Joe Ahlquist|Photographer: Hunting

Today I found myself out pheasant hunting with a family who gets together every year for the opening of pheasant hunting season here in South Dakota.

I love these kinds of assignments because there is usually so much going on that my subjects immediately forget that I'm there, and I can just fade into the background and be as unobtrusive as I want to be.

As someone who enjoys hunting, fishing and just being outside, I thoroughly enjoyed this assignment.

Although the pheasant numbers are down, the hunters we were with managed to knock down a few birds, but more importantly, they had a good time. Most of the people we were with were stressing the fact that they enjoyed being out there more than actually shooting the birds.

Which, for me, is what I have always enjoyed most about hunting and fishing. It's always been more about the experience in the woods, on the water or in the field with family than it is about getting whatever it is we're after.

That said, I'll stop writing and show you some pictures.

Here are a few of my favorite frames from the day. More photos can be seen here.

©Joe Ahlquist/Argus Leader

This last weekend I was fortunate enough to have a four-day weekend, and Lauren and I were able to head to Bemidji to spend time with family and what not.

My dad and I originally were going to spend a fair share of the weekend bow hunting, but the first part of the weekend was plagued by rainy, cold weather. So, we only spent one afternoon bow hunting.

I did get the opportunity to do some ruffed grouse hunting though.

My dad and I brought their 4-month-old German shorthaired pointer for a nice, long walk through the woods. We didn't get any grouse, but it was awesome to see that little dog take to the woods so naturally.

The rest of my time was spent hanging out with mine and Lauren's family.

I also spent a fair amount of time photographing the beautiful Fall colors. Probably too much time.

Enjoy some photos from the weekend.

©Joe Ahlquist

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