Last Visit To Hunt

With temps soaring to the mid-80s instead of the more seasonal 50s-60s, the conditions for a quail hunt at the ranch were already off to an untypical start. But more significantly, it was molting season, so it seemed all the usual rules were changed. When the quails molt, they lose many of their feathers and, therefore, do not give off as pungent a scent, which serves to outsmart the hunting dogs. The dogs can see and hear the birds but not sort them out in the bush. The molting birds’ ability to fly is somewhat hindered, however, and many of them were just walking about in the grass, the dogs eager to grab them. The well-trained dogs were good about holding back, but the “green” pups managed to get a hold of a few. All made for a bit of a different experience for both our dogs –Rascal and Sandy—and the hunters.

This was to be the last quail hunt of the season for me here in Florida. Chris and I have been to the ranch several times over the winter, and the experience has always been exciting. I especially enjoy walking among the palmettos and tall grasses, imagining it must be a bit like an African savanna. I have not visited that part of the world yet, but Patti and I are planning a safari for perhaps next year. Back at the ranch, there are other exotic elements, such as herds of Asian water buffalo. I have often seen them in the distance but never close up until today. On this trip, I met a young teen, Dominic, who had spent the past few days buffalo hunting with his father and grandfather. These colossal creatures can weigh as much as 2000 pounds. Compared to my little quail, the water buffalo hunt is a whole different game—a much more safari-like sport.

Young Dominic was eager to talk about his experience. His grandfather had paid for this hunt experience, and Dominic was eager to try out his powerful 338 Winchester Magnum rifle. He and his father, who was shooting a 45-70 rifle, had just bagged a water buffalo and we watched as they proudly took photos of their kill. It was heartening to watch the three generations of this family out enjoying the morning together, with their shared interest in the ancient activity of hunting. It was indeed an African safari-like family outing.