Opening Day

Here we are in the middle of north eastern Montana, aka the Hi-Line. I’m dressed like it’s Halloween! I’m a giant green and orange pumpkin. It’s not the most attractive of outfits, but at least I was able to stay warm and comfortable. Ryan and I spent three days in Hinsdale, MT for the opening weekend of Pheasant season. This was the 15th year for the boy’s annual hunting trip to the Jensen’s place and Hinsdale. I still haven’t figured out if they make the 6 hour trip every year for Francine Jensen’s home cooked meals and delectable desserts or for the phenomenal hunting access. Either way, both are worth the trip!

Opening Day was a success! Ryan, Randy, Dr. Dave and I, were joined by several Jensen family members. We had a group of 7 hunters, plus Charlie the dog. It was a gorgeous fall day and I was glad to be walking the wheat and alfalfa fields. There’s nothing like getting away from house work and the busy streets of Bozeman and finding peace in the middle of the countryside. We saw a lot more birds compared to the previous years I had gone.

The next day we woke up to several inches of snow on the ground and an ominous snow cloud that dumped about 10 more inches of snow until sunset. It was our only other full day to hunt, so we decided to bundle up and go out anyways. I ended up making it for several hours and decided I was wet and cold enough to quit and wanted the comforts of Francine’s cooking and a warm house. We didn’t get anything that day, but were excited to see a few birds at the least. The rest of our trip was spent visiting and catching up with the Jensens, watching movies and eating. Now I’m on the prowl for a good pheasant recipe.