Opening day tomm.

[Captain Jim]

Marty, you know I certainly chase more pen birds than wild, living in Illinois that kind of goes without saying, as much as I runn the dogs.

I'm talking both though. After running dogs in tourneys, they like to go right after the shot, and pen or wild, most birds that are hit at all, don't slip the two dogs, or one for that matter.

If they can't get up again, they are usually had! Just can't out run the dog or nose.

[FishArt]

Marty, you know I certainly chase more pen birds than wild, living in Illinois that kind of goes without saying, as much as I runn the dogs.

I'm talking both though. After running dogs in tourneys, they like to go right after the shot, and pen or wild, most birds that are hit at all, don't slip the two dogs, or one for that matter.

If they can't get up again, they are usually had! Just can't out run the dog or nose.

Oh, I know what you're talking about Jim. And I didn't mean to sound "snooty". I apologize if I came across that way. Released birds are the norm these days. Heck, Iowa's pheasant population has been in the toilet the last couple of years and I haven't even bothered purchasing a license. So, pen raised birds are the only option in some cases if you want to get out. In fact, I'd have to say that in Illinois here especially - that the wild population probably isn't all that "wild". But, rather I'll bet many of those birds are escapees from plantings.

Again, I think we're comparing apples to oranges here. The stuff I'm use to hunting is thousands of acres of rolling CRP land where we've had 8-10 dogs with two of them being NFC Retrievers and we've lost some birds. It's all about shot location and the heartiness of those truly wild birds. And in just about every instance We KNEW the bird was going to be tough to find watching it go down. It's just oftentimes you can't do a follow-up shot due to the dogs being too close or the terrain doesn't allow you to do so. There's no doubt that when you're in the WIlliamsburg area in Iowa that these are all 100% wild birds. Unless some folks have started releasing pen raised birds due to the lack of wild ones. All I can say is if you're not losing a few birds that you must be a BETTER shot than the guys I normally hunt with - lol!

[Captain Jim]

Nope, didn't think you were being snooty at all Marty!

I know ya better than that. I've been told I'm a damned good shot, and I do like to wait until others unload, and knock down the long shots, but we all miss a bird here and there. Especially in high winds! I was out shot by a guy at DesPlaines last Sunday!

You need to be aware there a lot more pen birds released in Iowa today than one might think! Been going on awhile, and most that do it, won't admit it!

Still a better wild population than here in Illinois.

[FishArt]

Nope, didn't think you were being snooty at all Marty!

I know ya better than that. I've been told I'm a damned good shot, and I do like to wait until others unload, and knock down the long shots, but we all miss a bird here and there. Especially in high winds! I was out shot by a guy at DesPlaines last Sunday!

You need to be aware there a lot more pen birds released in Iowa today than one might think! Been going on awhile, and most that do it, won't admit it!

Still a better wild population than here in Illinois.

I'm sure there's a lot of escaped pen raised birds everywhere these days Jim. Most of 'em don't make it too long though due to those wily coyotes and cats. But, I'm sure a few sneak through.

I've got friend down near Gardner that owns a farm and some CRP land that he raises and releases birds. And, he always has issues with coyotes. He had one a while back that he could set his watch to - lol! That darn thing would nab a bird Joe would plant before he could get the next one out. However, that yote didn't last too long - lol! The problem is you kill one of those buggers and another one fills the void. I think in Iowa they're assuming it's coyotes causing much of the numbers drop. But, they really don't know. Could be a combo of things including less set aside/CRP land and more farmers farming everything. I'll probably start hunting Iowa again after my middle boy is done with wrestling and I take a break from coaching. I DO miss it!

P.S. I'm a pretty good shot on pheasants too, but those DUCKS are TOUGH!!!

[Captain Jim]

Ducks and Doves Marty! They both humble us, dont they!

Well see in the morning. Waterfowling, not gunning deer tomorrow!

[FishArt]

Ducks and Doves Marty! They both humble us, dont they!

Well see in the morning. Waterfowling, not gunning deer tomorrow!

ANY bird coming at me - forget it!!!! I actually use to hunt doves like pheasants. It was a good workout for me and my dog AND I could actually hit them if they're going away!

Deer hunting for me in Wisconsin. I'm taking off here around noonish. Have fun and we'll have to compare stories when I get back. Did you ever get that pic I sent of that 17 point a friend of mine got with a bow last week??? I KNOW you saw the high and wide mainframe 8 I'm hoping to see tomorrow morning on my buddies property But, that 17 was an Illinois buck and is off the charts!!!!

[Captain Jim]

Well, I know I missed you Marty, but will keep the fingers cross for you, and hope you have a safe and successful hunt. Yes, saw both deer you sent.

[FishArt]

Jim, neither of us got a deer this year. I think this is the first year ever for BOTH of us to come back with tag soup - lol! Earn-a-buck has been in full force for about 7-8 years now where we hunt in Wisconsin. Hate it. We're seeing LOTS of bucks, but very few does. I had a doe and her two fawns run up on me from behind and stopped at about 7 yards from me. 30 minutes later they all backed out the way they came in, no shot. Mentally, holding still THAT long and not being able to see what they were was one of the toughest things I've done! Oh, we DID almost catch that Rockford TORNADO coming home. It crossed I-90 right in front of us at about 100 yards. It was COOL, but SCAREY as heck!!!

[Captain Jim]

That's part of hunting Marty, sometimes things just don't come together. I am sure you still enjoyed every moment of your time in stand. I know I always do.

It is a great time to reflect, and to realize the beauty nature shares with us! I am happy to see deer, even if I don't get a shot. They are amazing creatures, and I enjoy watching as much as shooting!

Wow, that storm sounded like it could have done far more damage than it did!

Glad to hear you had a safe trip and are back home intact. The important pert of the trip, right? Have a great holiday Marty!