By Bruce Ross, WWA Executive Director

I had long-coveted Russell Moccasin boots, and finally, last summer, pulled the trigger for a pair of South 40 Birdshooters.  After my foot got traced, and I selected the leather and soles, they were stitched together at the Berlin, WI factory, and I got them in time for a North Dakota pheasant trip.  I wore them for a day before departing, and then for the better part of a week tromping around some very muddy, slippery terrain – no break-in required.  I have worn them a lot since then, including chasing Wisconsin birds behind my lab, Callie.  Dry, comfortable, all-day support.  Can’t ask more of a hunting boot in its first year. And now, in it’s second year, they are, if anything, better: easier to pull on, shaped better to my foot, even more flexible where they ought to be.  And they are beginning to acquire the patina of CHARACTER.

I’ve had fancy, hi-tech boots and liked them. And never dressed them. (To dress a boot is to clean, apply conditioner and oil.)

And so I missed an opportunity to re-live the shots I took, missed, or hit when I wore them… didn’t think about the buddies with whom I enjoyed the hunt (or the end-of-hunt cocktails) when I wore them… didn’t recall the special retrieve Callie made deep into a milo field, or her return five long minutes after I missed a flushing grouse in some thick cover – with the “missed” bird in her mouth.   These boots will be around for a lot of memories… isn’t this why we hunt?

My 870 shoots just as effectively as my over-under.  I just feel better carrying my Citori.

Callie doesn’t seem to hold the same feeling for the boots as I have developed.  As I finished dressing the first boot, she clambered onto the bed, pushed the boots aside and plopped down between me and the boots.  I think she’s jealous.