This year's pheasant camp was a little different than we have had it in the past. Due to some significant habitat loss, as well as a few tough winters in a row, pheasant numbers are down, and it was advised that non-residents just come for festivities and save the cash from licenses.
Friday evening was windy. Super windy. Everyone still hung out and we even created a circle of chairs in the garage. Rachel, Michael, and I waited for our sleeping quarters to arrive as Nick, Lisa, and Ethan Shetler were on the road later, and they were toting the camper. A little before 1am they arrived and we made short work of getting things settled as we had a few tired and cranky individuals on our hands.
Saturday could only be described as an all out shoot-a-thon. A small group of residents and Michael (youth licenses are cheap) went on a trudge. Nothing.
Once they were in it was non-stop guns, and bows until dark.
This year a few even brought tannerite, a rather wonderful exploding target.
We shot a Pumpkin and a log. Both were spectacular!
Saturday before dark was a landmark event for one. Russ had never shot or handled a gun before and he finally decided it was time. To give him his space and to not pressure him further, Brian took him to the bottom of the hill to give him some pointers, and to throw some clays for him. Again I want to stress, never shot or handled a gun for that matter. He went 9 for 10 on clays.
No-one shot that well the entire day. Not even Al. This was monumental to say the least. I was very happy to have been there for this. While Kate was taking pics I was trying to coax a rather unhappy Belanna from a meltdown. Worth it!
Saturday dinner was the usual venison stew which lived up to the hype!
The wind had finally subsided enough to enjoy a large and wonderful campfire.
Sunday morning was what it usually is. Time to go home and everyone is grumpy because no-one wants to leave. Clean-up and head out. Another successful gathering!
Stay Tuned
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