You're the Boss (tons of photos)

[duckboy]

It was time for my trip. An annual grouse gig I had planned with some buddies had de-materialized, so I jumped at the chance at 3 days off mid week when it came available.


I loaded up the truck, tried to sneak my black mutt/bird/bear/badger/cougar (he’s an all purpose kind of dog) “Alex” out the back door so that Ginger (his other dog) wouldn’t figure out that we were gone until we were gone.

Somehow, I feel like If I can leave without her seeing me grab my gun and her mate (Alex) then she won’t get so out of joint while I am gone.

I’d take her, but at 11 yrs old, and with her breed, It is tough for her to keep up all day (days on end) and I hate to leave her in the truck unless it is November, and she wont’t get too hot with the windows rolled up.

She will come with me in the winter time, and if she poops out then, then she will stay cuddled up in the truck in my sleeping bag.


Alex always has a lot to say about Ginger, He said, “don’t worry about her, she is spoiled rotten, and she always tries to get my spot in the truck”.
“Remember, the black dog is the boss” he said.

Alex is always ready to go, and at his 10&1/2 years, I don’t dawdle… Who knows how many miles he’ll pull?

He pulls regardless of his age. He was built for mileage, and running all day (must be his border collie). He’s hard charger to be sure.




So we rolled on, to the east. Waaay East. As far I could muster.

I forgot how many deer there are out there, I lost count as I rolled through the last big berg. Got the last drop of gas from a guy as he was locking up the pumps.

He took a moment to give Alex a cookie, Alex said “Thanks man, we’ll be back in a few days, keep a couple ready.”




I had to drive the last 2 hours at 40 mph because of all of the deer out and about,
In fact, as I rolled through a small (1 gas station town) a large pickup rolled towards me on the highway,

Just before our bows passed, I saw a deer right in front of him.
I slammed on the brakes, and so did the other guy, he hammered the deer.

I could hear the sound of bone on metal. A bad sound.

He and I kept on going. I felt bad for the beast.

There was no way it survived a direct hit with a loaded f-350 at 50 mph… so I kept rolling, only slower and with the hi beams on.


Arrived at my spot to sleep at about 2 am.
I couldn’t catch a breath of sleep.
I was too fired up to even nod off for a few minutes.

I laughed at myself, felt like a damned fool (my usual state). All was right.







Morning finally came and we rolled again.

Another hour or so, up past horses and their masters loading up at a trail head.

Through big country.

This is as big as it gets.







Sleepy eyed cowboys and Elk hunters that needed more coffee. I rolled down the wondow, and Alex sniffed a guy and his horse.

The man asked “how far you going?” I said “Til I have to get out and hike it” He nodded,

& said “Good Luck, looks like you got a good dog there, ” I said, "Yes I do, he’s the boss” .

He laughed, and I was on my way into the dawn.


Me and Alex found the end of our road (right where it was for the last 9 seasons) only, this time there were 3 rigs parked there.

No one was up, and I turned around and back tracked ½ mile to get away from their camp and give them some space.
Loaded up the vest and the gun, and stormed up the ridge to a Hill that has always been a proven producer.


Up and up we hiked, it was cold, and windy too, not the usual summer weather we are accustomed to.


Soon Alex and I found our way up onto a hill that always has birds.


We searched all of the berry thickets, and up along the edge in the light where the cold Blues meet the morning sun.

There were none.

We pushed and climbed and descended, hunted hard and far and long.

Nothing.

Finally I saw alex come out of the brush with his tail held high, he was digging into a legbone!




We hunted until we’d covered every berry patch and sunlit ridge.



It was a bust, we hiked down from the ridge, and ran into the bow hunters that were camped where the road ran out, Alex was on a lead, because I didn’t want him to storm them and get dog scent on em. They were nice guys and said that they were hard pressed to find birds this year too, A couple of guys in their 50-60’s sweating buckets and heavily loaded. We quietly wished them well, they plodded on.


Me and Alex drove down the hill and up another, thought we’d give the Mrs a quick call if we could find a signal… Found an escarpment and drove it all the way to the top. (Glad I scored a deal on 10 ply tires this year).

No signal, oh well.

The weather started to turn, it started to rain and hail, and the temperature dropped.

It got downright cold.

I drove back to the main blacktop, and ran into a tired looking senior bowhunter.

I asked, You got a doe tag? (I’d seen a few does back about 3 miles) He said, “Nope, Just bull Elk”.

I said, “where you headed”.

He named his spot (about 3 miles back).

I said “You look dog tired, want a lift?”


He said, “That would really be great” (as he wiped the sweat off his brow).
He threw his bow in the back and hopped in, I shook his hand and we talked as we rolled down the road to his spot.

He seemed to take a liking to Alex, and seemed to be truly grateful to get a lift.

His buddies were from my home town, and he gave me a tip on where he’d busted a covey of ruffs.

We shook hands at his camper, he gave alex a piece of Jerky, said, “you’ve got a well behaved dog there”
I said, Yep, “he’s the boss.”

Me and Alex said “goodbye” .

