The Beginning of Fall

Even though I have been back in law school for two weeks it doesn't feel that way. It is not until the annual hunt is over that I feel like the Fall has officially begun. Labor Day is inextricably mingled with dove hunting, dove hunting occurs in the valley, and the valley was the backdrop for a period of my family's history. To travel back there is always a journey, both of body and heart. I'm learning that traveling back can be as exciting as traveling away. With the conclusion of this quick trip I have begun a new semester and new season.

End Product

This an authentic Valley style barbecue: dove, fajitas, sausage, quesadillas, all over an open flame.

Cleaning 'em

I am the designated bird cleaner: Last year I did about 60, this year I only did about 30. I prefer to prepare the birds for cooking because I have to finish what I started. First the breast feathers, then the wings, and thats that. It is an obligation and one which I find enjoyable.

White Winged Dove

If you are an anti-hunter you probably think bird hunting is a mindless task, one void of much skill. Big gun, little bird, makes about as fair a game as Texas v. Central Florida right? Actually, there are at least 10 other species of birds buzzing around the skies of Texas that we aren't allowed to shoot. One must be able to interpret the flight pattern, speed, and color of the bird in order to shoot to kill. Opening weekend is always the special White Winged Dove season - meaning we are out looking for the bird pictured above especially. The Texas state bird, the Mockingbird, is smaller but similar in appearance. Shoot one of those and the game warden will likely haul you off to jail or unload a round on you. How about that for easy.

Guitar at Grandmas

The heat is literally killer in south Texas. The first day of the hunt we arrived at noon and cooked ourselves while shooting until 7pm. I prefer it that way, as by the end of the day I am exhausted, mentally drained, and worn out. It makes me feel as if I really earned those birds. Even so, it was a much smarter move to wait out the heat on the 2nd day. Instead we visited with my grandmother in the same house where my father and uncle grew up. My two cousins held a jam session and I lost myself imagining all the history of the home. Having visited California and New York this summer this visit to south Texas completed the trifecta of influential locations to my life.

Victory Feast

Although the birds were not out by the flocks due to the recent rain in the area, the hunt was successful, and the post-hunt meal was ever more so. Fajitas, ribs, sausage, mexican rice, frijoles, and potato salad were served by my tia to celebrate. We indulged in the flavors and completed the evening trading stories among family. Austin's Mexican food sucks! it is official and I want to declare it to the world here - or at least to my readers.

Of Age

There once was a time when my responsibility on the hunt was to shag birds, to wring them if need be, and to bring them to the hunter after felled - I now wield the firearm.

Mourning Dove

Hunter's Best Friend

When you lose a downed bird in the sorghum there is no better friend to have than a good ol' hunting dog. With a little direction from our guide Brent his canine was able to follow his nose to the dove lost in the brush. A dog isn't supposed to wear pink collars, get its nails done, drink bottled water, have birthday parties, lay around in the A.C., or be pampered. Dogs are skilled and talented workers. They have a purpose and they are most beautiful in nature where they belong. Hunter animal ethics - well, hunters give dogs better lives.

Ready to Hunt

The morning of the hunt is all about preparation. The camouflage apparel is dusted off and the customized hats adorned. One must look the part to be an actual part of the culture. While buying our licenses at Academy in the morning there was another hunter wearing some Gucci shoes with burnt orange trim - anyone could have guessed he wasn't from Texas. With the look, the swag, and the cooler full of water, propel, condiments, and bologna we were ready to hunt. We pulled up to the lease among the jacked up Fords, outfitted complete with toolboxes and sidesteps, in our Toyota Hybrid. Yeah we save energy, yeah we vote Obama, and yeah we will outshoot you.

South Texas Dove Hunting

We are minutes away from departing Austin toward McAllen, TX a.ka. South Texas a.k.a. The Valley. Labor day weekend marks the opening of the Morning Dove hunting season, combined with a special season for White Wing. It is a family tradition rekindled, a trip we took many times in my youth and one we have only recently made annual. I endured 3 full evenings of 10 hours worth of hunter education class in order to be legally licensed for this weekend. I will describe the sorghum, the skies, the feathers, and the firearms. This is travel, therefore I blog.