A Bird Hunter's Thoughts

The Look

2012-02-12T06:11:00.000-05:00

(Photo taken by Nancy Whitehead)

They say some dogs are good and they know it. They also say those dogs have a look and manner that radiates competence; a no-nonsense demeanor and attitude.

Valley Quail Hunting in Idaho

2012-01-31T12:34:00.001-05:00

Bea has 'em!

Last Day Pups Action
None of them 2 years old yet!
5 Birds Pointed in that shrub.

A great way to finish this trip! We put all four pups on the ground and hunted a honey-hole we found earlier in the trip. Action started heating up about an hour before sunset with two covey finds and numerous singles pointed. 30 minutes after the pups pic, it was time to return to the truck. Awesome finish to a great hunt. The most memorable thing about this trip is the great people we met! We hunted with some real gurus- chukar, valley quail, Huns- some real specialists. The one day I hunted Chukar, this young buck mountain goat showed up and took me in areas I'd never go. I got to admit, I was one worn out bird hunter at the end of that day! He had us over to his house later for dinner (big slab of grilled Idaho salmon) and we met his lovely wife and children and listened to the Snake River shoosh by while we told tall tales and lies about bird dogs and hunts. Finally, I was falling asleep listening (anyone who knows me would understand, it was almost 10pm, after all) and Robert suggested we needed to get back to the motel. Another good friend invited us up to Sun Valley to meet yet another couple and we all went out to eat. It was snowing so hard, we stayed over at their home (on a 7000 ac. ranch with elk, deer and wolves) and left in the early morning to beat the next storm. Several new friends offered to take us around the area and we just had no time to do it. What a wonderful problem to have. You all know who you are, so thank you so much for your kindness and generosity!

All of this came about through our contacts on Facebook (yes, even worn out bird hunters are on Facebook) in a Group called "Bird Dogs and Fly Fishing". It is a closed group, which means you must be invited by someone you have "friended", who is already in the group. I think you can also go to the group and request to join. The pictures and discussions are friendly and helpful (I changed several things I do, based on advice from bird hunters all over the country). Give it a look and see what you think.

Random cool pics of Idaho hunt

2012-01-30T05:52:00.000-05:00

Cap on a chukar retrieve

One worn out pup

Ruby backing a horse

Male Sage Grouse

Randy and Cap

You want me to go where?

2012-01-29T09:41:00.001-05:00

This country can get in to your head. Wonder what real estate is
doing around here?

Chukar!

2012-01-28T09:00:00.001-05:00

My First Chukar!

Brittany on the Rocks Pointed

Cap on Chukar #2

Break Time among the Rocks

After flailing around for two days on our own, even with good advice from friends, I decided I wasn't going to chase Chukar without someone along that knows what they are doing. A game biologist from the area took pity on us and said, "Come on. I'll show you Chukar." What he kindly neglected to say was we would climb mountains, wade streams, walk snow and rocks and cold and hot and freezing and sweaty- all within 1 hour- just to get to Chukar Country. Then the fun part started! My pup, Cap, and his dog, Remy, were the two on the ground and they both did very well. Once we got in the area, Cap headed up the mountain and made a 350 yard cast and pointed! I figured he was relieving himself and didn't mention it. After several minutes of this, I mentioned that he was on point (about 200 yards away, now) and we started moving there in earnest. Finally, we saw him moving again high on the rocks and I called him down. I no sooner got the whistle out of my mouth, when a flash of feathers and noise came from my left off the face off a small rock face. Never having seen a Chukar flush, I hesitated for a nanosecond running through the cataloge of species, etc., and came to the conclusion this was the bird. Gun up- bird down! My first Chukar. I soon learned that Aaron shot, too..so I shared that one with him. Later on, Cap found a covey of 15 in the rocks and held them tight. I knocked one down over the edge on to a shelf above the creek (the same one waded through earlier). Aaron was up much higher overlooking the shelf. He called out that Cap descended the rocks, was on the shelf and now was on point (pic above) on my wounded bird. I eased down there, took some pictures, then kicked the bird up and watched the show. He came out of the bush trying to fly and took off running! Cap broke and I yelled, "Fetch 'em up, Cap! Go get 'em!" Those little suckers can run, too. Cap was on his tail as he zig-zagged down the shelf! Once, Cap almost caught him, and with a burst of speed, the bird went over a drop off. Cap never hesitated and went right after him! Silence followed as we both waited. About 30 seconds later, out from the creek bottom, my little pup came trotting up with a bird in his mouth. (pic) He put it in my hand and looked at me as if to say, "What are we waiting for? There's birds up there, Boss!" Oh my aching legs.....

