D Day

 Crack of dawn,  I was up and got into my bird hunting gear.  Forecast called for thunderstorms to start at 3PM lasting through tomorrow  but dark clouds were already moving in.  

Cloudy, cool, and quiet; excellent conditions for hunting.  I could hear ATVs and some trucks already taking opening day hopefuls out to their chosen spots.  I had noted last week a spot where I'd  seen duskies.  2 miles from my campsite- can do.  

I headed up the road scanning for birds in the road and woods.  Several hunters stopped to chat about whether either of us had gotten any birds yet.  Some had bird dogs, some were in parties of four, some alone.  I was the only person on foot and wearing any orange clothing. 

On a whim, I took a side trip on a 3/4 mile spur that looked like it was rarely used.   Nearly level, it ran across steep terrain that duskies like. No birds today however. 

Back on track to my original destination.   Arrived, pulse rate elevated.   Duskies tend to stay in one area so there was every reason to think the birds I saw before were still here.  Very steep hillside with fallen trees strewn everywhere made for mighty tough going.   

Suddenly,  I heard a shotgun blast several hundred yards away.   Then a volley of four more shots.  Most likely multiple hunters shooting at multiple birds.   A while later a single hunter emerged from the woods with 2 duskies in his vest. No dog.  I congratulated him and he was glad to have the accolades.   It struck me that my scouting was pretty good and that had I not taken that side trip it might have been me with 2 birds in the bag.  Then again,  it's also possible that I  would not have flushed them at all.

I headed back to my campsite, checking likely covers along the way but wanting to return before the bad weather set in.  Made it.  Raining now but no lightning yet.

The Black Mountain wildfire was not visible last night but the news said it doubled in size and was expected to grow rapidly today driven by winds.  I'd think, the rains will slow it down.  Keeping an eye on it. 

Hopefully, more and better hunting tomorrow or Friday.   It has been really nice being welcomed by passers-by vs. the looks of fear and suspicion I often see back east.