A few days in the Owen's Valley

Well, the 4 days in the White Mountains were a wonderful time. I set up my trailer on a knoll along the Highway 168 (Westgard Pass) and woke each morning to a breathtaking view of the valley and the wintery Sierras. Montana is a beautiful place but the Sierras are just a lovely.

Like all of this season (and last season for that matter) the bird populations were pretty thin. That is something of a blessing though: I have done more prospecting than usual this year, locating at least a half dozen pieces of very good habitat that should hold birds when mother nature again decides to drop some rain at the right times. On this trip I found some VERY nice chukar territory that is out-of-the-way and should not get much pressure. Did not find an empty hull the whole time (except for in one "local hot spot").

I always enjoy the late season hunts, walking the cold mountains. The dogs do well in the cool breeze and I enjoy the walks and the vistas. I did get a special treat on this hunt though. As Rosie and I worked up a wide canyon she hit a stylish point. She held staunch as I approached; I killed one bird in front of her and a second as it circled around down the canyon. Both birds were stone dead and easily found. I'll remember that perfect slow-season vignet for many months.

We were camping in a small trailer and the heated "home" was welcome each night. The temperature hit single digits as I drove over Westgard Pass the last morning but the sun was out and the walking was pleasant. The dogs did enjoy the soft blankets.

Happy New Year to all - look forward to seeing you in the field next year (and hopefully once or twice before then).

Take care,

Pete.