Aaron's dog, Remy, a Vizla, did really well. A young dog, she will be a star for him next year. Thanks, Aaron, for taking us up in the mountains...

2012-01-27T09:42:00.000-05:00

Cotton and Maggie

A few of the harvest

Cotton, Ruby, Maggie and Bandit had this one pointed and backed

Cap locked down

We are getting a lot of good work on our dogs out here. Today was probably the best day I've had hunting quail in years. And, it all started out fairly normal. I'd found a small covey the day prior about 30 minutes before quitting for the day. Since we were passing by on the way to another area, I suggested we stop in and see if we couldn't find the larger group...just for a few minutes. Well, 6 hours later, we were still in that area, all the dogs had finds and backs and retrieves and I was out of shells! Wow! Every once in a while you DO get the bear.

Shoot and Release Hunting

2012-01-22T23:36:00.001-05:00

Cap Pointing a Brush Pile

Ruby Pointing a Quail in a Tree

Robert's Cotton

Today saw some stuff not normally seen in bird hunting. The
first was Ruby pointing a valley quail in a tree. The second involved the new eco-friendly shoot and
release program!
I made a nice shot on one quail in a brushy draw high above the north
bank of the Snake River. When Cap went in for the retrieve, he found
the bird just fine, but it was stuck in the top of a bush! So, I
wandered over to the bird and picked it out of the bush. Then, to get
some training in, I dispatched the bird and tossed it to a clear area
to get a retrieve from Cap and Bandit. Immediately as the bird hit the
ground, it got up, dusted off his feathers and ran on out of there.
Much to my chagrin, none of the dogs on the ground could find the
bird. Ah, bird hunting!

Motel Recommendations

2012-01-22T11:11:00.001-05:00

The place to stay in Mountain Home,Idaho for bird hunters. Dog friendly and very friendly......and reasonable.

2012-01-22T09:38:00.000-05:00

This little guy let me take his picture!

Ruby and Me

We are having fun at camp. Send money!

These Valley Quail, at least right here, are challenging to hunt. They like the thick brush, and the fly like the wind. The good news is they travel in large crowds and the world erupts when they take to flight. The dogs are occasionally having a hard time with scenting, especially the fast movers. Today, we are moving a little south on the Snake to some new areas and we are hopeful for more birds.

2012-01-21T01:45:00.000-05:00

Chukar Tracks

Ruby and Ace on the banks of the Snake River pointed on a covey of Valley Quail

Ruby retrieving and quail to me after she pointed

Male Valley Quail

A great second day. As luck would have it, we sat next to a local real estate agent and bird hunter at breakfast. He allowed as to how it was good hunting in an area he knows, so he drew a map. It was great! Thank you, Jim!

Valley Quail in Idaho 1

2012-01-19T08:03:00.000-05:00

I was a first for me and my dogs. After 2.5 days of driving we arrived to a storm of "epic" proportions! Up to that point, it was a dry year- so dry it made the record books. I half-jokingly mentioned that I would end that with my arrival! Sure enough...I did.

Although it was snowing elsewhere, the land we hunted was still dry with occasional rain. The Valley Quail were there and in pretty good numbers. The top photo is me and my pup, Cap. Next is Cap locked down on the slope of an irrigation ditch followed be another point and a back by Bean, as setter owned by me friend. Actually, Bean was the star of the day, with three finds on singles harvested.

It amazes me the cover these Valley Quail inhabit. It is more suitable to pheasant. Cattails, thick grass and weeds, creek bottoms.....just amazing!

8800 Feet in Utah

2012-01-18T06:14:00.001-05:00

Randy Schultz
770.584.5085
www.abirdhuntersthoughts.com
www.follr.US/randy
randy@uplanders.com

While Waiting for the Next Hunt

2012-01-10T20:32:00.000-05:00

Cap locked down on quail.

