This past weekend was one for the books. After a frustrating week in the whitetail woods, trying (and failing) to tag a buck, I decided to switch gears. Sammi and I grabbed my shotgun, loaded up the dogs—Koa and Bean—and headed out for a Sunday of pheasant hunting. The result? One of the most fun and rewarding hunts I've had in a long time.
For those who aren’t familiar, Koa is my seasoned hunting partner. He’s a grizzled veteran of countless hunts, always reliable and eager to flush birds. Bean, on the other hand, is the rookie. This was his second time out, and to say he’s come a long way since his first outing would be an understatement. Last year, Bean was new to our family, a ball of energy without much focus. But after a year of chasing backyard critters and honing his prey drive, Bean was ready to show his stuff.
And show it, he did.
While Koa handled the first flush of the morning with his usual precision, Bean gave us the real surprise. He froze mid-step, locked into a perfect point, and stayed that way for what felt like forever. My heart swelled with pride. Could this really be my Bean, the same dog who once couldn’t focus for more than a few seconds? He eventually flushed the bird, and though I missed my shot (don’t judge me!), it didn’t dampen the thrill of watching him grow into his role.
This hunt wasn’t just about the birds we bagged or the shots we missed. It was about the joy of walking through the woods, the camaraderie with Sammi and the dogs, and the simple pleasure of doing something I love. Sometimes, stepping away from the frustrations of one hunt to embrace the excitement of another is exactly what you need. For me, this weekend was a reminder of why I hunt in the first place—to connect with nature, bond with my companions, and, most importantly, to keep it wild.
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