CATEGORIES

A Different Kind of Quail

The fact I have never been on a “classic” quail hunt was rubbed in again last October by a gentleman with some obvious Southern roots. He had pulled up his pickup behind mine as I exited a tangle of wild blackberries that loosely followed a small creek into a steep, rocky canyon.

Still Smokin'?

On a chukar hunt 35 years ago, my wife issued a challenge: She could last longer without nicotine than I.

Shooting for “Successful Beginnings”

Listed among a handful of women as a National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) Level III Shooting Instructor, Elizabeth Fennell is an all-around lover of wing shooting, clay shooting and fostering other women into recreational shooting sports.

Quail Shooting

We hear a great deal in these days about abundant physical exercise as a necessary factor in the maintenance of sound health and vigor.

Fields of Dreams

Eastern Shore Conservationists hope if they build it, the bobwhite quail will come (back)

Deciphering Dog Food Labels: Good Luck with That!

“There’s no way anyone can look at a label and tell anything about the quality of the dog food.”

Day's End: Big Running Dog

“Where is your dog, Joe?”

Bird Dogs - Health Matters

Bird Dogs - Health Matters

The First Bird After

I was returning from town with groceries when I saw the spiral of smoke from five miles away.

High Times In Haddeo

Into this landscape is woven a sporting tradition dating to the 11th century.

Upland Chef

Woodcock in Two Courses

The Incredible, Edible Rail

Imagine hunting a certified, managed, abundant, controlled game bird that requires no trees, no brush, no dogs, no walking, no experience, and no skill. Welcome to the world of rail hunting, where the daily bag limit is 25 birds, and missing even one shot is considered a laughable offense.

The Check Cord

Proper Etiquette

LOST AND FOUND

When I got to the place I’d marked, the pheasant wasn’t there. Neither was Jack.

Flushes & Noteworthy Points

Reader Steve Lavalle of Manchester, New Hampshire, submitted this photo of a grouse he found while hunting in central Wisconsin.

Fire Away!

Fabarm Elos D2

Classic Upland Guns

E. Remington & Sons: Remington- Whitmore Lifter-Action

Bird Dogs - Health Matters

Field Restraint and Skin Stapling

Dr. Hank's Genuine Alabama Elixir To Cure Your Midwest Winter Ruffed Grouse Blues

You boys go ahead, and make as much noise as you want,” chortled Dr. Hank Clemmons. “We’re gonna’ have ourselves a good ol’ Alabama Shake ’n Bake.”

From: “Brave Hunter, Stout Woodcock”

I’m not sure I want to know why I’m attracted to bird hunting. But I will try to make sense of the matter.

Colorado Blues And Bobs Mike Gnatkowski

A chance meeting set the stage. Returning from a trade show in June, I was taking the shuttle back to the extended parking lot at Denver International Airport. Eventually, the passengers dwindled down to a guy sporting a Browning cap and me.

Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon: Quail Unlimited Covey Model

My sons and I arrive at the abandoned homestead site and make ready for the hunt.

Chukar Hunting For Prunes

When I was in high school, a man or woman over the age of 60 was a “Prune” – an individual with wrinkles who was obviously in his declining years.

Classic Upland Guns

Gerbruder Merkel ‒ Suhl, Germany.

Grouse Cooked In Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup

Grouse cooked in creamy wild mushroom soup.

Alarms, Tolls And Jingles

For nearly two decades, I’ve wrestled out a living as a beat cop.

The Puppy Is In The House!

I am a strong believer in raising puppies in the house to help teach proper socialization, house breaking and manners.

You Can't Not Do It

Some of my finest shots have been made with my finger on diving seagulls at the local beach.

Prime Cuts

Editor’s Note: American poet and writer Jim Harrison, died on March 26, 2016. In a career spanning more than 50 years, he produced 21 volumes of fiction, 14 books of poetry, two books of essays, a children’s book and a memoir. Harrison remains popular among sportsmen who both appreciate his fine writing and identify with any number of his indulgences, of which he partook as if ignorant of the word moderation. The essays in Just Before Dark give a taste of his appetites. Here are some excerpts from a few of them.

Classic Upland Guns

Westley Richards 12-Gauge Scalloped Boxlock.