Its two days before Thanksgiving and I'm enjoying the morning coffee before starting another bitter sweet last day of hunting camp. This trip brought me to South Dakota to chase late season Pheasant with a larger group of people than I typically travel/hunt with. Most trips I take has some layer of "new" be it a new target species or simply new ground with a new approach or strategy: This trip had all of those layers but also added in an aspect of new friends. Each camp is unique & distinct from the next while, at the same time, being very similar and reflections of each other. You have a group of people from all over the country with completely different backgrounds and priorities. The only thing that transcends all camps and groups is the love or appreciation of the dogs. What appeals to each of us when it comes to dogs is, of course, unique to everyone but I have yet to hear someone complain about how good a bird dog hunted on an outing. As polarizing and opinionated as society has seemingly become its always refreshing to find myself in the mix of a group of people who all share a common interest or even passion. While this trip has been a different experience and style of hunting than my typical excursion, it afforded me the chance to see new sights and new people and hunt a new style. No matter what appeals to each of us in this world, its not lost on me that a dozen or so hunters traveled long hours away from their families for the chance to see their dogs handle a bird while braving light snow in temps that barely stayed out of the single digits. Now, as we all prepare for the last morning to hunt, most are looking at hitting the road in time to start the turkey and enjoy the holiday with family. These bittersweet last mornings always makes me feel thankful. Thankful for old and new friends in camp, fun birds to chase, good dogs to watch, and our families awaiting our safe returns. All of this to say, theres a lot to be thankful for in this world. Especially, if you own bird dogs!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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