Lessons from the Field (and the Couch)
I’m learning this hunting thing the hard way—and I’m writing it all down.
The Dog I Swore I’d Never Get…Meet Hazel
After losing two senior dogs, I swore I’d never own another. Then I discovered bird hunting—and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Now we’ve got Hazel, a 12-week-old whirlwind who’s part family member, part future bird dog, and all chaos. Here’s how she changed everything.
Clays, Crates, and Questionable Gear Choices
From missing 21 out of 25 clays on my first skeet round to chasing Hazel around the yard, I’ve officially entered rookie mode. I’m sharing early wins, gear regrets, and what it’s like learning to shoot, train, and hunt—all after age 40.
The Deer I Never Shot (and the Hobby I Never Saw Coming)
My first hunt involved a newly purchased rifle, a 2-hour drive, and a deer that sprinted away before I could even raise the gun. No shot fired. And yet... I was completely hooked. This is how it all started—from clueless observer to late-life hunting convert.