Commentary

Bob’s Bird: A Pheasant Hunt

Pheasant Hunt in Southwest Colorado | Upland Bird Hunting | MarlaMeridith.com

Most of you are aware of my new hobby~interest~obsession. That would be shootin’ guns if ya didn’t know. I am learning how to aim, shoot and fire shotguns here in Colorado. You see living here you gotta embrace all aspects of the great outdoors.

I shoot clays not only because they are fun, but with a goal to make upland bird hunting my thang.

Here is my story about my very first field hunt…

Pheasant Hunt in Southwest Colorado | Upland Bird Hunting | MarlaMeridith.com

This is Bob. He is a pointer and he found us some Pheasants and Chukar birds.

You must be thinking that I shot that hen pheasant in the first photo…..well nope.

That is Bob’s Bird. That pheasant hen was a low flyer and Bob took ‘er down. I just posed with her. Just cause.

Pheasant Hunt in Southwest Colorado | Upland Bird Hunting | MarlaMeridith.com

Bob has way better aim & skill in the field than I.

Pheasant Hunt in Southwest Colorado | Upland Bird Hunting | MarlaMeridith.com

This is Matt. He was my trusted guide on this hunt. He was very serious. Thankfully I had him laughing quite a bit though.

He has to be serious because he was next to me and I had a loaded gun.

Pheasant Hunt in Southwest Colorado | Upland Bird Hunting | MarlaMeridith.com

Matt has 5 beautiful, wonderfully trained hunting doggies. I believe there are 2 pointers and 3 spaniels. Some flush, some point. It was fun learning how they seek and find the birds.

He sure loves his dogs and takes great care of them.

Pheasant Hunt in Southwest Colorado | Upland Bird Hunting | MarlaMeridith.com

Pheasant Hunt in Southwest Colorado | Upland Bird Hunting | MarlaMeridith.com

I won’t be bird hunting for quite a few months now as I have a newly torn ACL (knee injury) from a ski accident. This will in no way prevent me from being outdoors all the time.

Shooting clays will be what I do. This way I can venture out in the fall and hopefully get my very own birdie.

Pheasant Hunt in Southwest Colorado | Upland Bird Hunting | MarlaMeridith.com

Matt sure taught me a heck of a lot out there on the field.

I look forward to the next time we can hunt, hike and chew the fat.

Pheasant Hunt in Southwest Colorado | Upland Bird Hunting | MarlaMeridith.com

Practice makes perfect…right? And me, well I sure need lots & lots of practice out there.

I brought this hen home & now have an awesome pheasant recipe that I can’t wait to share with you soon!

Pheasant Hunt in Southwest Colorado | Upland Bird Hunting | MarlaMeridith.com

Pheasant Hunt in Southwest Colorado | Upland Bird Hunting | MarlaMeridith.com

Here’s a few things I have learned in the past month…

  • I will be purchasing my own 20 gauge break action shotgun. You will hear lots more about that adventure.
  • Keep yer gun pointed up when loaded.
  • Always assume a gun is loaded, until you are for certain it’s not.
  • Keep your gun really clean.
  • Break the action and take out those shells when in the car, not in use etc. (obviously)
  • Pay close attention to yer guides ’cause they have a wealth of information in their noggins & at their fingertips.
  • In order to hunt on public land you need very specific licenses for the creatures you wanna hunt. On private land different rules apply. I hunt at The North Rim Hunt Club, dats a private club.
  • To get those hunting licenses you must have proof that you have passed a Hunters Education Class. I now have my orange card, passed the test last weekend. Woot!
  • There are some really cool hunting clothes for ladies. My favorite places to shop thus far are Prois and Filson. Cabela’s has lots of great things too.

On my way home I had to snap this awesome mural in the town of Hotchkiss.

Every part of these weekend adventures thrill me!

Pheasant Hunt in Southwest Colorado | Upland Bird Hunting | MarlaMeridith.com

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~ Marla Meridith

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26 thoughts on “Bob’s Bird: A Pheasant Hunt

  1. A great way to enjoy nature, the stunning views and the wonderful weather! And the best part of hunting is bringing back home the birds you shot…

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  2. Watch out. Next you’ll be buying your own dog. 🙂 That’s what happened to us. We have a beautiful little pointer named Chelsea who LOVES to hunt. She sits on our trampoline watching the birds and chasing them around our yard. But her favorite thing is to hunt in the outdoors–not the city. Good luck learning, it’s not my thing but my husband loves it.

    1. How did you know that I TOTALLY want my very own hunting dog….we’ll see. Needs to double as a hiking partner which I am sure it could handle easily!

  3. Well, look at you, little Annie Oakley! Sounds like you’re having fun becoming a true Colorado girl – you and my husband would get along great, haha! He’s amassing quite a gun collection (taking up residence under the bed at the moment… grumble grumble) in an effort to be a true Texan guy! 😉 Have a great weekend!

    1. Hi there Georgia! Sooo you sleep over a gun collection?! Oh my….sounds like he is also obsessed. Think I’ll find a different place to store mine when I get it though 😉

  4. Congratulations. That Bob is darn handsome.
    I’m a pretty good shot myself. Had to learn to pick out those squirrels and magpies on the farm. Way to go gal!

    1. Hi Diane! That Bob sure was a cutie & I really wish I coulda taken him home with me. Not sure Matt would have liked that though 😉 The magpies & squirrels sound like a good time!