We followed his tip, and along the way got quite a reception.




As I rounded the curves, I heard a commotion around the bend,









Found the spot that my ride hitcher told me about and gave it a go.


Managed to flush a covey of about 12 Ruffs, they were flushing up hill! Never saw anything like that before, I had a few chances at a shot, but I couldn’t tell where Alex was at, so I held my fire. Finally a clean shot presented itself, and I let fly (somehow both barrels went off at once) really hammered the bird.

Alex was quick on it and crashed into the canyon below.

I praised him and called to him to “Go get it boy, go find it”

He emerged from the canyon chewing up the bird’s head!

“Oh Alex, you brought back the wrong part of the bird!”

We descended into the canyon together and he proudly lead me to his bird.



We decided to call it a day, and headed to our camp site after filling the water jugs for another day. Talked with the boys at the fish wier and they indicated the road was open to our spot.


Along the way, saw a place that looked just about right.






A few white tails





Some other folks out and about the fencerow.




Finally made it to the cutoff and was greeted by the County Sheriff.

Alex said “roll down the window, I want to check out the law man”

I said, “Quiet down Alex, we don’t need any trouble from you”

The man flagged us down.


He asked me “Where you headed?”

“Up” I said.


“I don’t think so” he said, "Forest Fire"

I thought “great” no place to camp tonight, and it is an hour before dark. Now what?.



Alex stuck his head out and greeted the man.
The Sheriff rubbed Alex’s ears and Alex gave the Man’s hand a lick.



A squeal on his radio and a motion for me to hang on a moment.


He said, “ you are ok, head on up and go kill a bird for that hound of yours”


I nodded and thanked him and he waved us on.


“Thanks boy” I said,

“For what” Alex asked?

I smiled and we drove up the canyon walls into the pall of smoke.




Stopped for a moment and took it in.

This is the kind of place that puts things in perspective.





The rain fell and then the hail came down.

Alex and I pulled off to a cove with a great view up on the plateau and we watched it all roll through the canyons and beyond.


The crows got up off the alfalfa fields 2500 feet below and flew up over the tops of the hills we were on, must have grown tired of the lousy weather… I watched them fly up and over, clearing us and coasting into a new valley.

“How easy it must be” Alex said, as he watched them clear the ridges.

He shook the hail off his fur coat and tiredly jumped back into the truck.

I had to shut the windows and close the doors on the rig, the wind and hail and rain were shaking us. I wondered where all of the energy came from?


Just as the sun was going down, the sky blued up, and the steam rolled up off of the hillsides. It was brilliant white and glowing, the valley was deep in the sea of fog, and the sun shined into back of the truck.
It reminded me of the terrible storm the day my father died, how the thunder rolled and seemed to let us all know he made it.


I remembered my father’s ashes in the box my mom made, and it was just such a perfect spot, such a perfect moment, that I walked out and cast them right then and there.

Over the breaks of one of his favorite rivers, where the water is cold and clear and clean.

I said “I miss you Dad” and the ashes flittered down the canyon and the wind upwelled.


After a moment, I had to head back to the truck, the hail came down harder, and as I thought about my father, A bolt of lightning and thunder roll that shook me to the core.

Alex said, “I told you he was out here”

“I know, but sometimes I forget”.

“Don’t forget” Alex said,

“I know, “you’re the boss” I countered.

We bedded down for the night after the only thunder we’d hear on the entire trip. Legs tired, feet sore, but glad we were there. Alex rested his head on my chest and we drifted to sleep in the clouds.




The next morning, we had a chance to see some more deer, a few right next to the truck.




We hunted every draw and ridge, we hit all of the spots that had been proven producers in years past, but it was tough going. Had some bad fog and then a break that was awe inspiring.




We’d been 2 hours going up a ridge, I didn’t realize my water had fallen out of my bag along the way.

“Great” no water for Alex, and we were way up on a ridge. No creeks, His tongue was hanging about a foot out.


I said, “Sorry boy”.

“take it easy” he said, and I heard the sound of his thirst being quenched.


He found his own water bowl.




“You worry too much” he chuckled.




“Aye lad, I do” I agreed.





“Come on” he said, Lets get up to the top.







Then Alex found a dead Eagle. Least that is what it looked like,


He said “Hey, these taste the same as a barn owl”. As he crunched on what was left.






We descended and found the rig, motored on to the next location.


I was able to find a decent spot under a gigantic set of trees, the light was right, and I got out the camera.

Alex said, “How many trips have we been on do you think?”

I said, “I guess well over a hundred, maybe two”


He said, “What’s a hundred?”
I said, “It is a big big flock, probably 12 times bigger than a covey".

“How many more can we go on” he asked?


I said “As many as we’re able buddy”




He said, “I think I remember this spot, there were birds over on that ridge downwind”

I said, “You’ve got a good memory Alex, what should we do next?"


Without hesitation, he said, “Dinner!”







I said, “You bet hound dog, you’re the boss".

[Terdog13]

I'm not into Dog's or the whole upland thing but I got
to tell you, thats a cool story and very cool photo's to
match.

