Spring ~ 2012: The Birds, Fields, Trails & Cover
Southern Michigan, like much of the state has had one of the mildest winters on record. It seems like Spring popped in earlier than I can ever remember. In fact, over the years there have been some major snow storms in Michigan during March and this year we're enjoying sun and mid-summer temperatures. The grass is starting to grow and the trees are budding out. Being a true Michiganian I just have to wonder if Old Man Winter has really blasted his last for 2012. I was noticing the cover when I was walking last evening and it still looks top-notch. The remaining pheasants that we have are enjoying the spring. The roosters are starting to preen and do their "look at me" dance for the hens. Those roosters plump their red helmets up and fan their tails and wings out, strutting around while the hens don't seem to pay a bit of attention to them. In spite of how busy the pheasants are courting they are still eager to get out in the fields and test you and your dog. Once they're carefully planted in that field by our experienced staff those birds are hoping for two things: first, that your dog won't be able to find them and second, once they're airborn you won't be able to knock them down. Anyway, that's what I imagine they're thinking as they hear you and your dog closing in on them.
Having a superior hunt always comes back to the same three elements. You need healthy; hard flying game birds, field cover for those birds to hunker down while they wait for you and that great flushing or pointing dog to roust them out and bust them into flight. Did I mention the excitment of bringing your gun up to your shoulder; aiming, firing and watching that cockbird careen to the ground? And then there's the pure beauty of watching that incredible pointing or flushing dog make a perfect retrieve and drop it right into your hand, all proud of himself and the great job he just did for you. The three magic elements of a great hunt: a dog that lives for the hunt; healthy, hard flying gamebirds and exceptional cover.
Anyone that hunts at The Ringneck Ranch, LLC will tell you that we have those three magic elements all available to you in one place all at the same time. Birds here are treated to a special diet for maximum performance and conditioning and are housed in areas with plenty of room for them to hone their flight skills.
We work hard to provide you with superior cover in comparison to many other preserves. The cover here is excellant in the early fall, but sorghum seems to come into it's own after it's been hit by a few heavy frosts, two or three wet snowfalls and a little freezing rain. But you hunters need to remember it's always important to look beyond what's right in front of and around you. Remember to work those fence rows, wooded lanes, plots of corn and hit the brushy areas that are included in your designated area. Chances are whether you're hunting with your own furry best dog buddy, or one of ours you're going to find an extra bird or two hiding out in some of the most unlikely places.
