4TH WEEK ON TO NORTH DAKOTA

The first thing you noticed after crossing the U.S. border how wonderful are the American roads. We have the finest highway system in the world. I was caught in the Wildcat mountain with by a fast moving deadly Winter Storm that brought records lows to the Prairies. When a Canadian tells me to stay put and hunker down until the storms passes, I know its a serious weather pattern.
I was snow bound for 4 days but I was cozy and warm with plenty of whisky Single Malt, heat and my ever faithful companion Fe and Tess. Each night the the howls of the wolf came closer. By the fourth day I heard a grader off in the distant. I meant him on the road and he would pull me off the trail back to the road and could follow him if I wished. I decided I would make camp on the road that day, hunt for grouse as following him for the next 40 km would take forever, Besides the storm has passed and this was my last hunt before returning

By the time I made Williston ND next evening I was ready for a hot bath. All the rooms were taken. The city was in a frenzy with oil riggers and explores. I talked to a rigger who was staying in an Embassy Suite. He had lived there for a year at $120 a night. So settled for a hookup a fresh grouse fillet and I would get out of town early.

I headed south dodging huge oil trucks carrying the crude to the depots. I made the fateful decision to head south on side roads to avoid the flying oil trucks. As I reached the Dickinson area pheasant were everywhere and the kenneled dogs couldn't keep their eyes off the roadside birds. By the time I reach my hunt area the weather had turn BALMY. I meant my farmer contacts and within hours the dogs had flushed and or pointed over 50 birds. Shooting my 1876 W.C. Scott Premiere with dolphin head Hammers was thrilling. I had it re-barreled to an improved modified and modified making it possible bring bring down rooster at 30 yards or more and in December late- season doves at 40 yards. I could feel much like Lord Ripon could with out the baggage of a class society.

After our hunt through the CRP and creek bottoms each evening we would settle atop a hill to watch the sun set, grouse fly into the stubble and Mule Deer graze. There is a God saying hope you had a great day