This seems to happen to me every year. I spend all offseason looking forward to and preparing for the hunting season and, once hunting season arrives, Im left surprised at just how long it truly is. We often speak of it as though its only around for a couple of weeks every year but that doesn't have to be the case!
The fact is, if you're willing to travel and interesting in trying new species, you can truly extend the hunting season beyond half the year. Starting out west chasing prairie birds in September all the way through chasing quail or grouse (aka unicorns) in the Southeast in February. While we all have our preferences, adding variety to the target list can provide you and your dog plenty of time on the ground. I personally put a spotlight on the Northwoods for Grouse in October. That spotlight doesn't completely blackout my interest in all of the other opportunities though. Some of the coolest hunting I've done is Woodcock hunting in Tennessee in January. I've been fortunate enough to shoot the unicorn grouse at the end of February. Part of the reason I got into bird-dogs originally was the fact the hobby can truly keep you busy & active all year long. Once you factor in training and trading or testing, there is truly always something to do with you dogs! All of this to say, if you always find yourself around Christmas putting the shotgun in the safe and starting the long countdown clock to next fall, perhaps its time to try something new. Start off 2025 by exploring new ground after some quail or perhaps a new challenge in trialing. The St. Huberts Trial held by Bird Dog Society in South Carolina the first weekend of February is a great entry level trial with no pressure. Let 2025 be the year the shotgun stays out of the safe and those classic hunting memoirs and novels collect dust until Summer. You got a dog surely out of some sort of desire for fun, adventure, and challenges. Heres your encouragement to keep that in mind as we approach the new year.
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