First time for everything

Arizona Dove Country
Arizona Dove Country

Over Christmas, some of my family came into town from the east coast which always makes for an enjoyable holiday. In planning out the time that they would be here, my youngest brother, Nick, and I planned to get out for a morning of bird hunting. Although Nick is an avid climber and likes to camp, he hasn’t had much experience hunting. So my goal was to get him into some dove or quail and show him why I was so passionate.

After shooting clays for a while, it was blatantly obvious that Nick was a natural with a shotgun and moving targets, so we moved to a spot that I know dove like to use as a corridor. Although it was a bit later in the morning than ideal, we found a few birds still moving, and Nick made a great shot to bring his first bird to the game bag.

We spent the evening grilling the few dove that we’d taken that morning along with some quail that I had saved from an earlier hunt. The whole family enjoyed the success of our hunt and the day was the perfect punctuation on our time together.

Dove Hunting
Dove Hunting
Dove Hunting
First bird
Arizona Dove Hunting
Grilling up some dove
Baked Quail
Some baked quail too

 

 

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16 Responses to “First time for everything”

  1. 33AD

    So…did you convert an east coaster into a hunter?

    Nice post. Great scenery in the first shot.

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      He seemed pretty open minded. I definitely foresee future opportunities in the field together.

      Ben

      Reply
    • azwanderings

      Very true. It is extremely gratifying to see that light come on in someone else.

      Ben

      Reply
    • azwanderings

      Haha. Very true. That might be a bit more work then he’s ready for. Thanks for the kind words Bryan.

      Ben

      Reply
  2. Ron Weeks

    Nice post Ben! I’ve hunted upland game birds for years; but my first opportunity to hunt quail in Az was last winter. Loved it! Was hoping to make it back this winter but my schedule hasn’t permitted me to get back. Already planning to block out time next winter.

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Glad you enjoyed it Ron. There is nothing better than Arizona in the winter. Keep me posted on how you do next year.

      Ben

      Reply
  3. Omari

    Nice story. Sounds cliche, but more than the birds, the time together in the field, with a brother you don’t see too often, is the best takeaway.

    Reply
  4. Ron Ruddick

    Any advice to someone that is new to hunting and looking to get started/experience? Thanks Ron

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Ron,

      Depends on what you are interested in hunting. I’d highly recommend joining and getting involved in one of the different game specific groups like Arizona Elk Society, National Wild Turkey Federation, Mule Deer Foundation, Quail Forever, etc. These groups are always putting on seminars and can be a wealth of information. Best of luck.

      Ben

      Reply

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