I had a little time before the next hunt (Idaho in January) so I entered my pups in a few trials around the area. I've been running NSTRA trials since 1992 when I entered my first Brittany, Rocket, in a trial up in the hills of north Georgia. I've had some success over the years, and a few dogs that were less than successful. However, I did learn the game and I do enjoy spending the day with like-minded people, talking dogs and hunting and trialing. I decided to enter my two Brittany pups, Cap (B/M) and Ruby (B/F) and just see what they could do. The first trial was in Alabama and they both did OK, for first time dogs. At least, they weren't "placed upon" and they did find their fair share of birds. There was a lot of learning and laughs on the field, for me at least, as I watched them dart around and try their very best to do what the big boys were doing. (They run "amateur" dogs at these trials, too, but I figure my pups should be able to hold their own and take their lumps. So, I entered them in the Open class.) The next trial was down in Pavo, GA and, once again, they did OK. They did draw some notice from the gallery for their hunt and they way they worked with and for me. No placements, but for young, new dogs, they did very well.

Last weekend, I entered them in a trial up in north GA, Ball Ground, GA. On Saturday, they both took the fields like pros! I was very pleased with their handing and finds and backs. Their ground coverage was excellent and I sensed it was just a matter of time before the breakthrough came. Saturday afternoon, Cap (shown above) had a pretty decent run and took a third place- qualifying for the Region Championships in March. It was quite a coup for him- he's not even two yet and was running like a much more mature dog. Sunday was another story altogether. Cap was awesome! He ended up with a very strong first place and looked polished and strong doing it. Ruby, on another field, racked up another first place, also. Oddly, her score was matched exactly by another dog. So we chose to have a coin toss to determine the winner- I lost. It doesn't take anything away from Ruby, at all. She did her part and tied for first place.

Overall, we took a First, Second, and Third for the weekend- 3 out of the possible 12 placements went to my little pups! I guess they'll make bird dogs.

Off to Idaho on Sunday. More updates later.

Barbed Wire

2011-12-28T17:33:00.001-05:00

Here's a pic of my dog Cap. He's sleeping off the effects of sedation from the vet. It seems that yesterday, while exercising along side my Kawasaki Mule, he decided to take a short cut through a barbed wire fence. He hit that thing full stride right in the mouth. He cut his tongue and broke some middle teeth. Blood everywhere! The tongue heals amazingly fast, but the two teeth were just chips and had to be removed before they became infected. Actually, he'll be fine and won't miss the teeth at all- they weren't his canines nor molars. I hope the little knot head learned something from this!

2011-12-23T12:44:00.000-05:00

I am approached, on occasion, by vendors asking me to try their product. I like to try different things and usually agree. This time I was asked to shoot the Federal Target Load 9 shot. Normally, 9 shot is too small for me to hunt with and about the only application I would use it for is a field trial. I don't shoot skeet or trap. In the National Shoot to Retrieve Field Trial Association (NSTRA) format, the dog points the bird and then the handler shoots the bird for the retrieve. We almost always use pen-raised quail for the trials as they are easy to get and are relatively cheap. In addition, they are not very tough birds and will normally drop pretty easily for light loads and small shot. Since you can pack more induvidual shot in to a shell the smaller they are, it makes sense that the smallest shot would improve your odds of hitting the target.

I took these shells to a 2 day trial with my 3 dogs. Added all together, I entered the field 12 times over the weekend and had plenty of opportunity to shoot pen-raised quail. I found that 90% of the time, the hit bird would drop on the first shot and be dead when it hit the ground. However, about 10% of the time, I would hit the bird and feathers would fly, but the bird would continue on, either to drop later or continue on out of the area. My conclusion is, that for my type of field trial, the 9 shot, light load shell may not be the best. Probably an 8 or 7 1/2 (largest allowed) would be more suitable for NSTRA to ensure a dropped bird for points. I have nothing against the reliablility of the shell- I had no misfires. I will not use the 9 shot again in NSTRA. Perhaps shooting skeet would be more to the style of the shell.

GPS

2011-12-22T12:52:00.001-05:00

Do you hunt with a GPS? An Astro, or Nuvi?

I do. And, I'm finding more and more uses for the units.

(However, and this is BIG, I NEVER hit the fields, bird hunting, without a standard Mark 1 Mod 0 Compass! I always know my initial direction and always keep my "situational awareness" up and operating, in other words, I know the direction I'm hunting and I know where my truck is and any other significant feature. I like to be able to point to the truck at any given moment and if, at any time, I don't have that awareness, I stop and get my head wrapped around where I am and how to get home!)

