Remembering the First Day of Hunting Season

In honor of dove season arriving in North Alabama, Loretta Gillespie, our resident Master Gardener, shares a nostalgic look back at a time when the first day of hunting season felt like an official holiday. This isn't just a story about the hunt; it's a sensory journey into the past, filled with the scent of WD-40 and frying birds, the crisp feel of autumn air, and the deep-rooted rituals that defined a family. From meticulously cleaned shotguns to the bond between a boy and his loyal Irish Setter, Loretta paints a vivid picture of a day steeped in pride and the simple joy of tradition.