Southbound tomorrow!

[catnthehat]

Well, it's that time of year for myself and Zippo, we are headed south to team up with Oldgutpile for our annual Alberta Bird Safari.
Sadly, Hornhead will not be joining us this year nor will sdvc , and our week long trip is going to be cut down to three days, but what can an old guy do?
Ordnance will be downsized as well, no muzzle loaders this year, probably just my 12 BP cartridge gun and my 20 gauge .
For those that have met Louie, this will likely be his last hard go, he is 12 now and slowing down a bit- but then I'm getting slower as well! LOL.
It seems this hunting season so far has been nothing but delays and set backs, but Hope springs eternal!
Cat

[Stinky Buffalo]

Sounds like you'll have a great time!

You're going to post pics afterwards, I hope!

[waldedw]

Giver heck Cat and Louie, every day you spend behind a dog in the field is like a day in heaven, enjoy

[Smoky buck]

Good luck pics and report after good sir

[Positrac]

Good luck Cat. I’m sure you guys will have a great hunt! Pics, pics, pics….

[teledogs]

Safe travels & Happy Hunting!!!!

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by Positrac

Good luck Cat. I’m sure you guys will have a great hunt! Pics, pics, pics….

Well, back yesterday, unpacked and decompressed.
We normally don't do the opening weekend , but with my son's schedules being what they are, couldn't get away from it this year.
Started out a bit rough at Rochon Sands with two birds up and only one got a shot on one but it went into the bag, but did meet up with Donny Bear! hadn't seen him or heard from him for quite a while , but he is doing great.

Down to Brooks , having to stay at the Travel Lodge because we tried to book a bit late this year and the Patricia was booked full!
First morning out was the usual , hunters coming out of the field when we were just getting there, but that is another story!
Pretty danged slow in the morning , but did pick some up .
However, once we got into wild bird country with Oldgutpile, things got fun!
Chasing Sharptails on foot is not for the weak of heart , and with Louie getting on in age , and my bad leg, it was challenging to keep up with the kid and Jim's super fast Goldens, but every year we do the same thing and have a riot!
My new to me drilling 16x16/9.3X72R carries pretty danged well, better than Zippo's 12x12/375 H&H that is for sure!
he made a fantastic crossing shot at about 50 yards on a full tilt rooster the dogs kicked up while we were chasing the Sharpies though, we weren't expecting that one, and there was a few more in there .
Things went bad for me after that with my leg , so we headed out on Sunday and picked up some release birds so I could get a bit of easy shooting in without the guys having to put me out of my misery after!

All in all, it was a short but good trip, old Louie did very well for his age, better than me I think all things considered, and it was great to be able to hunt with OldGutpile again.

The weather however was FANTASTIC, we couldn't have asked for better. I am glad we decided not to take the muzzle loaders this though, things are super dry down there for you guys!
Cat