All that being said, I just downloaded the BLM and Public lands maps for WA/OR/ID. We will be heading out there mid-January to hunt Chukar and Valley Quail. Of course, part of the draw of the mountain west is the bountiful public lands available for hunting. In the past, ordering the maps was an important part of hunting in the west. It still is, but these GPS applications make it much easier to keep track of where you are and what land is available to hunt.

I used a website called http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/ to find and order my maps. I downloaded them and loaded them in to my Astro and Nuvi. In addition to ID, I have Montana, New Mexico, Minnesota, South Dakota and Kansas in my GPS units. It's great to be working dogs along a bottom and be able to see the map right on the unit telling me I have another mile of BLM land to go! Or to be able to drive around on the caleche roads down in New Mexico and have my Nuvi show me BLM land or School land as I drive along and look for birds.

I highly recommend updating your units with these maps as you hunt throughout the United States. I also highly recommend you become proficient with a compass. You know what they call a hunter that relies on his GPS? Lost.

Working Dogs

2011-12-19T15:05:00.000-05:00

Bo, at 14, still has it! Cap shows his intensity and Ruby is trying to tell me where they are. While I enjoy bird hunting most of all, taking the dogs out for a little brush up on manners is fun, too. All this yard work will pay off in the long run. Whether it is on the trial field, or in the coulees and wheat fields, these dogs will remember the pasture and what they were taught.

2011-12-17T10:51:00.000-05:00

Rhys and me.

It was a pleasure to be able tointroduce a new hunter to the sport. Rhys, my prospective son-in-law, a native of Wales, has been very interested in shooting sports andhunting in general. He is an archer andcompetes in Archery for the University of Florida. A natural extension of that is a progressionto shotguns, pistols and rifles. Oneday, he asked if I would show him how to shoot a shotgun. Things progressed and I found him a good buyon a Browning Citori Upland Special 20 ga. He was thrilled, and started shootingtrap and skeet down at college.

Last month, I was drawn bylottery to hunt at DiLane plantation in eastern Georgia. This is an 8000+ ac. Quail Plantation managedby the state of Georgia for quail habitat. It seemed like a perfect time to introduce Rhys the fine art of quailhunting in Georgia.

We arrived at the check-instation around 7 a.m. and picked up our permission form and eased out to wherewe decided to put out. It took a littletime to get the dogs and gear and guns ready to go, but after a few minutes wegathered to discuss the plan. We talked aboutshooting safety, especially over the dogs and around other people, how to moveover the ground, approaching pointing dogs, gun safety and a lot of small stuffthat makes hunting a lot more fun. This wasn’t the first time we’d talked aboutthis stuff, but it was a perfect time to refresh the information.

Ace Pointed

It was about 40 degrees underclear skies and promised to warm up to about 70 degrees in the afternoon. We put the dogs out a started around someperfect habitat. The dogs worked greatand before long we settled in to a routine. We heard some shooting a few hundred yardsaway, across a small tree stand and marked that covey off our list as we movedin to a pecan grove. After about an hourof working around some brushy fields, we again heard more shooting in adifferent area, but still about 300 yards way- another covey off the list! We eased in to a pecan grove and worked throughthat in to some tall pines. Suddenly, Iheard the familiar wurr of wings and an exclamation from Rhys! Simultaneously,I looked through the pines a saw Ace on point ahead of me. Rhys was to my right and Ace was pointedahead of me. I worked the area in frontof Ace with no success, turned him loose, and went over to Rhys to find outwhat happened. It seems Rhys steppedright in to the covey! Birds went up allaround him! They flushed directly to andover our third man on the hunt, Glen. Rhyswisely chose not to shoot. He did markthe birds down and we eased on over to that area only to discover the birds hadflown on to adjoining private land! Those little buzz bombs knew exactly what they were doing- no doubt. Withthat little bit of excitement behind us, we moved on to a different area.

Looking for the covey

The day warmed up and we swappedout dogs to keep them fresh as we moved around the area. Unfortunately, ALL the area looked good withgood food, cover and water- great habitat for the quail. We heard more shooting around the area and weworked the edges of fields and through the tall pine stands, etc. The dogs did a wonderful job! It was a good time for them, too. Unfortunately, we never did get a shot at thewild birds, but the benefits of this hunt were not in the killed birds. Rhys got a chance to see how the overall huntworks, habitat, working closely with dogs and other hunters. We had a great lunch in the field, cooked byGlen. And, we had hours of talking abouthunting in general and bird hunting in particular.

Chow time in the field!

