Mearns Season is Here! by Matt Baker
Mearns season is upon us once again and its turning out to be a great one. With abundant summer rainfall and favorable conditions for a successful hatch, bird numbers seem to have improved a bit over last season. The grass is tall this year and the birds seem to be holding a little longer in the thick cover. The dog work has been phenomenal, to the point that even our six month old pups are finding and pointing birds on their own.
Our more experienced dogs are having a great time as well. Recently, Mike O’Connor and myself headed south and had the chance to watch my four year old female “Kate” have a career day. Kate was connecting the dots with pointed birds and in less than an hour Mike and I both had limits. Years of hard work scouting new spots, securing access, training dogs, and practicing our shooting paid off in a matter of minutes.
Many Mearns hunters have benefitted from cooler temperatures and better scenting conditions this year. On average, temperatures have been nearly 10 degrees cooler thus far compared to last season’s figures. Throw in a few scattered showers and what seems to be the beginning of a wet winter and conditions will only improve throughout the season.
Although bird numbers seem to be up, a Mearns hunter must still work hard to bag a limit. Charging up a steep hill to a dog on point seems effortless when the reward is a mature rooster or two. The day after a great hunt can often be characterized by aching legs and a multitude of scratches and bruises. Mearns country has an uncanny ability to take its toll on hunters and their dogs alike. It is very important inspect your dog after the hunt and clear their eyes and ears of foxtails, grass, and other debris.
Please check back soon as we will be posting many more photos and trip reports throughout the remainder of the season. In the meantime, I’ll be spending lots of days afield in hopes of bringing along my pups and making sure they have the chance to point a bird or two with their parents’ help. Hope you have a great season and please feel free to email your own photos and text as we may publish them at the close of the season…
Matt
