Above all else, I'm a grouse hunter. I hunt over a fine Llewellyn Setter and have for years. I drink single malt whiskeys at the end of a hunt. The crisp air of Autumn stirs my soul. In the Spring when we hike we listen for cocky little males to drum deep in the woods trying to attract a plucky little female. In the summer we watch the berries and other feed grow. I live for perfect Fall days and start looking forward to them when my mountains are buried deep in snow. There is something about those first crisp and cool Autumn days that stir my soul. In a few very short weeks the leaves will begin to turn on the north slopes of Wanda's mountain. It will be time to hunt grouse again.

These two shotguns, a Beretta BL-3 and a Parker DHE both in 20 gauge have served me well for more than 30 years. Both are light weight. Each weighing about 6 pounds. They fit like a pair of well worn boots. As a grouse hunter I have no need for a gun that holds more than two shells. If it can't be done in two then maybe it just shouldn't be done. I have no need for auto or pump shotguns. These are fine and elegant firearms. A perfect mating of metal and wood.

This is a tool taken to its highest level. Fine double barreled shotguns are works of art. No wonder the worlds best engravers tend to use them as their canvas.

These guns are not really all that fancy but both are still elegant in their own way. These two will be passed on to either a son or grandson. I hope they serve them as well as they have served me.

And I hope they too are grouse hunters.