There's something about fishing guides and bird dogs. Lab, springer, setter, pointer, we all seem to have one. They're a loyal reminder of the crisp, golden days of fall. They're cheap therapy after a hard day on the river. And, they give purpose to long walks through awesome country with shotguns.

Bird season opens on September 1st here in Montana, and my pointer, Goose knows it. Every time I leave the house without him he looks at me scornfullyand sighs. As I gather my gear each day to head to the river he sits next to the gun case. When I return from fishing he sits next to his kenel. If it weren't for the whole opposable thumb thing, I think he'd put the kenel in the truck himself and get in it.

As September turns into October, and the rivers slow down it's time to give Goose his time to shine. Weekly outings turn to daily outings and trips to eastern Montana. And the anxious dog sitting next to the gun case is replaced by an exhausted dog curled up on his bed. It's an awesome way to end the season, and it's almost here.