North Dakota

        After a few brutal weeks of schoolwork, I went on a much needed trip out of town this last weekend. I met up with my dad and some of my uncles and cousins to go pheasant hunting in North Dakota. It was relatively spontaneous in nature and one of the most fun things I have done in a long time. This was my first time hunting and we couldn't have gotten luckier with the timing - we maxed out on birds each day! We stayed at my cousin's family friend’s farm and he had established numerous hunting spots throughout his properties by planting sunflowers, corn, canola and other pheasant food. 

        We had five dogs who were all extremely well trained for hunting birds and a total of fifteen guys. This trip was super special, not just because it was my first time hunting but it was great to spend time with my dad and extended family. We are all older now and I don’t see my parents and family much anymore. In addition, it felt really good to sign off of technology and check out for the weekend. There was barely any service where we were so checking emails, grades, assignments, etc. was impossible and it felt great to not worry about anything but spending time with those I went with. 

        Below is a picture of the sunrise on the first day we were there, right outside the cabin we stayed at. This area was extremely beautiful, rolling plains and a lot of wildlife. The only downside was how cold it was the weekend we were there. When we went out the second morning it was 6 degrees, -6 with wind-chill. Relative to Texas, where I have been living for the past few years, this was quite a shock. Although it was cold, we were having so much fun hunting that it was hard to even think about how cold it was.