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00000179-cdc6-d978-adfd-cfc6d78e0000We've been gathering your "big fish" stories here at KMUW. You know... the stories passed down through the generations that are true, but maybe not 100% true. Tune in on various weekdays through June to hear some local lore and legend. Or visit us here throughout the month to play the stories at your own convenience. Either way, don't let 'em get away.

A Big Fish Story: Three Birds With One Stone

Mike Briley

James Lewis Yearout was my dad’s dad, and in his younger days he was known to go afield after a partridge or two. This was back when they had muzzle loading shotguns, and in those old hard-money days, shot and powder were precious commodities. Grandpa said that he never fired his gun unless he could bag more than one bird with his shot.

Well, one day he came upon the end of a fence row, and sitting on the top were three birds. From his vantage point, there was no way he would be able to hit more than the first bird, but trying to move into a better shooting position would surely spook the game. After a moment’s thought he took the ramrod from its holding place and shoved it down the barrel of the gun. Taking careful aim he fired, spearing all three bids cleanly.

Turned out, the rod made a fine carrier as well, and he slung it over his shoulder and took the birds home to Grandma who cooked them up for Sunday dinner.

He later said they were some of the best he ever tasted.