Last year, our guide called to say that the bird counts were down and the hunting might not be so good. We went anyway and had a terrific hunt! This year the guide called again and said “hey, seriously, this year is going to suck” and advised that we skip again but we still went. After all, these bird hunts are much more than hunting birds. . . right? You know . . . camaraderie, communing with nature, getting away from accountability for a while, riding in pickup trucks with shotguns, hunting-camp cuisine, etc. We were pushing our luck! This year, we were rewarded with a dastardly cold hunt and the lowest bird count in our 20 years of chasing roosters. All part of the game though. The great hunts are appreciated because of the tough times endured. This was definitely not the worst and we are glad we went. Everyone is looking forward to a future of more birds and less frostbite! Of course, bird dog Tex has no idea what I am whining about. He had a terrific time!
Majestic Tex
Cold and lonely in downtown Regent, ND
Cold, Cold, Cold! Heavy farm equipment parked for the winter. The wind whips up snow by the old barn.
The cover was good and thick.
Getting ready for the next field.
A promising stretch of good ground.
Our intrepid guide, Curt.
Farm dog feet. Ouch!
Dick and Buck blocking.
An International Harvester Thingamajig.
Light snow falling on a stalwart hunter.
Watering Buck.
Tex strikes a stylish point.
Peder bids his beloved bird dog, Inca, a final goodbye. He loved that dog!
The Garbi 101 on a limit of roosters (that open eye is a little creepy). The hunting was tough and no bird was taken for granted. After all was said and done, we did OK. I don’t remember the count but, out of a possible 45, I think we took 35 or so.
This is the Peace Valley Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) church on highway 79 in South Dakota. Established in 1919, the year Theodore Roosevelt died. It no longer hosts a congregation of the faithful, though some are resting just outside in the adjoining cemetery.
Here is a wonderful scripture for the outdoorsman in us all, Job 12:7-10:
But now ask the beasts, and let them teach you;
And the birds of the heavens, and let them tell you.
Or speak to the earth, and let it teach you;
And let the fish of the sea declare to you.
Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this,
In whose hand is the life of every living thing,
And the breath of all mankind?
Birdhunter 
Great shots and pictures, as usual!!
Thank you, my good friend! Merry Christmas to you and your family. I hope I get to see you in ’19.
Yep, that’s North Dakota. Great photos.
Thank you Jerry!
Even though I am sitting by the fire, those pix got me a shiverin’! What temps did you guys endure?
Not as bad as a few years ago when we hit the fields at 10 below. You can see that post if you look. This was the in the 20’s, but with few birds we were in the field all day. That hot shower and rum & coke were sooo nice at the end of the day. We really did have a good time. This group is the best bunch of guys.
Ah, the memories…reminds me of the first time I went hunting in George, Washington. Got so cold that night, it stopped all the clocks and watches in the truck. Needless to say, we got a late start. I learned a lesson about putting your socks in your sleeping bag when you go to sleep. Nice pictures Birdhunter. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.
Thank you, Dean. I am glad you stopped by! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Great photos! Captures the essence of late season hunting very well.
Regent was a lot of fun in the early 90s when very little was posted. Pheasants for lunch and dinner….
Yes, Regent is still fun! I heard the bird hunting in Montana was tough this year. But it looks like you had a good time on a road trip! That is one of my goals . . to be in a position to hit the road for a couple of months and hunt birds from Arizona to North Dakota. Not yet though. Still trying to cross some kind of finish line. Thanks for visiting the Birdhunuter!