A traditional native quail hunt with Syren’s Julia Field shotgun in Southern Georgia – what more could a girl ask for? Ironically, I love historical fiction and was reading a book about plantations in Georgia when I found out Fiocchi Ammunition invited me, on behalf of “Women’s Outdoor News,” to a media trip to Sinkola Plantation.
A hunt like this needed a beautiful shotgun. Thankfully, with a bit of help from Gates at Sinkola and Syren USA, the Julia Field 20 gauge was waiting for me when I arrived.
It is an understatement to say I felt awestruck when I saw this shotgun’s detailed one of a kind engraving. At first, it just appeared to be a beautiful design. Then, as I looked closer, I saw a woman’s face blowing dandelion wishes. This touched my heart because I have a tattoo with a fairy blowing dandelion wishes. Was this a sign? Oh, I can’t leave out the stunning case color-hardened finish and gorgeous wood. Just stunning! It was the perfect fit for this epic hunt.
Aside from its beauty, Syren’s Julia Field 20 gauge also has many features women are looking for:
At Sinkola’s suggestion, I set up Julia (yes, from now on, we are on a first-name basis) with an improved cylinder and modified choke. Then, I spent some time with a little dry fire, shouldering the shotgun. Julia is an easy shotgun to fall in love with. She pointed nicely, was easy to break open and I felt very comfortable after pulling the trigger a few times. Since I wouldn’t have time to shoot Julia before the hunt I wanted to know how much pressure it took for the shotgun to fire. Finally, to burn up my excited and nervous energy, I got my gear ready for the morning, walked around the lodge property and waited for dinner.
Since this was an authentic Bob White quail hunting experience, we all loaded up on horseback in the morning. Mr. William, the dog trainer, was in the lead, followed closely by Hunter, the scout, then media, followed by the wagon driver, Mr. David. Two mules pulled the wagon that hauled the dogs in their crates and had room for two representatives from Fiocchi ammunition to sit. We made an incredible site working our way through the majestic old-growth longleaf pines.
As I mentioned above, this was a traditional hunt. Mr. William and the dogs led the way. The four of us took turns shooting in pairs. On Mr. William’s signal, I dismounted from the horse, grabbed Julia and made my way toward the dog on point.
Quickly loading Julia with Baschieri & Pellagri (B&P) Heavy Pheasant, I eagerly awaited a covey of quail to take flight. Having never experienced a quail hunt before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Man, they are FAST!
Concentrating on one bird when five or more take-off is not easy. Mr. William said, “You may miss when you take a shot, but if you don’t take a shot, you are guaranteed a miss.”
Julia is such a soft shooter, especially with the B&P ammunition. I know I was excited for the first shots, but I honestly never even felt any recoil.
The rest of the day consisted of riding on horseback and taking turns when the dogs went on point. We enjoyed a lovely lunch on a lake and a delicious dinner.
Day two was just as magical as day one; however, after lunch, I (well, my butt) decided I better get off my horse and switch to the wagon. This was interesting since I could spend more time looking at the scenery and had a wider view of the dogs working the woods.
If you’re wondering how Julia traveled throughout the hunt, the above photo is your answer. On horseback, she rested upside down in a scabbard on the side of my horse. When I rode on the wagon, she was very cozy in a wool-lined cubby above the dog crates. Boy, she had it made!
I cannot praise Gates, Mr. William, Hunter and Mr. David enough for my incredible experience at Sinkola Plantation. I am grateful for all the hard work the dogs, horses and mules put in. I am thankful to Fiocchi for inviting The WON on this trip and supplying the B&P ammunition. And I am so happy the lovely Julia was with me during the experience, adding to the magic.
Find more information on the Syren Julia Field here.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
Sinkola Quail Hunt