Fox Collectors

One of the benefits of joining the AHFGCA is that you gain access to a lot of information about Fox guns, but you also get acquainted with some good people. Several times this fall Ed Normam (aka Glassman48) has invited me to go grouse hunting with him. Being invited on a hunt should not be taken lightly. It's a big deal because it usually means that someone is about to disclose one of their favorite hunting spots, and let's face it, good hunting spots are few and far between.

Well, I figured Saturday afternoon would be my only chance, so I drove 120 miles up to Kalkaska, and met Ed, and his very well behaved Brittany, Cash. I should also mention that earlier this year Ed purchased a 12 gauge A grade from me. Since then, he has also purchased a very nice 16 ga. Sterlingworth, and a Parker. Clearly he has been bitten by the vintage gun bug. We headed out into a nice woods and within minutes, Cash locked up. I had my 20 ga. Sterlingworth (Iva) ready as I walked up to Cash. A nice woodcock flushed, and yours truly missed. Rats! Ed and I continued hunting in that area and Cash did a great job of cutting back and forth, while always staying within sight. He pointed a few grouse, but unfortunately, neither Ed or I got a shot. Then, as we were just getting back to the truck, Cash locked up again. This time when I flushed the woodcock, I connected, and the woodcock fell from the sky. Cash even ran over to the bird, picked it up and trotted towards Ed. Cash is a good boy. Ed and I walked for 4 hours through some beautiful woods and while we didn't get much, we had a good hunt and Cash did a great job. Ed, thanks for the invitation.

Nice work Jeff! Kevin

Jeff,
I really enjoyed hunting with you, and your right cash is really a well behaved dog. I don't know how we got so lucky with our first hunting dog. I thought playing tennis a couple times a week this summer would get me in shape for hunting better. Until I hunted with a marathon runner Cash fell asleep right after he ate. You are a true sportsman and hunter, always on the "ready" for a shot. Your welcome up anytime, or we should try the pheasant farm after season is over, My wife often goes, so your welcome to bring your wife too. Thanks for coming up, I will try to post a picture of the hunt, I need the practice I have tried 6 times to make the print smaller, then up load, no luck again. If Jeff would put a couple more pics up I would appreciate it.

No problem. If you have a picture, send it to me.

Nice going Jeff and Ed. Thanks for the report.

Jeff, your big smile says it all.

The best way ever to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Daryl C.
Thanks, Jeff did a good job hunting that day. Cash had quite a few points with running birds. I think the woodcock are getting smarter like grouse. My best moment was when Jeff downed that woodcock, cash took right off to where the bird fell, and promptly picked it up and retrieved it back to within about 10' of me. I have been working with him, so it was definitely progress. The hunting was slower than usual, someone may have been hunting that area that morning, or within the last couple days. But we had a good time especially with 2 side by side shotguns

Way to go Jeff and Ed. Jim

Jim,
Thanks, your always so kind to me, I really appreciate that. Jeff and I sure had a lot of running birds, I think a lot of them were woodcock, I could hear the grouse when they thundered off even if I did not see them. The woodcock are definitely getting smarter as the season goes on. I am learning so much in here after my 40 year old hunting lay off.

Nice shot Jeff, but I'm thinking a certain 28" C-grade choked .005 and .015 would be "magic" on woodcock!!

Nice mudbat Jeff!