The Long Shot

The approach was perfect.  So damn perfect

The small patch of cover is called the Triangle of Death....an overlooked patch of cover that other hunters who have access on the ground never touch.  The birds know the same and usually when we hit it right, it's a whirlwind of flushes, excited dogs and hopefully a downed bird of two

OMR came from above and I looped around to push the birds right to him he descended to block their exit.  It was surgical, until the 10 mule deer that were unseen, bedded down in the cover sprang up and bolted from the cover

80 yards from shooting position and as each deer darted to exit in a panic, roosters and hens came up from all possible places

So many swear words.  So many

Late season roosters are a hard earned trophy.  Their wild.  They've been pressured for months and you have to really be on your game.

Sometimes, the deer have other plans for your hunt.

As the last deer sprinted away, we hoped for a straggler or two.  As dad progressed down the bluff, a rooster exploded up and rocketed away.  By the time I saw it, it was at leas 50 full yards and crossing in front of OMR.

No way I said to myself as the bird rained down and crashed into the dirt. It was at least 60 yards away when he touched off the one shot and flat crumpled the veteran bird. 

I picked it up as it was at least 100 yards away from dad.  Stone dead.  As big as they get, massive spurs and electric coloration

"Shit dad, that was a long ass shot"

All he says on the last rooster of the season...

"No problem"