After "the grouse" 2007

20 minutes after, gun returned to Schluep

I'm having a terrific hunting season, at least as far as the three upland ingredients are concerned: dog; gun, birds. The new puppy is an incredible little hunter, with the drive of my beloved Abbey but a working range (so far) that ensures she is visible most of the time and a bold point, something my labs have never had. The bird numbers are up this year, with the grouse cycle peaking. Where we used to walk and see one bird, we now see three or four, all the time. My gun (pictured in Schluep's arm above), the Parker, is working well after a trip to the smith. However, the three ingredients have yet to interact in these here Pennsylvania coverts. Such is the continuation of my shooting slump.

It all began last January, with the visit of Macho and Schluep. By all accounts, including the missus, we had an awesome time. We went rabbit hunting, as it seemed a better bet than chasing scarce grouse. And, it was during the rabbit hunt that the slump became firmly, inexorably, established. It was late in the day and we had not killed any bunnies. Just as we prepared to cross a creek the beagles treed a grouse. Schluep had the Parker, and, novice city slicker that he has become, was preparing to walk up on the treed bird to get the perfect shot. In an act of cursed impatience I snatched the gun from the do-ragged hipster, our beloved editor, and fired off a shot: a miss. No worries, the bird flushed right to left, in the wide open, my favorite and a certain kill with the Parker. Another miss. What?

Perhaps it was the curse of Schwall who still blames me for not having invited him to join us (he was, after all, nearby in Taipei). Or, perhaps it was Abbey, who had recently departed for the heavenly grouse covert. I have no idea. What I do know is that since then I have been unable to shoot anything with consistency. I am so far beyond embarrassment at this point. I am desperate. So, gods of the Parker, please send me a sign that things are going to change...