I always maintain I’ve never hada bad day in the field, and this one was no exception. We had good dog work, we saw some birds andRhys had a covey rise right under his feet(!), we ate in the field and talkedhunting all day long. It doesn’t get anybetter than that!

I thanked the GA DNR for theopportunity to hunt, via the feedback form, and I’d like to thank www.uplanders.comfor sponsoring Rhys on this hunt. Thefuture of our sport hinges on bringing new “blood” in. Take some time and take a young personhunting!

Long Day in the field

2011-12-13T09:29:00.003-05:00

Typical fall day on North Dakota prairie

North Dakota, this year, was beautiful! Sometimes, one gets lucky with a camera and captures a shot like the one above. As I travel over the country, I often wonder about those that don't get a chance to see all this. Most of them are perfectly content to stay where they are and see the beauty in their own hometown and area, and that's fine by me. One of the reasons I like to travel and hunt is to see new country, meet new people, hunt new habitat and terrain. I think if we stay with what we know, that's all we will ever know. Tied in with the idea of traveling and hunting around the country, is my concern for the future of the sport. Where are the young guys, the kids, the women, the boys and girls? Of course, I know that my hobo-hunter lifestyle is pretty exclusive- after all, having the time, inclination and where-with-all to travel and hunt is not something you see in young marrieds or middle aged men and women who have jobs and careers. So, I'm not advocating my kind of hunting, but I am strongly pushing for introducing young people to the sport. I am all for showing young people where meat comes from and how it gets to the table. I am a huge proponent of explaining, through action, that we are the top of the food chain and we harvest not only grains and fruits a vegetables, but, also, meat.

My pup, Bandit, and his limit of Sharptail Grouse.

My little niche, of course, is in the harvesting of game birds and using the genetic make-up of bird dogs to facilitate that. Granted, I lean more toward the dog aspect, and, in fact, I'm not much of a meat eater, but the sport is valid and deserves to be promoted and preserved.

The Old Ball and Chain and her first bird on a covey rise!

To do that, we need to take someone hunting and make it the most pleasant and pleasing experience we can. We need to show them the effort that goes in to harvesting game birds- the respect shown to the birds, the land and the dogs. The traditions of hunting with bird dogs, the unwritten rules, the courtesies. I'm convinced once they are introduced properly, many will become lifelong proponents of our great sport and, who knows, maybe they will grow up to be a hobo-hunter, too.

My pup, Gritz, and her first Woodcock.

Tomorrow, I have the opportunity to take a young man hunting quail. He's eager and ready to go! He's completed the Hunter Safety Course, he shoots well and he likes to hear about not only the how's of bird hunting, but also the why's. (Full Disclosure: He's my future son-in-law. Perhaps that contributes to his eagerness?) Sponsored by uplanders.com, we will hunt quail tomorrow on an 8000 ac. plantation owned by the State of Georgia and managed exclusively for Bobwhite Quail. I am looking forward to hunting a full day with the young man (perhaps imparting a little wisdom) on land that looks like it did back when the huge quail plantations were all over Georgia.

Stay tuned!

Chukar and Valley Quail, Anyone?

2011-12-07T08:01:00.001-05:00

We have a "group" on Facebook (yes, even I am on Facebook) called Bird Dogs and Fly Fishing. At this time of the year, 95% of the discussions are about bird dogs and hunting. We see some great pictures and hear a lot of stories. Most of the seasons are closing at the end of December. Every year, it seems like a rushing train coming straight at me- The Seasons Are Ending! Every year, I look around for a place to hunt one last time, a place to turn loose the dogs and walk to the horizon. The clever way I am linking the two thoughts is through the information shared on Facebook. I'm learning about parts of the country whose seasons extend beyond the traditional 1 January closing. Arizona, NM, Utah, California, Oregon to name a few. Not only that, these places (some anyway) haven't been decimated by the drought that is destroying the bird populations in the heartland. Through friends met in the group, I'm able to get ideas about where to go in January, or even February. This season, my February is loaded up, but January is looking pretty good. Since I'm still in pretty good shape and the dogs are doing well and in very good shape, I'm pondering a Chukar hunt out west. Hopefully, I'll be able to chronicle a two week odyssey fairly soon....

Now, if I can only get The Old Ball and Chain's permission slip. Sometimes, a "kitchen pass" is worth it's weight in gold! Hey, Christmas is right around the corner.....

