Cats, Dogs, Geese, and Football
Field Journal: 01/07/2024
Weather:
H 28° L 6°
Location:
Fergus County, Montana
Wildlife:
Whitetail Deer: 25+
Canadian Goose: 25+
Mallards: 100+
Activity:
Mountain Lion Hunting
Goose Hunting
Harvest:
(2) Canadian Goose
January 7, 2024:
The University of Montana Grizzly football team took to the field in Frisco, Texas in an effort to win the FCS National Championship.
We took to the field in Fergus County in an effort to tree a mountain lion.
With the second snow flakes falling after the most mild winter, we took to searching for tracks, only to come up empty.
At best, we found what could have been cat tracks, made weeks prior, and refilled with fresh snow.
Countless whitetail looked on as we ventured through the timber. They seemed absolutely comfortable in their space, not weary of predators, us or otherwise.
With Trixie (2) Peaches (1.5), and Clyde (9) in the kennel bellowing with excitement, we slow rolled listening to the game and looking for lion sign.
The tone of the day was defeat for both our endeavors and our team’s.
A return home in the bitter cold found us embarking on chores. Unloading dogs, unloading gear, and unloading expectations.
My shift into packing for this upcoming month’s travels was interrupted by Mark’s disgruntlement at foul.
“These geese are taunting me. Grab your gun.”
A quick gear swap, a tiptoe behind Gail’s home, and an emergence at our pond covered in geese led to 5 rounds being fired in quick succession at the fleeing flock.
The 12-gauge shells gave peppering to air.
The 20-gauge shells found home in feathered feast.
Reflection:
I find my confidence shaken on occasion. I wonder if my skill matches up to my title more often than I care to admit. It is these days, when my aim is true and my success great, even alongside the greatest, that my confidence is restored.
I am capable.