What a way to end the season!

Robert Barksdale sends along some pix from his last South Texas Hunt at John Hall's ranch, NW of Falfurrias. A shared find from his 1 1/2 year old Lady De Lamont and his aging but outstanding Bitch Queenie with a world class back! Plus, two more great shots. Thanks Robert ... what a year you have had! Here's to many more! (click on picture for larger view)

Last Hunt of the Season

Phyllis & Dick Nelson

Cataract surgery tomorrow knocks out any chance to sneak in a 'last week' hunt. However, friend Gareth Cook has graciously offered to take Dolly, Daisy and Bear with him for an afternoon hunt just west of Houston ... thanks Gareth!

Meanwhile, Robert Barksdale was back in South Texas last weekend at a ranch Northwest of Falfurrias. Found loads of birds and was proud of his two Brittany females. He reports that 18 month old Lady DeLamont continues to impress him with multiple finds. Lady was trained by Bunny Brown (http://www.highpointkennels.com) last fall and is staunch on point, steady to wing & shot and retrieves like a champ (we should all be so lucky with such at this age!)

Dos Jefes partner Dick Nelson sends a report from last weekend ... he is headed back later this week! Go Get 'em Partner!

----- Original Message -----

From: Phyllis & Dick Nelson

To: Bill Young

Cc: Judd Miller, George Helland, Dalton Tomlin

Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 1:18 PM

Subject: Dos Jefes

Phyllis and I spent this last weekend at Dos Jefes, our first trip this year. We can confirm and expand on your last report. We have a bumper crop of quail again this year! Dogs were on the ground Saturday and on Sunday morning, and were working birds the whole time. Typically 10 covies in 2 1/2 hours. Not a record number as my pals were somewhat slow on each covey, but the dogs were usually awaiting us on a new point when we finished the last rise. Fabulous, no place like it!

We spent our time west of the compound. The cover is just right everywhere except between 281 and the cabins. There the sunflowers are still a little thick though not at all like last year and I expect them to go down in the next rain- if that ever happens. There were birds everywhere we hunted, along the highline on both sides, several covies around North Hill, and the area East of Baluarte was very productive. We visited our dove pond, and then headed back East on Dove Pond Rd. Just past the big thicket, we pulled north off the road and up flushed so many quail that I emoted "Holy Moley" for the first time in my 65 years pursuing birds. No bull, we must have busted a covey convention as 30/40 quail poured out of there. I am not exaggerating!

My Lamonts pleased as always . Buck at 11 years is losing his boundless stamina, but is wonderful while he lasts. Stuart at 7 is in his prime and may be the best I've owned. He is certainly in the top three of my 60 years of bird dogs. Thank Sharon again for choosing them for us. All our love. Phyllis and Dick

Last Week of Season

GRRRR ... My catarac surgery is scheduled this week. Months ago, my name went on a list for a date for this needed procedure before realizing it was likely to conflict with the important end of bird season in Texas! Oh well ... it's been a good year and I'm proud of the times we had with friends and some great performances by the dogs. There is a chance of rain in the forecast for the following week and with good luck for spring rains, we have plenty of 'brood stock' to set up a good crop for next season.

Deer and Turkey will benefit from the rain too! Already, a few spring Toms are showing up. Surprising that our guest's did less deer hunting this year ... amazing how bird dogs and a good bird year can change a hunter's priorities!

Just had a call from Phylis Nelson as they were headed home to Kerrville after their weekend at Dos Jefes. Good report and a lot of pride on Dick's part in their Lamont dog "Stu". Dick tells me he has really blossomed into an impressive bird finder. If anyone knows a bird dog ... it is Dick Nelson (he's owned some spectacular dogs over the years!)