The clock read 5:15 when I rolled into the Wickenburg McDonalds to meet up with Dan Priest who founded both Arizona Outdoors Adventures and AZ Quail Today. We sat and drank coffee, just talking and telling stories and eventually decided to head out after some birds. It was nice to see some new country, and Dan’s dogs worked the desert while pointing several Gambel’s quail for us. Dan is a heck of a shot and it seemed the everytime the gun went to his shoulder, a bird ended up in the bag. My shooting was pretty standard and I ended up “pardoning” many flushing quail.
Meeting up with Dan was a real honor. Dan Priest has been hunting quail in Arizona for the past 50+ years and has seen it all. Throughout the morning I learned a great deal more about quail hunting from his vast experience in this state. One thing that I was really excited about was the new Q5 bird hunting vest that Dan has been developing. I wore one through the morning and it was one of the most comfortable vests that I have ever worn and it is very functional. The other cool thing is that they are 100% made in the Arizona White Mountains. I should have a more extensive review coming up in a couple of weeks, once I get out and hunt in it a bit more. Bottom line though – it’s a winner. Check out the Q5 hunting vest here.
It was a great day and in field, and I am very thankful to have been able to meet up with Dan. I hope to meet up with him again to do a little more Arizona quail hunting.
Have always wanted to hunt quail- beautiful bird.
Thanks Peter. They are beautiful…and tasty.
Ben
you wrote…”Dan’s dogs worked the desert while pointing several Gambel’s quail for us. Dan is a heck of a shot and it seemed the everytime the gun went to his shoulder, a bird ended up in the bag. My shooting was pretty standard and I ended up “pardoning” many flushing quail.”
have you read the fantastic book colter by rick bass? a tribute to his favorite bird dog. such a fine dog, the owner felt he was not up to snuff as a shot. so while his dog was being trained, he took shooting lessons. stop by sometime and I’ll loan it to you. well worth the evening it will take to read it.
Thanks Mike. Will do. Sounds like a good read.
Ben
It is always nice to get the opportunity to learn from someone a such a vast amount of experience. and You bagged some birds in the process. Nice!
Thanks Ricky. It was a great day in the desert for sure.
Ben
Dan is not only a great shot, a knowledgable hunter and an experienced outdoorsman, he is a man of outstanding character with a tender, touching heart. I know him well. I have known him all my life. I am his fortunate sister.
Very cool. I could not agree more. You are lucky to have a brother like that. I’ve got two brothers like that too.
Ben