September is here. Dove opener, flood tides, nights on the prairie to name a few things sacred. Golden hues connect field to coast in a single thread that keeps me coming back for more. September has left its mark.
I caught my first redfish in September, fell in love with bird hunting, watched Ernie heal from the kind of sickness I thought he could never come back from, bought and sold homes, changed jobs and spent countless nights on the prairie praying under the stars for more days like the one before.
I can smell the sagebrush and the tenor of the air breaking from sunrise to afternoon heat under the vast view of the plains. September has made me feel small in an almost holy way, swept up in God’s creation, in his country, reconnected to nature and humbled. Something to celebrate. Whether it’s the hunting, the fishing, the meals shared at camp, the burnt orange leaves or the smell of cider from a roadside orchard, it’s home to me.
We all have our own favorite months, and this one might just be mine.
From the Table
A seasonal menu inspired by the transition to fall.
The Starter
Classic Dove Poppers
A great step-by-step guide to making a timeless favorite for the season.
The Main
Cast-Iron Jalapeño Cornbread & Dutch Oven Chili
I count down the days until I can make this combo every year. It might still be a little hot out for some, but it’s never too early for chili and cornbread.
The Dessert
Peach Crisp Almond Ice Cream
I made this recipe with my Kitchen Aid Ice Cream Mixer and local, farm-fresh milk, eggs and peaches. It takes a bit of extra time to make the layers, but well worth the effort. The custard base can be used with any combination of toppings, too.
The Table
Trade out the tablescape for a few chairs around the campfire, shared cast iron plates and a warm meal served over the coals. Some things are best appreciated with the smell of the campfire and western winds.
Around the Fire
Let’s talk about our Field First Aid Kit for Dogs
Thankfully, we haven’t had to use everything in our kit, but when we’re hunting in remote places it’s important to have emergency essentials on hand. We’ve used more than expected between barbed wire cuts, torn pads, and giardia on the road. Here are a few things we carry with us, but it’s just as important to know how to use the tools you have. There are a lot of good resources to help you stay prepared, but I linked a great one here.
Wound Care — Saline spray, vet wrap, non-stick gauze pads, non-adhesive dressing, cotton-tipped applicators, iodine, a skin stapler (and remover), Vetbond, burn gel, alcohol wipes, and Kwik-Stop styptic powder for a torn nail or blown dew claw.
Toxicity — Activated charcoal and hydrogen peroxide.
Thorns, Cactus Spines & Foxtails — Tweezers and hemostats.
Nutrition & Stomach Issues — Nutri-Cal and honey packets for a blood sugar crash, an anti-diarrheal, and FortiFlora.
Eye Care — Eye wash and eye lube.
Cuts, Pad Tears & Sensitive Skin — Saline flush, Pad Tough, elbow butter, duct tape, and dog boots.
Wildlife Encounters — Skunk-Off (for the obvious), hemostats, tongue depressors, and a muzzle for pulling porcupine quills.
Tools: Thermometer, mini shears, nail trimmers, regular scissors, micro scissors, hemostats, forceps, tweezers, tick removal comb, briar removal comb, needle nose pliers and cable cutters.
General — Rubber gloves, Dawn dish soap, a foil blanket, and a field guide to dog first aid handbook.
I created this Field Dog First Aid Kit with everything included in the photo above to keep me honest on restocks, but I always love to hear what everyone is bringing in their kit and what I can add to my list. As an aside, these items are what we keep in our truck kit, but we take several things with in our vests while we’re out walking on our hunts, too.
The Field & Home Edit
Explore the September 2026 F&H Edit
Read
Kicking Up Trouble by John Holt. I’m about halfway through this one and I’ve been loving Holt’s stories of each upland bird species and anecdotes from his time hunting in the prairies. It’s been transporting me west.
“There are days when the hunting approaches tedium, seems too damn long, but then in the first days of December when the shooting is over, I wonder if fall was ever here at all. Like the years as I get older, the weeks afield vanish too quickly. The edge softening qualities of memory will have to do the heavy work of carrying me through the long months until another golden September.” - John Holt
Make
Tie a few redfish flies: It’s surprising to me that we haven’t made our way down to the coast yet after living in Texas for so many months, but this time of year has me itching to cast at some tailing reds. Until then, I’m going to attempt to tie a few flies for the next time I get out on the water.
Use
Orvis Waxed Cotton Strap Bird Vest: Every year I think I’m going to want to upgrade my bird vest and I can never bring myself to make the change. Maybe I’m a little sentimental or maybe this is just a great vest, but I’ll be wearing this all year.
Tom Beckbe English Setter Hat: I could not resist picking up this orange English Setter hat for the season. This one will be worn on repeat this fall.
Visit
Scout a wildlife management area in your area: A lot of my hunting opportunities are ones where I plan and travel, but recently I’ve been feeling challenged to find the public land and access near me to explore, too.
Listen
The Bullfighter by Luke Bell: I didn’t know dogs could have theme songs until this became Ernie’s. There’s a good long story behind it that I’ll tell another day, but for now this one’s worth a listen.
The Sporting Club Podcast: Launching this fall wherever podcasts are streamed. Follow along for updates on Instagram @thesportingclubpodcast.
Looking Ahead
This month is full of opportunities to reconnect to what we love most in the outdoors.
Between a seasonal refresh at home, a week on the prairie and sneaking in some fishing in Appalachia, it should be a month filled with camping, good dogs, and even better company.
Until next month, I hope you find one more excuse to get out in the field and linger around the campfire.
- Kait