It's storming now, so I have a chance to sit down and make a post. Since it's Labor Day weekend I have some time off so I needed to get outside. I'm late getting my treestand hung, but got it done yesterday. I have been reluctant to hunt out of trees the older (and fatter) I get, but his is a pretty stout set up. The landowner adjacent to the shelter belt I has planned to hunt started pulling up all of the scrub and trees the deer used as their bedroom. He said he'd have it all in crop next year. That was the area I had my trailcam and posted the pictures of the 9 point in the other thread. I'll still hunt there but thought I'd get a couple other places ready. I have blanket permission to hunt the area I put my stand, although I have not put any trailcams out to scout it this year. It's heavily used by deer, so we'll see. I think it's worthwhile to spend some time here.
Dove season started on Sept 1, so Sam and I got out to hunt several times this weekend. I bought a 16 gauge Model 12 last winter, and I decided it'd be the shotgun to use this year. It was manufactured in the early 50's, I have to check the serial number again, but I believe 1954. It's taking me awhile to get used to it, but I'm getting better. It has a fixed modified choke. I have been missing some easy shots because I didn't practice enough, but I'm getting better. Sam is having a blast and that's what counts. I bought a Mojo spinning wing decoy last year, and it works as advertised. I have been setting it plus about eight or ten regular decoys in a cut wheat field with good results. In the picture showing Sam with the dove in his mouth, the bird was actually alive! The feathers come out easy and stick to a dog's saliva. A squirt bottle and lots of water helps.
Anyway, it's calling for rain today and tomorrow, so I'll be cleaning things up inside. I guess I'll start with dog ears. I hope you all have a great Labor Day! Wes
