From the Fields

[netman9]

This year would be a first in the field with dove in the air, boys eyes toward the sky with each one squeezing his own trigger. The day started slow with very few scattered birds, light rain and flash floods forecast for the late afternoon. To help get things going a flock of starlings flying in a tight group buzzed around and when near our possition Ewing ask if he could give them a try, I told him to let them have it. This would be his first try at shooting on the wing so when he raised the twenty and pulled the trigger for the first time at a moving target the results were going to be questionable. The question was answered how he would adapt to the new method of hunting when three of the little black birds fell out of the sky with just one shot.



This put a spark in everyones eye setting the stage for the rest of the day. Nolan adopted my Citori leaving his little bantam twenty so Ewing could pick it up for a try. He started missing his first shot but grinned saying "SWEET" with the feel of the twelve. It took a while but he figured it out and it wasn't long before he was piling up birds.



Today was about giving Ewing the best situation to help him gain confidence at shooting the high speed birds darting from side to side. I sat with him helping with distance and what would make a good shot versus a speedy crossing bird just out of reach. I sat my own gun down for the camera giving me a chance to capture him in the moment.



The close up... focused... safety off... pressure on the trigger...



My favorite picture of the day as Ewing keeps his attention to the sky with a box of AA's, few hulls and a couple birds at his feet.



Will maybe this is my favorite showing the little boy in him inspecting his kill.



Or maybe the grin as he glows with his accomplishments of the day.



We all had a blast spending the day together with enough doves to make a tastey meal later in the week. I may have to retire for a while from shooting as limits will add up quick when multiplied by three at days end. Netman

[Catcher's Mitt]

looks like a great time Net. take them often, it won't be long until....i have other plans.

[gottaflylee]

God I love your threads...it is all about the kids. You are one lucky man to the crew you have, thanks for sharing!

[Robja]

Between you and Jacques all yall know how to do is raise killers. Great report Netman.