"Mother Chukar: Adventures in Bird-dogging" by Kate Willis (Ignite Bend 5) by Kate Willis

Current research shows Chukar hunting is three times more addictive than heroin. Ok, I made that up.

The real trouble with Chukar hunting is that the very nature of the wily and elusive birds requires a very specific piece of equipment, a bird-dog.

The ultimate extreme athlete, a bird-dog is a tenacious, relentless creature able to cover more ground than a helicopter, searching out coveys tucked away in the rockiest, steepest terrain you can find between Bend and the Snake River and upon finding the birds will wait patiently for the two-legger to catch up.

As with all intensively driven athletes, year round training is required. The only difference between a triathlete and a bird-dog is the later will eat your couch if you don't let him run 20+ miles 4 or 5 times a week.

Ya, you're going to need a mountain bike and a pigeon..................

About Kate: Originally from Montana, Kate Willis landed in Bend two days after her 21 birthday with all she owned and a St Bernard in a 1984 Toyota Camry. Ten years and many gear-intensive sports later, Kate's basement and garage contains more outdoor recreation equipment than REI.