Last October, Brother Shawn and I had the opportunity to take author, Tom Davis, and photographer John Loomis along with us for our week-long hunt in the Idaho uplands.  Tom and John were on assignment from Field & Stream.  Unlike years past, the hunting was pretty tough, but we did have some stellar moments where we found  a few birds.  I’ve shared a few photos and experiences from the hunt in my posts, Who is the Best Writer on Grouse Hunting?, Tom Davis’ “Book Learnin” and Other Odds and Ends, and The Blazing Saddle if any are interested.

With the hunting being as tough as it was last year, Shawn and I were interested to see what Tom Davis had to say about his Idaho hunt.  Well, yesterday I went to the local supermarket and bought a copy of the October issue of Field & Stream and I am happy (and relieved) to report that Tom’s article turned out awesome and John’s photos are simply beautiful (and you even get to see mine and Misty’s ugly mugs a few times).

In my humble opinion, Tom Davis is one of the best living writers on upland hunting.  And he happens to be a good hunter with an excellent English Setter, Tina and a good guy to boot.  I’m honestly glad the Wayment Brothers got to hunt with him.

Even though the hunting was tough, our good friend Sterling Monroe–who was with us for the week of hunting–helped us put things in perspective when he said, “It’s just another birdless day in paradise.”  His simple statement really brought home that every day afield with our bird dogs should be treasured and the birds are just the bonus.

I got a text yesterday from Brother Shawn that our annual weeklong hunt in Idaho is less than sixteen days away.  Shawn and I have talked since then and we have decided that this year’s hunt will be an Upland Celebration regardless of how many birds we find.  And you can rest assured that we will be eating tacos regularly, if not daily!  Can’t wait brother!