The Royal MacNab

There's a place in southern Idaho that I spend all year day dreaming about...the Royal MacNab. My brother and I named this special covert after a famous Scottish story that Robert F. Jones modified in one of his great books.

This incredible covert is home to Columbia sharp-tailed grouse, ruffed grouse and huns. We were lucky to spent two spectacular October days at the Royal MacNab chasing birds that we admire and love so much. Thank heavens for the CRP program.

Setter feathers...

Upland Idaho or Richard Edward: Part Deuce

My brothers and I had 2 fantastic days chasing valley quail and gray partridge. The past few years have been poor due to draught conditions throughout the whole Gem State ...but this year, the birds are back! We saw several hundred quail and huns over the two days. Andy and my dogs were awesome to observe and admire. Next to gentleman Bob, I adore valley quail...they are truly a sporting bird and a gastronomical delight on the grill!

One of my favorite memories of the trip is my brother Jake getting a Scotch Triple on a covey rise of huns with a sweet little 28 bore. Jake had a grin that's burned into my mental retina for life! I thanked Jake for taking the day off to go with me, and he said it was his best day of bird hunting ever...and the memories will last him a life time! Me too!

Of course, there was great Mexican food at the end of the day!

More photos and tales to come...

Setter Feathers...

Upland Idaho or Richard Edward I

I just returned home from one of the greatest hunting trips I've ever experienced...3,700 miles round trip to southern Idaho to hunt upland birds with my brothers (who are my dearest & closest friends). My bird dogs are lying motionless on the bed next to me...plum worn to the bone. They cover hundreds of miles on foot and pointed 5 species of birds. I now truly understand what Havilah Babcock meant by not wanting to kill an elephant...when all one needs is good bird dogs and the uplands of southern Idaho.

Here are some photos from the trip. I will continue to post photos this week with some tales (or outright lies)...


Setter Feathers...