Sept 1 2009

This will be the first time I have hunted with my new dad. Dad loaded me and the boys into his truck and drove out the driveway. I am not sure where we are going but I know its hunting because dad has his shotgun. We got to the top of the mountain and dad let us out, this was different then anything I have ever done. We are in tall trees and I don't see any open fields, the smells are different also, its all very exciting. Dad put a collar on me and a bell, I guess he doesn't want me to get lost. Sonny is very old and stayed with dad, choc wanted to race to the top but dad called us back. Dad talked to us, I am not sure what he said, but choc and sonny seemed to understand, one day I will understand also. We started up this old road, I was way ahead of the boys and it felt good to be running free, as I came to a spot I smelled something but wasn't sure what it was, I hit the brakes and spun around, there was a bird just off to my right, I have never seen a bird like this, but it smelled good, I think this is what dad is looking for, but I am to close and scared the bird, it flew over my head and into the woods. Dad seemed to be pleased and disappointed at the same time, not sure what I did wrong. We keep going and I smelled where other birds had been, choc and sonny would get excited at the scent also, so I am sure this is what we are looking for. After about an hour, I got thirsty and went to dad to get a drink, he said he was sorry but he didn't bring any water, boy my mouth sure is getting dry. We turned at the top and dropped down into a draw, all the bird scent was old and we didn't spend much time getting down to the bottom. Once we got there dad showed us this steel box, it was full of water, the boys and I jumped in to cool off and get a drink. After a few minuets we started up a road that I have never been on. Wow, open ground, time to move out and show the boys what a girl can do. If you look at the picture on the top left, the little center dot is me, this is more like what I was trained to do. I hope I find some birds down here so dad will half to come down here, I bet he is hoping I don't. I could smell where the huns have been but they have moved out, I can hear dad calling me, better go see what he wants, he can be a real pain sometime, but I think for the most part that he is a nice guy. When I got up there dad wanted to walk down a tree covered lane, the boys were already out front, but I made sure I passed them and got in front, choc came with me, sonny stayed behind. The bird scent was very faint here, I don't think we will find any. Soon I came to a bend in the road and there was dads truck, sure glad he knew where it was. Dad gave us water, I layed down to drink, I was tired, the boys waited until I was done before drinking , they are such gentelman. After being brushed and all the sticky things removed, we shaired dads lunch, I think I am going to like living with them.......