Even an admitted fishing addict becomes drawn to the pine studded forests of Northern Minnesota on the states bird opener!!
It’s often a bit challenging to transfer the overall feeling you get when being a small part of something so much larger in nature….Even for an outdoor journalist!! Kelly and I had a simply amazing weekend chasing feathers, picking bones and scouting for deer in Northern Minnesoat this weekend. We traveled to the shores of Crane Lake while picking our way through the thick cover of mid-September. Our nearly 8 month old Chocolate lab retreived a few birds and is officially NOT gun shy. Small victories with pups in the early stages of development must be appreciated from her owners. I do think “Mags” was trying to find a squeeker within the grouse on her first retrieve to Kelly, but nonetheless we were ecstatic to see her pick it it up and deliver to Kelly’s hand.
Opening weekend in “Borderland” most always spells heavy cover, warm weather and scattered birds. Food is everwhere and cover makes wingshooting a challenge. This year’s opening day of feather gathering was certain to be no different. Though we both pulled up the “Lead Curtain” on a few northwood chickens, we both quickly turned out attention to shed hunting and scouting big deer. With shotguns over our shoulders we tunneled our way through areas seldom traveled by mankind.
The sights and sounds of being on the doorsteps of fall made our weekend together very memorable. The finding of 3 Moose sheds will be something we both will hang our hunting caps on. I’ve often wonder whether I prefer to chase birds or pick bones. Often times the combination of the two sports dictates my course of travel. I have to tip my cap to Kelly for truly hucking back into what I normally might refer to as “Manland”. Honestly my buddies give me a funny look as we climb over,under and even through the less desirable terrain seldom featured in pictures or outdoor articles. It’s not pretty, It’s not intersting………It’s ugly. Still after a 101 in “Orienteering” and a couple hours of face whipping walking and aggressive climbing Kelly was STILL smiling. LOL!!
Birds-N-Bones with friends and family are what living is all as the changinf of colors paint the perfect backdrop for the day. The harvest of game or the lucky nature of picking a shed shall always remain a bonus to the time spent off the beaten path.
I hold two passions that consume my very soul. I believe at this point most of you know…….Fishing runs through my blood. The second passion of mine clearly is leaving boot tracks in areas seldom traveled by others. Maybe it’s the desire to cut your own trail in life, Maybe it’s the feeling of being off the grid while normally in the public’s eye? Though I may never clearly understand my deep rooted passions within the outdoor arena; What I can tell you is fishing and hunting for the passioniate outdoorsman truly rejuvinate your soul.
So team…..Lace up the boots or fishing sticks; Whether your toting the “Smokepole” through the pineswoods or the bending the “Magic sticks” of the open water!! LIVE IT and LIVE WELL! You’ll never replace the fall of 2012!! 
