And one time along the South Platte River, oout east, we were hunting quail, or pheasants, probably both.
1/2 foot of snow on the ground & we were walking some turkey tracks because nothing else was happening - meandering.
A cock pheasant busted out of the underbrush & a hawk (of some sort - I don't know 'em like I should) was cranking on this bird to beat the band - matching every twist & turn while only about 5 feet behind. We watched this flying match till the pheasant dumped into cover & the hawk skreeched its way skyward. Lasted a whole 10 seconds, if that, but burned forever into my mind. (but I'd forgotten, again, till just now .... )
Neat thread. Thanks.
Perhaps the same day, & if not, all but the same location & very similar terrain/conditions, my black lab, Spook, got birdy.
I kneeled down with my 870 across my knees & called to The Dog. He was "all over it - being way birdy" - a quail jumped up out of the snow & Spook grabbed it - snatched the thing in mid-flight.
"What a great dog!" I think. He's caught a cripple. What a great conservation tool a dog is - pulling in an otherwise lost cripple.
I bent down to retreive the quail & praise Spook. "Fetch it up!"
The covey starts to erupt through the 1/2 foot of snow between my legs!
Obviously, I stand up & start jammin' 'em.
Yeah, right.
3-4 birds at a time, the covey seems to break the more I shoot.
I shoot 1 - 2 times & stuff another coupla shells in - to "be ready." Right.
I'd lay odds that a cool 2 dozen birds flushed between my legs that quick minute.
I shot at least 11 times & got 2 whole quail. The dog got one without firing a shot.
I've had birds flushed close to before, but have never experienced such a staggered covey ever launching such as that.
Absolutely flustered & the worst shooting I have ever done.
Beat by my dog. So totally cool.
Again. Neat thread. I'd forgotten till just now.
Gotta start that journal .....