A rooster flushed and I dropped it. Daisy was on it in two seconds. As soon as she pounced on the bird, another rooster flushed underneath her! I thought it was the bird I shot (thinking I hadn't killed it). I shot and missed, but the first bird was still there. Even Daisy seemed shocked by the bizarre sequence of events. Not bad for an 11 month old pup. The best news was that even though I didn't hit everything I shot at, Daisy retrieved everything I hit. No lost birds. I had two lost the other day. I hate that. I hope some hawk or coyote ate well. I called Bobby to tell him the good news as I was walking back to the truck, and Daisy flushed three more birds. One of them was after a solid 10 second point. She only broke after I told her to "get it". This is the first time I've seen her actually point on a live bird. I haven't been working with her on doing this. When she's birdy, I circle around her trying to cut off a running bird and make it fly, but since I just watched her work the last few, the "Pointing Lab" trait was quite evident. It was pretty cool. Anyway, here's a few shots after the hunt. Take care. Joe
Taking the time to set up a quality photo like this reflects the tranquility of the hunting available in this organization. Here is what was said in the note accompanying this photo: "2 Passes through a CRP field (4 birds) would have had them faster except my ability to shoot was lacking. Dogs second year hunting (7 years old). Every hunting trip so far had the opportunity to shoot at least two birds. Only once ran into another hunter on the properties (a MAHA member)." The next season he sent us the letter and photos below. Dear John,As another pheasant/quail season comes to a close, I sit back and think about how fortunate I have been to hunt and fish in Kansas and Missouri.
I have now been a member of MAHA for three years. I joined initially because I absolutely hated dealing with the crowds, trash and poor success found on public hunting and fishing areas. I wanted my eight-year-old son to experience the tranquility and pleasure hunting and fishing can provide. What my son observed was his dad becoming frustrated, angry and disenchanted with hunting/fishing the public lands, while dealing with the myriad of unpleasant personalities of people competing for limited hunting space. I was introduced to MAHA by a co-worker. Initially, it seemed more than my budget would allow, but after considering the resources (time, effort and money) one actually spends to hunt or fish, it seemed much more reasonable. I reluctantly joined, but can now, honestly say, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My experience with the MAHA organization has been wonderful. the management has been extremely courteous and helpful. the advice and assistance provided by the staff always set me up for success. I greatly appreciate everything they have done for me. They truly run a first class operation. I am not the best hunter to walk the Great Plains, but I do consider myself a very ethical hunter. That cannot be said for everyone. I like MAHA's way of determining membership. I like the fact I am sharing hunting/fishing areas with others, whom like myself, respect the environment, respect local, state and federal fish and game laws, respect the landowner's property and who hold a deep regard for conservation measures and established safety regulations. I believe I'm part of an organization whose members are people who love the outdoors as much as i do and see hunting and fishing as a privilege and not a right. My work will take me away from Kansas within the next few months, but will maintain my membership with the Association. Although my days of following my Labs through the CRP fields will be fewer, my boy and i will still make an annual pilgrimage to the Heartland to enjoy the heart stopping crackle of a flushing of a rooster pheasant or the adrenaline surge you get in anticipation of the flock of mallards dropping into your decoys. Again, John thanks for providing an invaluable service. Anything I can do to help make the Association stringer let me know. I'm at your service. Joseph Joe again sets up good photos of his dogs. Any hunter that takes this much pleasure hunting with his son and his dogs truly has found the tranquility that hunting has to offer. |
Today we bagged our first Kansas limit (4 birds). Again, Daisy did great. It took us about 3 hours to get these guys. Once we found where they were, we had three in the bag in about 15 minutes. Could have had four in the bag in those same 15 minutes, but I missed a shot that came rather unexpectedly.
Everyone can tell the value of this photo.
