We finally got rid of the heatwave and had temps cool enough to get a dog out.
This is only Lucy's first year of hunting wild birds. I've only had her on pen raised up until yesterday. We hunted hard all afternoon without a single point or flush. The shadows were starting to get long as we made our way up and out of the deep hollar we were in. As we were nearing the car pretty much dragging tail at this point. Lucy slammed a point on this woodcock about 15 yards in front of me. One step forward sent the bird climbing for altitude. I dumped both barrels and the little bird tumbled to the earth where Lucy quickly recovered it. Would have much preferred the grouse but I have no problem shooting a woodcock. Not a bad way to end the day after traversing eastern Ky hills and hollars.

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