Hunting on the HiLine 2014, Volume 2: Without Firing A Shot

On a warm and sunny, if mildly breezy Sunday afternoon, Jeff and I loaded into the pickup with Harvey. Jeff, donning his tan bird vest over a yellow MSU tshirt, and Harvey in his orange collar, were ready for a hunting excursion. The shotgun rested safely (unloaded) in the backseat, the three of us drove a few miles away to an abandoned farmyard to hunt some game birds.

Old vehicle, left in the grass for quite a while, at our hunting site.

We built the anticipation with Harvey on the drive over, asking him, "Are you gonna get the bird?" With each demand, he grew increasingly excited. He began to wag his tail vigorously, jump up and down in his seat, and whine, all while looking with dedication out the front window, scanning for visual evidence of birds. You can't tell me he doesn't understand what we're saying. He sees the shotgun and Dad (Jeff) in his hunting vest and he knows it's time to work. Really, as our family pet 90% of the time, hunting birds is more like play, but don't tell Harvey that!  He loves to hunt. 

Tree-rows are typically a great spot to find some birds.

When we arrived at the yard, Harvey barreled out of the car, ready to get down to business. We had to call him back, to stay still, while Jeff got his supplies ready. As always, I was just along for the ride. I was there to experience nature, spend time with my husband, and watch my dog do his thing. We were finally able to begin our hike through the grassy fields around the house, right on Harvey's tail. As the sun lowered into that magical, warm, golden-hour light, the breeze lessened, and our hike through knee-high Montana prairie grasses took shape, our evening mission was fulfilled.

Almost.

Harvey's nose leading the way. 

Harvey is making a "soft point," indicating the start of a scent trail.

We traipsed around for about an hour and half, Harvey's nose leading the way through the brushy grass. Several times, he locked up on a scent and followed the trail for quite a while, his humans behind him in close and watchful pursuit. Each time, however, the birds were flighty and flew off early before Harvey could get in a good point and Jeff could prepare to take a shot.

Acting "birdy," or on-scent.

Though we saw probably between 25 and 30 grouse in the waning afternoon light, we never took a single shot. Nevertheless, it was evident that Harvey had a great time putting his instinct and training to work. There's nothing he loves more than to "get the bird," as we say to him while he's hunting. Jeff and I had a nice time, too, watching our dog gracefully run, romp, trot, and stalk birds through the fields. We headed home empty-handed, without firing a shot, but nevertheless fulfilled from a fun evening on a beautiful fall day being outdoors in a place that we love.

That's what hunting is about to me. 

Right before a flock of grouse flew up waaaaay ahead of the dog.

***If you liked this post, check out this very similar story written by Erin Madison, an Outdoors writer for the Great Falls Tribune, which was in the paper recently. 

Hunting on the HiLine 2013, Volume 2: Lost River

Perhaps the biggest news in the local hunting scene this year is the opening of the new Wildlife Management Area just a few miles north of our house. The Lost River WMA was a recent land acquisition by the State of Montana, finalized within the past year, and now it is open for business.

Here’s a brief description of the area: http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/fishAndWildlife/nr_0579.html

Formerly known as the Milk River Ranch, the Lost River covers an area of about 14 square miles. Evocative of a place forgotten by modern times, the land itself lives up to its name. It’s about 45 miles northwest of Havre, and only a short distance north and slightly east of our house.  It feels very remote.  Access roads are not well-maintained and in bad weather could prove problematic. Jeff and I drove up recently, before deer season opened, to investigate. Like so much of the countryside around here, it is easy to look around the Lost River WMA and envision tribal peoples roaming the land, chasing bison and tracking elk and deer.

The Lost River won’t be lost for long. With deer rifle season now open, hunters from across the HiLine and beyond are here to check out the newly opened public land in its first season of use: modern hunters again using the land to track elk and deer.

There’s a lot of terrain to cover and to hunt it effectively a person should be prepared to hike.  Hiking and participating with nature are my favorite aspects of hunting. With hunting company coming to our house again this weekend, I’m anxious to hopefully join Jeff and our friend in some on-foot exploration of the Lost River WMA. A full report of our findings will follow!

Until then, Happy Hunting, wherever you may be!