Cool experience, and what a cool idea of trying to hunt a different unit each year. Congrats.
I'd be interested to know to sweet Italian sausage recipe. I'll send you a PM.
Got out for my first hunt of the season here in Utah. Had a few fails that go along with first sit of the year, but aside from my shooting, it was a really good evening. The wind was up and there were almost always ducks in the air within view. I ended up with a pair of redheads, two drake...
Was hoping to catch the Fall bite at a place that is supposed to be great at times. Caught two nice cutthroats, but it was really slow. At least these guys were kind enough to swim by continuously for the four or five hours I was there.
I'm not so sure your grandpa wasn't there with you guys. I lost my dad almost 20 years ago and I know he's been there with me on many of my adventures and experiences since, sometimes so close I feel like I could reach out and touch him. Glad you got the chance to hunt with your dad again.
I started working on good cheek welds a few years ago. Made a big difference. I went a dramatically simple route that didn't mess up my stock. Vet tape and craft foam. Just kept building up the comb with stacked foam until it was right, then wrapped it all up in vet tape. Cost about $5 total and...
I picked up a Bear Alaskan this spring and have been very happy with it. I'd look hard at the Alaskan XT, if I were buying new. Hard to beat the value.