2011-11-30T12:33:00.001-05:00

I've been working the pups and even the main dog (Ace) on a few items that are required in field trial competition. Things like a staunch back (honoring a point) and intensity on point (no creeping) and sharp retrieves. Normally, a bird dog and get away with a little of all of the above in field work. In field trials, the dog is scored quite a bit on style. At least it is style with a purpose, so I don't complain too much about it. It won't hurt them in the field hunting, either. This weekend is a big trial in Pavo, GA at my fiend's house. He grew up on one of those huge private quail plantations down there and I always like listening to his stories about hunting and training dogs, etc. Sure was a different kind of life!

2011-11-23T15:09:00.001-05:00

The field trial went OK. Cap, my 18 month old, found three birds and made three solid finds and retrieves. He handled well, listened to me, was bold and ran hard, too. No complaints.....well, the backing thing kind of got us us a little. I've never really pushed that to this point and will lock that in after I finish some other minor procedures unique to field trials. All in all, I am very pleased with him!

My little girl, Ruby, did very well, too. An argument could be made she did better, with a larger field and stiffer competition. She, too, found 3 birds and made three fine retrieves. She never had an opportunity to back. Neither of these dogs have been on the a field trial field before and adjusted quickly and well. Ruby kind of slowed down after the first 2 birds, thinking, I guess, that it was time to head to the barn- lol! But, I encouraged her to head on out and she picked it up and found another bird in the last few minutes.

All in all, a very nice day. This Saturday, we head back to Alabama for another few runs. This time, my main boy, Ace, will be running, too. It should be a good day again.

2011-11-18T13:37:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow, my puppies are being thrown to the wolves. Since Ihave some "between trips" time on my hands, they (Ruby/F/Brit andCap/M/Brit) are entered in a NSTRA trial. Poor guys, they are entered in Opendivision. (Never did like the "amateur" category- figure my dogs canrun with the big boys from the git-go.) I'll be sure to apologize in advance tomy bracemate, in the blind, "Take it easy on my little puppy, if youwould! I'm not sure she'll even point, back or stay in the county. You saythese are quail? Humm, we've worked some pigeons. Well, good luck!" (I dolove the book, "The Art of War”.)

Review- Prairie Storm Shotgun Ammunition

2011-11-14T16:52:00.001-05:00

Although I usually give lip service to hunting ammunition, it's difficult for me to get excited about it. Until now. Over the years, I've learned that pheasant require a much different shell than other upland game birds. When I was a novice, I showed up with 20 ga. 2 3/4" 71/2's. Sadly, I knocked down a lot of birds, but 80% were runners- a broken wing the main injury. That is no way to treat a gamebird. I moved in to larger shot- 4's and 5's- and, finally, to the 3" magnum shell. By now, 75% are dead when they hit the ground and 1 in 4 are runners. This last trip, I needed shells and came across the Prairie Storm, shown above. $20 a box! You've got to be kidding me! The guy in the gas station (yes, gas station in North Dakota) told me he sells out as fast as he can get them in. The only reason he had these left was because it was 20 ga. ammo! They appear to be an improvement on the standard shell, with two types of shot in each shell- hard round shot and, additionally, some bladed shot (round, with a ridge around the equator).

I will tell you what my observations were. Over the same dogs, shooting the same distances, same shot size, with the same guns, 95% of the birds were dead when they hit. Since I'm not a statistician, I don't have written records, but I do have non-scientific, old man, bird hunter, I-know-what-I-see fact. These shells knock the snot out of pheasant and are worth every penny you spend to get them. These are a BUY.

(I suggest you try www.uplanders.com for pricing and information. I am on the Prostaff at Uplanders.)

2011-11-11T07:07:00.000-05:00

The Kids and Me

End of the Rainbow

My Top Dog Ace and Me

I'm already in withdrawal. That's the problem with an addiction, you can never get enough. I'm extremely thankful for my circumstances and the time I have available to be able to hunt all over the country- believe me. November and December are difficult months to plan a hunt, with all the Holidays.

I even drew a quota hunt on one of the Wildlife Management areas here in Georgia- managed exclusively for quail- and I don't want to miss that one! That will be one day for 3 people on 9000 acres that was originally an exclusive private hunting plantation. Hopefully, I'll be able to take my daughter's fiance, who's never hunted before, and introduce him to this wonderful passion of mine. (Uplanders.com is sponsoring an "Introduce a New Hunter" program).

