The grass cover was exceptional as it mixed in with the prickly pear cactus. Watching the covey scatter, we slowly eased across the wash and up the opposite hillside. We zig-zagged through the maze of desert plants, and were greeted with single birds holding tight in the thick grasses. It made for a good day of hunting to say the least.
I remember one bird in particular that held exceptionally close and allowed me to walk by him, even after I had given his hiding place a good kick with my foot. Convinced that the bush held no birds, I took another two steps before the same bush erupted with the sound of flushing quail. I spun on my heels and let loose too quickly with the bottom barrel and an unbalanced stance. Righting myself, I took a split second to let out half a breath before squeezing off the top barrel. As if by magic, the quail stopped mid-flight in a puff of feathers and fell to the desert floor.
Holding that gray Gambel’s in my hands, the world seemed to slow. Clairvoyantly, I stepped outside of my self and could see just how lucky I was to be in that moment, on that hillside, holding that bird, with the sun shining down on me. It’s cliche to say, but it’s easy to take for granted just how good we have it.
As if the day could get any better, we sat on the tailgate and enjoyed a few IPAs before packing it in and bouncing our way back to civilization and the women in our lives who understand our need and love of the outdoors. It doesn’t get much better than that.
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Good post. I can feel myself being there. I’ve hunted AZ quail for many years, more than 2 Brittany’s worth. I’m excited to return in Jan. & live it some more. Keep chasing / posting, many enjoy it & never tell you so!
Thanks so much Peter for the kind words and encouragement. Best of luck when you get back down this way.
Ben
Ben:
I am a fly fisherman, not a hunter. But your description of that sudden, powerful realization of how good life is, in particular when there in the sun, in the water, by the hillsides of grass, or in the forest, brings to mind feelings I have had on many trips. It is truly one the many reasons I choose to keep going back chasing the wild trout. Thanks for the reminder. I always say its good to have something to look forward to. So far I have trips in Jan, Feb, and April planned and I am tying flies now for those trips. The anticipation of the wonder and joy of being on the water is really good for me.
Enjoy the season and the holidays with the family,
Alan
Thanks so much Alan. I absolutely agree and feel that most of those who spend time in outdoors have a similar experience. Best of luck on the upcoming trips.
Ben
Lucky we are indeed. Glad that feeling doesn’t get old in the marked uncertainty that is sporting life.
Nice reflection Ben. Wish I was there to see the action. Sounds like you had one of the “good ones.” Cheers. – Doug
Thanks Doug. Can’t wait to get out there again with you in the future. Those green chili burgers are calling my name too.
Ben
Today was my first day every quail hunting one my own. I’m in trouble lol… did not shoot any quail but my goal was just to flush a few covey’s. I did flush 3 covey’s but only shot at one group. I was just so exicited I actually found quail. Lots to learn beautiful day, now my head is full of churping can’t wait for the weekend.
That’s so awesome to hear Doug. I still get jittery and excited when I hear those birds chirping in the brush, and don’t even get me started on that covey rise. There is nothing like it. Best of luck and have fun.
Ben
Good talking to you on the phone, Ben. Just got back to the freezer (WI) 2000 miles each way, but the Mearns is a good traning bird for young dogs! Thank you, ROD
Glad you had a good time Ron and enjoyed the fine AZ winter weather. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Ben