Big weekends

Last weekend was quite busy, starting with an AWF&G council meeting from which it became further apparent that there's not much new thinking going on. Leaving the meeting at 3 I followed AJ over to Napier, arriving before guy & Dickie. AJ was on business in his Beretta role; having to attend a H&F shoot. Guy, Dickie, me, Clive & James Needham were on a different mission - to shoot the first game birds of the 2011 season. Hawkes Bay had moved the opening of their upland season forward two weeks. Given time between picking up the gun, I was only too happy to get an eye opener on high fast flying Tuna Nui pheasants. Last year I promised myself that Í'd return and return I did. What a fantastic place, steeped in history, lovely terrain and massive drives. I seemed to do quite well with my pegs too; some days you win, some you lose. I started quite well too, was quite chuffed to begin the day with 3 doubles, then well... you know, I got a bit ordinary before scraping myself up and getting it back together. Highlight for me was a new drive they'd put in, I dropped 6 doubles in a mad mad 7 or 8 minutes of mayhem. There was quite a pile of dead birds behind me by the time I'd finished. Monday and I worked in Napier before hitting the road, just ahead of a fast approaching front that dumped snow on the Desert Road - I had visions of a chilly night on the Kaimanawas, but got through sweet as.

Yesterday was maimai dressing day, always a biggie. With many hands we managed it quite nicely and all the maimais are looking good.

Only 2 weeks to go now. Batteries for flappy dekes are being recharged now, and final presps being made. May have to try some of this Remington HD that seems to be the big thing, apart from "Hypersonic".....

Roll on 7 May.

JB Fan Club prepping the field dekes