Next hunt should be Kansas! The reports from New Mexico and dismal- and I hate that. I really like hunting that harsh, dry terrain. Maybe they will get the Spring rains they need and there will be a bumper crop of Blues next year....

Buffoonery in the Grouse Woods

2011-11-04T21:30:00.001-04:00

The day was promising. It was 25 degrees, clear with light wind. I'd scouted the area the day before and knew the trail and likely habitat I would find, even though I was a newbie to this part of the National Forest. My main dog, Ace, was itching to go but that, my good friends, was not a good thing. Ace is a Brittany- a big running, fast, smart, bold, confident Brittany. I knew there was a good chance he would take to the woods like he did the North Dakota plains we'd left just two days before. Out on the prairie, I would turn him out, turn on the Garmin and wait for the pager to go off- Ace would be on point with some pheasant pinned down in the CRP grass awaiting my arrival with the shotgun. It's worked hundreds of times over the 6 1/2 years we hunted together. The rooster may run, but he was usually close when I got there and the flush, shot and loading the big bird in the game bag was routine. The grouse woods require a much more patient dog, just as smart, but slower working, cautious....a thinker. Good grouse dogs are a rarity and a treasure to be hoarded and protected. Boldness, while an asset in hunting quail, Pheasant, Sharptails and Huns, is a detriment hunting Ruffs. So, I had a talk with the boy and it was like telling the quarterback to not kiss the Prom Queen- he rolled his eyes as if to say, "Pops, I know what I'm doing here! Just unhook the lead and I'll show you some grouse hunting!". With not a little trepidation, I let him go, loaded my gun, marked the truck, took a compass heading, looked up....and he was gone! Before I had time to walk 100 yds up the trail, I looked at the Garmin and that knot head was 650 yds in to the woods.....and accelerating! I just kept walking the trail and occasionally pulled the GPS in map mode to watch his track. Before long, he swung around and came loping up the trail with a grin (and a little lipstick on his collar) and attitude to match. I grabbed him, "counselled" him once more, and turned him loose. Another 400+ yd. cast. By now, I knew the friendly, hand around the shoulder technique would not work, so I pulled another trick from the bag......Tritronics. I got his attention with some electronic counselling and, after a few remedial sessions, the big guy saw the light (perhaps literally). And became the quintessential grouse dog. (Be it known to all my PETA followers, I never exceeded a 3. Actually, if you are a member of PETA, I really don't give a whit what you think. You're an idiot.) We continued the hunt for the illusive Ruffed Grouse, with a now functional man-dog team. And we were rewarded with a very good day in the woods. We stuck to the Aspen thickets and edges of clearings. Ace locked down several birds that were shootable and I did my thing over my dog. I sprayed lead at several birds and was occasionally rewarded with the "thump" of the a bird hitting the forest floor.

One bird was a challenge I will never forget. As often happens, the most memorable times come when you least expect them. Ace locked up in some very thick Aspens. He was only 40 yds. away and I was on him quickly. As grouse often do, this boy waited until I was behind a shrub and flushed from over my head- out of the trees! I twisted and shot, missed and watched him jink his way though the trees. I immediately headed after him (ignoring the smirk from my canine) telling Ace, "Easy, boy, bird in here!" We reached the area I saw him go down, and Ace started a circular search- he was birdy and a little frustrated and not getting the full scent. I relaxed a little and looked back to the spot of the initial flush and double checked my location. I was in the correct spot. So, I watched Ace work it out and pondered birds and flushes and bird hunting and Prom Queens. For no particular reason, I looked up and saw Mr. Grouse sitting on an Aspen limb not 20 ft. away! (I will be honest and admit for a split second, I thought about popping him right there. But restrained myself for some reason having to do with fair chase, etc.) I took a step and stomped and yelled and he launched himself off the branch....directly at my head! I ducked and turned and shot twice at the retreating gray blur. I twisted so fast and hard I overshot and had to look back over my shoulder to get his heading. I literally screwed myself in to the ground! This time, I called to Ace and started out on the heading of the retreating grouse, into a stand of planted pines that were perhaps 60' tall. Once again, I reached the area and let Ace do his thing. Once again, he was frustrated. I stood and listened to the breeze in the pines, and the quiet....and in the way back of my consciousness, I heard a little flurry. Just the faintest of sounds- almost unrecognizable. I looked up and down, unfocused my eyes and scanned the trees for movement, or sound, or anything. Nothing but the pines and breeze and soft needles underfoot. Just then I noticed the tiniest, little feather floating down not 3 feet from my nose. I checked the light wind and realized that scoundrel had been in the tree right in front of me, perhaps ten feet over my head. That sound I almost heard was him launching off to safety. I laughed and tipped my hat to the old boy. I hope he lives long and sires many more just like him. Surely, he was a worthy opponent.

