Of Guns, Birds, and Dogs

 The Bird Dog. An essential to the hunting life. 

My husband finds hunting to be relaxing and fulfills his desire to provide meat for our table. In my opinion, hunting is a skill everyone should posses.

Pheasant, Chukar, Quail, and wild Turkey are some of the birds we hunt and eat. Mammals include Elk and deer. Plentiful and organic, we use as much of the animal as possible and leave the rest to be cleaned up by other animals.

 

Grilled pheasant, foraged Chanterelles, garden basil and tomatoes with homemade fresh mozzarella. If you thought homesteading meant boring food you have much to learn. You find satisfaction and confidence when you sit down to a plate of self provided foods. You know its history and that it's fresh, safe, and not lacking in nutrients.

As for me, hunting does not carry the same intrigue as my husband, but I enjoy shooting shotgun at the range. I especially love Sporting Clays as it mimics the sport of hunting...you just don't have to kill anything! Because I don't take my gun to "the field" I bought a lovely Beretta 687 Diamond Pigeon. I feel good knowing that if need be I could actually bring down a bird for dinner.

If you live around the Puget Sound area check out Seattle Skeet and Trap Club. Annual memberships are very affordable and they offer a youth program.