by Nikki Atcheson, an accomplished Professional Hunter and Guide from Atcheson and Sons Outfitters. I must say, this was an incredible experience, not only for hunting Pheasants for the first time, but to meet a group of accomplished female outdoorswomen and hunters.
it… The next morning, we had an archery class, and talked about hunting clothes. The ladies were natural archers! That afternoon, we went out and shot rifles! Whoo Hooo, this was a blast. The team challenged us by creating different hunting scenarios, and we contorted to try and get into a shot that would be a good kill. I recommend everyone challenge themselves to recreate field environment shots in their practice to ensure you don’t attempt a shot you can’t make. I learned, if I am practically laid out on the ground, twisted around a tree, I should get in a better position to shoot. My favorite shooting though was off the hand shooting!
This is our dog, Casey! Out on a hunt of her own!
She’s told me, that I am never aloud to go bird hunting
without her!
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All these activities, culminated in a full day of Pheasant Hunting! This was my first Wing Shoot, and I now know the passion folks have for it. To me, hunting is just as much about the experience as it is providing food for my family. Well, this experience is totally different than climbing in a tree stand at zero dark thirty, but equally pleasurable. First, there are the dogs. We hunted over German Shorthair Pointers, which coincidentally, Todd and I have one of, who had just finished training prior to this trip. Well, the dogs were incredible to watch. They have a job, and they are so happy to do it. When a girl and a dog are working together to achieve the same goal, there is a connection and beauty that transforms you to part of nature itself. Then there is the walk and talk, being able to talk while hunting was a completely foreign experience, but it was so full of camaraderie and shared adventure, and shared accomplishment. The hunting was great too. I was able to harvest five birds. After the hunt, I learned how to clean the birds; so if I the next time I go again, I can take the food from the field to the oven.