THE HUNT AND A WISH
By Jim Foster
Welcome to the New Year 2009.
Many say this is a time of change. What is not known at this time is whether the change will be for the better or worse. Being a practicing optimist I it’s my hope it will be for the best.
Gun owners don’t think so causing record gun sales in many states. The new administration’s alliance with the Brady people is disturbing to say the least. We will just need to wait and see and hope for the best.
With all the news about the economy – some good and some bad – it would be nice to know that people will emerge from this mess at least as well or maybe better than we were. However, with larger government and higher taxes – gas is on the way back up – there is plenty of room for doubt.
Texas hunters and fishermen and women should get out and enjoy what we have during the new year and try to enjoy the blessings we still have. Like the long Texas quail season and the end of the Texas white-tailed deer season. Both are going full blast at this time and offer a wide selection of outdoor adventures.
Due to an untimely accident a few weeks ago involving breaking three bones in my left ankle my quail season is finished for 2009. But, 2010 sounds like it will be a good quail year to me. Let’s give three cheers for all the moisture in hopes it will last till spring.
As I have written many times over the last decade I love the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s $48 dollar lease. I have hunted mostly upland game on the thousands of available acres with great success and have not encountered crowds.
One quail tip I have used over and over is to look over the area before you begin your hunt. First this will give you a chance to see the terrain you will be covering and allow you to select a starting point where the wind is in your face. This is very important if you are using a bird dog – I hope you are, a good dog is a great conservation tool.
Watching the birds of prey is another helpful tool. Many times I will see a hawk making low passes over good-looking quail habitat. Hunting this area can be very productive and good for your dog. The reason – quail will do their best not to fly and give away their position to the hawk and many times will hold tightly for a point dog allowing hunters to move in close for the flush.
I do hope these few tips and the TPW $48 dollar lease are helpful. Please hunt safely and take a youngster out to enjoy what God has provided for us all.
As for political matters, well let’s take it a day at a time a pray for the best. Our new leader will need it.
If you have comments or news for Jim Foster please e-mail him at: jim@jimfosteroutdoors.com
