A Journey of a Farmers Daughter: Annual Labor Day Dove Hunt

Monday, October 11, 2010

Annual Labor Day Dove Hunt

I have needed to blog about this for over a month now but just haven't so I have found myself with a few minutes on my hands. I also have a dying urge to knock some things off my to do list! :)

Dove hunting is a big to do at the farm. It has been for years and years, since before I was born. My pappy was a big bird hunter, he always had lots of bird dogs. I can't remember the way the story goes so I will have to ask Daddy but years ago my Pappy made friends with some folks from Louisiana, men that became lifelong friends of my Pappy and our family. I grew up with these men in my life, their children's lives. We have been through weddings, divorces, deaths and births together. They are family and every Labor Day (and many times through out the year) they come to hunt. Everyone anticipates getting to see them, there is just no one like them!!

The hunt starts at daybreak which meant that Daddy and I left Mama sleeping with Cash and Arden and we were in the field before daylight as were about 20 plus others. It is such great fun, I am not a great shot but I do a lot of shooting :) I actually just enjoy sitting under a tree or next to a hay bale with my daddy more than anything. Cash and Ella joined in on the fun for a little that morning after they woke up. After the morning hunt we had egg salad sandwiches on the back of the truck at the pump house then cleaned our kill. The best part is heading over to the old dairy barn to fry up some birds. It is fun to see everyone socialize then find a shade tree (or a couch) for a nap before the afternoon hunt. Lots of fun had by all.