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.

 

[Rowdie]

It's pretty warm today please take care of your dogs.

 

[Jiffy]

It’s too warm. Managed a few but done until tomorrow.

 

[Fritz the Cat]

Chip is two. Got him from Berg Brothers English Setters in Rogers Minnesota. Excellent gun dogs and family friendly. Beautiful morning no wind heavy dew so the birds were out in the stubble early catching rays. Pursuing those can be difficult. As you approach, they beat feet and keep running/flying. I waited until 11:00. Half a tree row; done.