowers told it once to me. Clayton was an old man himself then, the deeper side of...