I like my sports endeavors to be shaped heavily by all the senses. I want the experience to have all the right sounds, sights, and smells. Closer to art than sport. When it comes to upland game bird hunting, all the elements are there. Beautiful fall days, with the colors of greens, fading to yellows, beige, and brown. All this offset against light blue skies. 

The hunters are usually dressed in the same tones, until they add the requisite splash of giddy hunter orange. 

The dogs are decked out in their own shades of brown and soft reds, but often black may dominate. Now add to that the smell of harvest dust, and possibly smoke from someone burning leaves. In my case, I hunt with a bell on my dog. That sleighbell tingle adds a distinctive fall sound. 

Success of the hunt is somewhat related to the number of birds in the pocket of ones hunting vest. But the overall setting can make even the lightest vest seem well worth the effort. 

I try to remember that just being 

out in the field is enough. The dogs are doing exactly what they were born to do. If I can set aside my ego for awhile and follow their lead, enjoying each moment of the story as it unfolds, then success is assured. 

There is just enough skill involved to render a good level of satisfaction when everything comes together. When ones body is functioning reasonably well, the dogs are doing their job with skill and enthusiasm, that is almost enough. 

Now the crescendo. The peak of the action. A solid point, a steady poised approach by the shooter, then the explosion of wings. The gun quickly brought into position, the swing and shot. Hit or miss, what we came for we have experienced. What fun, what beauty of color, sound, and action. 

What else could one be doing on a gorgeous fall day that could be more fitting to the season? It's all there. Of course one can refine the individual elements. A well-trained dog is a big contributor to the painting. Good cover with reasonable possibilities make the setting. The right shotgun, skillfully handled, contributes a sense of accomplishment. But the main thing is to just be in the moment. Get started. Go for it. With the right attitude, failure is impossible. 

If this sport did not involve dogs, I probably would not be doing it. A dog's instinct and energy is contagious. I also take refuge in the fact that the dogs are not evaluating my performance as I am theirs. They are generally just glad that I agreed to tag along. 

I must caution anyone considering taking up the sport that thought and planning are required, and much of that involves ones dog. If you don't own a somewhat trained dog, then hunt with a friend who does. This will give you a chance to observe and decide what behaviors you want and, unfortunately, often those you do not want in your future dog.

Cost wise, a dog is by far the biggest financial investment. It doesn't cost much to buy a cheap vest, a box of shells, and a "pawn shop" shotgun. However, a good dog will usually not be found at a dog rescue center. 

Well, we're ready. The weather has that fall feel about it. Harvest is over,and the game birds thathatched this last summer have matured. Here we go!
-STAN VANARSDEL

photo credit: Mike Church, Stan VanArsdel