It's that time again to bust out that old faithful shotgun, get the camo ready and head out to a good dove field for some fast flying migrating bird action.  September has to be one of the best months out of the year for me right next to November, December, and March.  It's hard for to go at least one day with out thinking about opening weekend and the tradition of going dove hunting on Labor Day Weedkend.  We all really work hard all year to enjoy our one weekend that we are rewarded by spending some quality time out in the outdoors doing something we should enjoy, relaxing away from work.  I can't say that I work too hard, but what I do on a daily basis impacts alot of lives in the community of San Antonio.  Some people like my father who has worked extremely hard since the age of tweleve sometimes have to spend their Labor Day Weekend working overtime.  Trust me when I say that I think about all those blue collar workers who work outside in the 100 degree heat and freeze their tails off in the winter time.  I am fortunate enough to have a nice job working indoors with a nice office in a controlled tempature environment.  But one thing is for sure my blood starts pumping just a little harder in August because I know that September brings cooler weather and some hot Dove hunting action.

     I am the type of person that thinks about hunting all year long, whether it's seeing urban deer roaming our neighborhood in the Spring or watching flocks of city whitewings fly over our backyard.   It's nice to live in a city like San Antonio that supports an outstanding urban wildlife population.  This helps crave my hunting appetitie off season and keeps me focused on the hunting season to come.  When I take my son to his select baseball team practices it is hard to keep my eyes off the high flying flocks of whitewing dove passing by or imagining whether I can knock birds down from that range. 

     But this Labor Day Weekend I am going to just let it soak in and relax more then usual because with age the time is passing by to fast.  I sometimes think about how many more Dove hunting trips will I have in my future and treat everyone like it's my last.  I am very thankful and apprecaitive of the opportunities I get to spend time outdoors.  Unfortunately, I have high hopes and expectations every year for my big Labor Day get away and every year I am somehow dissappointed by others who just don't take Dove Hunting as serious as I do.  The good news is I am going hunting this weekend and my son will be there to spend quality time with me.  I even got a bonus this year because I have invited my father-in-law to go with us on this special weekend trip so he can see his grandson in action out in the dove field.  This would be my father-in-law's first dove hunting trip and I am excited to see the possibilities of what could come about. 

     I am the type of hunter that does not need a big group of people to have a good time, I can fly solo out in the field and still enjoy my quality time.  Although, I don't like doing this and wish my close buddies who have joined me dove hunting could be there this Labor Day Weekend.  The important thing is that I get to go and things could be alot worse, I could be unemployed and not even afford to make this hunting trip possible.  This is one thing I am extremely grateful for is that I have a good job, make enough money to provide for my family and have a little left over to invest in spending time in the outdoors.

    In conclusion, Labor Day Weekend brings a big smile to my face even without ever firing one shot from my trusty Remington 12 gauge.  But, I can tell you that I know that smile on my face will be even bigger come Sunday when I am knee deep in empty shotgun shells and pumping loads of lead at those elusive whitewings.  I am definitely going to take time to reflect on all those individuals who work hard everyday to provide for their families and wish everyone a happy relaxing Labor Day Weekend.  may your outdoor adventures be memorable and you enjoy the fruit of your labor with your family!!!

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