Pheasant opener # 57

[1lessdog]

It has been incredible milestone for me. 57 Consecutive opening days,

is a rare and beautiful badge of honor for me.To have started at age 11 in the 1960s soilbank era around Hankinson, North Dakota, I witnessed some of the greatest years of upland hunting history. My journey through shotguns—from the Savage .410/.22 combination gun to the Westenfield 410 pump, the Stevens 12 ga, and finally buying a Remington 1100 12 ga at Sioux Sporting Goods in Bismarck, I really miss that store. To be walking behind a lifetime of good dogs, seeing your kids take their first birds, and carrying those memories into the field this year is what the hunt is truly about.
Do I start the Day off with the 410/22 or the pump 410 I have them both. Or go with the 1100 or the trusty 870. And what shells do I shoot the Federal Duck and Pheasant load. Or the Federal Hi-Power or Winchester Duck and Pheasant loads. Or do you go with the Modern day Bismuth or Tungsten - Iron.

I also think back to the old vehicle I had back then. A 1962 Pontiac station wagon or Buick Wildcat or my first pickup 1975 Ford Shortbox.

It will never be the same no matter what I do. But I will always have the memories of the rise of a Rooster and the cackle on a crisp opening morning.

 

[49994]

It has been incredible milestone for me. 57 Consecutive opening days,

is a rare and beautiful badge of honor for me.To have started at age 11 in the 1960s soilbank era around Hankinson, North Dakota, I witnessed some of the greatest years of upland hunting history. My journey through shotguns—from the Savage .410/.22 combination gun to the Westenfield 410 pump, the Stevens 12 ga, and finally buying a Remington 1100 12 ga at Sioux Sporting Goods in Bismarck, I really miss that store. To be walking behind a lifetime of good dogs, seeing your kids take their first birds, and carrying those memories into the field this year is what the hunt is truly about.
Do I start the Day off with the 410/22 or the pump 410 I have them both. Or go with the 1100 or the trusty 870. And what shells do I shoot the Federal Duck and Pheasant load. Or the Federal Hi-Power or Winchester Duck and Pheasant loads. Or do you go with the Modern day Bismuth or Tungsten - Iron.

I also think back to the old vehicle I had back then. A 1962 Pontiac station wagon or Buick Wildcat or my first pickup 1975 Ford Shortbox.

It will never be the same no matter what I do. But I will always have the memories of the rise of a Rooster and the cackle on a crisp opening morning.

Thanks for sharing the story.....I would suggest going back to the .410/.22 combo, for the full circle back to 11yrs of age...good luck

 

[Jiffy]

The 1100 will always be my single most favorite weapon. Without a doubt.

And I’m a rifle guy.

The one in your pic is a beaut!

 

[bucksnbears]

You've had a good run.

I've also got all 3 boxes of 12g you show.
Something sexy about them.

 

[Jiffy]

You’ve inspired me. This one is coming with tomorrow.

View attachment IMG_7568.jpeg

 

[Jiffy]

I wonder if these will work? Prolly not, there is a picture of a dove on them. Oh wait….i can use them for wabbits and chickens too

 

[Kurtr]

I still love my 870 wingmaster

 

[measure-it]

Luv the English stock on that Rem 1100!

 

[1lessdog]

You’ve inspired me. This one is coming with tomorrow.

View attachment IMG_7568.jpeg

Is that a 1100 or 11-87?

 

[Pheasant 54]

Got you beat by 1 my 58th opener, I have a 68 model 1100 in excellent shape 3 inch Magnum 199.00 in 1968

 

[1lessdog]

Got you beat by 1 my 58th opener, I have a 68 model 1100 in excellent shape 3 inch Magnum 199.00 in 1968

Keep at it, till you can't go anymore. My 1100 is a 1972 md 3 inch. Was 30 inch full, I had the barrel cut down to 22 inches and put screw in chokes in it. I think I paid 89.00 for mine used. I opened up the gas port about .009 to shoot everything. I can shoot 1 Oz loads and it cycles great.

 

[Jiffy]

Is that a 1100 or 11-87?

1100 special field….one of the first ones

I’ve broke the front bead off a half a dozen times. Now it’s orange. Dad cut the stock down to fit and affixed the current recoil pad when I was 13ish? I retired it, but it’s going to kill again tomorrow

 

[Eatsleeptrap]

The adventure continues. Whatever you choose, good luck and post some more pictures of it.