OUTDOOR TRUTHS

 At one time the fields of Tennessee were full of quail. I can barely remember seeing a few coveys as I was growing up, and I never remember hunting them. I have, however, heard from those older than I the stories of earlier days when these hunts were as common as hunting rabbits. Today, if one wants to enjoy this sport, he still can. These birds may not be as plentiful in the wild, but there are plenty of places to go where outfitters will provide the birds and dogs to allow a hunter to have a very enjoyable wing shoot. And if he shoots good enough, he can also take home a very tasty meal.
 A few days ago, I traveled to a local outfitter's farm for my first quail hunt. David, the owner, was kind enough to let me bring a friend. I called on my old high school basketball coach because I knew he would hit what I missed. Of course I didn't tell him that. I told him that I wanted him to come because I knew he would be no competition for me. Well, let's just say my first thought was right..................... it was my gun's fault!
 We shot eight birds that morning and had the best time. The weather was cold, but when the dogs started pointing and the birds started flying, we quickly forgot about anything else except finding the next quail.
 These are very inexpensive hunts and are not especially taxing on the body. It is a great trip to take a young shooter or even an older person who is not quite able to climb a lot or stay out all day. I've already made plans to go back and have already thought about who all I want to take. I am thankful to David for introducing me to this new opportunity. If you are interested in doing this, shoot me an email.
 When I think about my trip, I am reminded of how simple it really is to introduce someone to hunting or fishing; and that one needs not be a deer or turkey hunter in order to enjoy a hunt. The truth is big game hunting is getting more and more expensive. Because of this, less and less individuals are participating. Big game hunting also is more about waiting than it is shooting. And again, as a result, less people are interested. Small game hunting and wing shooting offer someone the opportunity to pull the trigger multiple times and it doesn't take a second mortgage to buy a license. These are the things that will be needed to continue our sport. And continuing our sport is so important because it offers young men and young women an alternative to malls and video games, and it puts them in the outdoors where the highs are natural and where the thrills will be waiting each time they come back.

Gary Miller
gary@outdoortruths.org