New Beginnings; Closing Days
Field Journal: 01/01/2024
Weather:
H 43° L 24°
Location:
Fergus County, MT
Wildlife:
Ring-Necked Pheasant: 10+
Jackrabbit: 2
Hungarian Partridge: 50+
Activity:
Upland Bird Hunting
Harvest:
(2) Ring-Necked Pheasant, Rooster
January 1, 2024
The first day of the year also means the last day of the pheasant season. We started 2024 off on the right 12 feet. Mark and I took to the King Colony to chase pheasants one last time for the season with Annie (9yrs) and Charlie (11mos).
The weather was mild in a way that both pleased me and made me question my sanity. I find myself checking my watch to make sure it is indeed January in Montana.
Coming off an illness, I was not at my best and found myself doubled over multiple times to release the demons of winter sickness into the unsuspecting dry grasses of central Montana.
My partner, as always, was understanding, sympathetic, and just glad to have me there.
The pups were eager and skilled in their quarter. We harvested two last roosters for the season, both flushed by our aged and learning Britneys.
My young Charlie performed like a champion hunter, save for the jackrabbit she chased over the horizon without any pause to return to our call.
The evening culminated in a dark colony chat with Marvin as he encouraged us to sneak in and rid the colony of a few thousand ducks if we pleased.
Reflection:
I am filled with gratitude for a new year in these wild places. Where my body fails, my mind pushes forward, and for that, I am proud. My partner is becoming my best friend again and for that, I am grateful. The balance between unconventional life and unconventional love is something that challenges me. I look forward to meeting those challenges head-on. My desire to topple mountains and see the world is equally matched by my desire to crochet and bake bread. I think I may be destined to be some kind of Feral Not-Housewife.