As the autumn leaves fall, expanding visibility in the woodlands, I resume my annual pursuit of upland game birds with my dog Britt. We¥ experienced three cool, wet springs in a row, resulting in poor nesting seasons, but there are still enough birds around to keep it interesting. During the days just before bird season opened, I walked Britt around the perimeter of our field several times without flushing a grouse, so when the season opened, I hunted elsewhere. No luck. After a lunch break, I decided to take a few practice shots with my crossbow. Whenever I practice from the top of our back steps, I put Britt in the porch while I take a shot, then let her out to sniff around while I retrieve the bolt (which is what they call a crossbow arrow), from the target. This time, after I put the bolt into my quiver, I heard Britt barking 150 yards away.
Realizing that she had flushed a bird up into a tree, I ran into the garage to fetch my shotgun and shells. In my haste, I spilled shells across the garage floor. I scooped up a few shells and trotted toward the barking. When I was still 100 yards away, I saw the bird fly away. So I didn't get a shot, but at least I saw a bird.
Not all my efforts have been futile. On my second New Hampshire pheasant hunt of the season, I returned to where Britt had flushed a bird, which I heard but didn't see during our first hunt a few days earlier. This time she flushed a pheasant that towered high above the trees. Spinning to my right, I fired with my 20-gauge double. Although the bird was hit and slanted downward, it didn't drop, so I fired the second barrel as it flew past, sailing above an overgrown field. The pheasant dropped into the tall grass. I whistled for Britt and she soon found the bird. I was quick to take it away from her. Although she successfully fetched and gave up a grouse last December, at 2 1/2 years old Britt isn't completely reliable at retrieving, as she's reluctant to let go of such a precious treasure.
The next day I dipped the deboned meat into a scrambled raw egg, coated it with flour and fried it in olive oil. Yummy!

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Michael Hahn Band varies in size from a duo to a six-piece band, depending upon the size and budget of the venue. They love to make music for any occasion. For bookings call 802-754-8889.JUpcoming Gigs:
Street Rally in Newport on Sat. October 18 from 11 to 1
Penelope Newcomb's Halloween Party in Charleston 6 to 9

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