Keep it coming!

TWS

[motcha]

This made my day. Thank you!

[huntercgr]

The very best story I have ever read on ifish.

[TheRogue]

Without a doubt, if there was a story contest each year, you just won it.

What a great read, and great pics to go with it. Thanks for the time to put it together!!

TR

[fishlipper]

You are one of the few posters that I always take time to read, no matter how long it is. Thank you, from a dad of two small kidos and one more on the way. It is not my time of life to experience the things you get to, but I can not wait until my kids are a little older and I can share these kind of days with them. I can guarantee you that your dad smiles down on you every day you are in the field.

[The Duck]

I have just been fishing (Salty dog)and now it's time to stop and take my pointers hunting. I just happened on your post and I've got to say, you could write for any magazine you want. Great post, other than the hail it's just what dreams are made of.

[James in Idaho]

Didn't miss much in the way of sage hens, we saw almost as many 4 wheelers as sage hens. But at least it didn't snow. There's always next year.

[sportsman]

Great read! Really enjoyed your adventure and pictures. You have a great talent with your writing!

[CamoHunter]

Awesome story & pics...
I too spread my Dad's ashes in a place he loved.

CH

[Tvfowlhunter]

Nice pics Duckboy.


TVFOWLHUNTER

[Smokin'Bulls]

Your photos are stunning. Very nice photo essay!

[pathfinder]

WoW,,,,One of the best post ever,,,,,AWSOME--THUMBS UP!!!!!!!!!!!!:appla use::appla use:

[water and sky]

That was the best yet Todd!

Thanks,

Tom

[Bull Hunter]

Great story and photos. Thanks for sharing!!!

[Big Sky Country]

Sounds like a great trip to a pretty special place....... hell of a hunting partner you've got there.

[jlajoie]

Great stuff, Todd. Alex seems like one helluva hunting partner, and I can only imagine what it is like when Ginger is there too! Your photos definitely make me miss the west coast.

[Two Ducks]

You are what ifish is all about. Your love of dogs, the great out of doors and ability to make us all feel as though we are right there with you enjoying the trip. You have that magic talent with words and pictures. Thank you big guy.:excite d:

[rem721]

Great story!!! Would have loved to have been on that trip and would like to meet Alex some day- seems like he is quite a gentleman.

[duckboy]

Originally Posted by rem721

Great story!!! Would have loved to have been on that trip and would like to meet Alex some day- seems like he is quite a gentleman.

Alex is a Good old dog. He is sharp, and stubborn and patient.
Out of the pair of us (me and him) he is by far, the gentleman.

I am just a guy stumbling in the woods with an old shotgun and a camera.

[xstreme357]

you kneel down in some cow mud there 'ol boy? neat pics

[hilclimber]

As has already been said...THANK YOU! THat is the best story I have ever read on here....THank Alex for me, (for telling you to put it to pen)!

[waterfowlin101]

Thanks Todd!

[in 'em]

Great pictures and story...you've inspired all who read this. Keep sharing!

[TakeEm]

Man It must be a lil dusty in here my eyes are watereing!!! Thank you so much for that. I could have sworn I was right there with the three of you!

[reelselfish]

Not my normal side of the board, but Your story both brought a breath of excitement and a tear to my cheek. thank you for reminding me of the great friends i have had the privilege of sharing my life with...
I miss you keiser..
thank you again for your story........

[Nuf]

Originally Posted by huntercgr

The very best story I have ever read on ifish.

One fine bit of prose. I 2nd the nomination for best iFish story...

[MsOutdrs]

Duckboy...you've again outdone yourself. I have read many books whose authors don't have the talent you have demonstrated. When will we see your first published works? To have insight and the ability to express (not to mention your fantastic photography) it as you do is simply awe-inspiring..and I don't compliment just to be nice. I, too, am not a hunter so don't belong on this forum except I love to look at the trailcam pics but I'm so happy I stumbled upon your great story. Thank you.

[GameChaserFid]

Great story and great pics and great dog! Thanks for sharing. I always love reading adventurous stories and that was one of the best. Beautiful country.

[duckboy]

Originally Posted by MsOutdrs

Duckboy...you've again outdone yourself. I have read many books whose authors don't have the talent you have demonstrated. When will we see your first published works? To have insight and the ability to express (not to mention your fantastic photography) it as you do is simply awe-inspiring..and I don't compliment just to be nice. I, too, am not a hunter so don't belong on this forum except I love to look at the trailcam pics but I'm so happy I stumbled upon your great story. Thank you.

Meant to get back to you a long time ago... I will always write for all to read. I haven't the education to write a real book, nor do I wish to. Seems to me, that I have written one already... It is all free, and from me ... and in my book, that is why it is art.

no one should ever have to pay to see art...

[GSPguy93]

Amazing what a blessing to have the freedom to do what we love and spend it in amazing country. You by far are one of the most talented writers I've ever read thankyou thank you for taking your time to wirte this I at 17 wish to have those moments in life such as the one's you described.
thanks again

Nate