2011-11-03T07:23:00.001-04:00

I had to swing by Minnesota and have another shot at the Ruffed Grouse! Earlier in the year, I was here for a week and didn't do that well. Although, I really enjoyed the area, the people and the hunting, I wasn't all that successful. This time, I had some pre-mission intelligence and went straight to a hotspot. Deer season opens in 2 days. Most of the trails that permit it have been driven by hunters on ATVs. The birds will not hang out long alongside the trails with that traffic. As long as I can find some trails not over run with ATVs, I think I will be successful.

2011-10-31T21:39:00.000-04:00

It's a great time when my lovely wife wants to come up and see what I do on these hunting trips! We had a good day today and the weather even cooperated with lows in the 30's and highs in the 60's, little wind. Tomorrow, however, is supposed to be brutal- windy and possible snow, sleet and highs 40 or less.

North Dakota

2011-10-30T21:37:00.000-04:00

Lots of birds up here, even though they are saying the bird numbers are down 60%.

Tritronics Classic 70 G3 EXP- It don't wurk good wit' no antenna, Bubba!

2011-10-30T08:08:00.001-04:00

For some reason, the antenna on my Tritronics Classic 70 G3 EXP disappeared. I admit it had been some time since I checked the security of the antenna. WARNING! When you are in the field, it is a bad time to lose an antenna, with no back up. My options at this point are: I can order one from Tritronics and get it 2 days later or drive to Bismarck (240 mile roundtrip) to purchase another one. Two mistakes I made: one is not checking the security of any antenna I have, pre-hunt or every day. Second, I should have extra antennas on board for the eventually of loss or damage to one. Actually, I did have an extra....last year in MN, I sat on a rock and heard a "crunch". It was the antenna on the TT which had been dangling from a secure holder on my belt! Oops! But, I had a backup antenna in the truck and all was well. Do you think I would order another set? Of course not..... I have double backup antennas for my Garmin... and today I will get another Tritronics antenna at Scheels, in Bismarck, when I go to get my wife at the airport. Dude, it's cheap insurance. Do not go in the field with out extras of everything- any part that can break, wear out, or get lost..

2011-10-29T19:55:00.000-04:00

Randy and Ace in ND with limit of Pheasant

Another great day. The pups are hunting like experienced dogs and Ace is his usual business-as-usual self. The weather is perfect with lows in the 20's and highs in 50's. Tomorrow, my wife shows up to monitor the situation! I sure do hope the weather stays good and we get in to plenty of birds- the pressure!

Georgia Boy Limits in North Dakota

2011-10-29T15:58:00.000-04:00

We worked hard all morning and finally hit the jackpot. Lots of birds and some great dog work from my top dog! It was the "perfect storm" of all the variables coming together- weather, birds and experienced dog. Bobby is one fantastic shot, too. There weren't too many of the ditch chickens that flew out from under his gun. Pretty much, when I saw a rooster get up in front of him, I mentally was putting it in the vest already.

North Dakota and chasing Pheasant

2011-10-29T07:45:00.000-04:00

That's Bobby Ferris (top picture) and Ace and me in the lower picture. This was the first day on the ground in Southwest North Dakota. the birds were hit very hard by the Spring weather- wet and cold. Estimates are a 60% die off. That's is probably true, based on what we are seeing. However, the birds are still available, with a good dog or two. It took us most of the day to harvest our 6 roosters, and we are seeing a lot of young birds from a second hatch. One very pleasant surprise (for a dog man) is the hunting performance of one of my young dogs, Cap! What a joy to watch and hunt over. He's bold, quick and thorough. When he points, it is intense and staunch. He listens and I can see the wheels turning as he looks for cover and thinks things through. I used to worry that he was too quick on the draw, that he was too bold. Now, even at 16 months, I see a little thread of thoughtfulness in him. If his development is parallel to his half-brother, Bandit, he will develop in to a wonderful bird dog. My wife would like me to say that Cap is HER dog and I am only borrowing him. I must admit he is the only dog that will "sit for a treat" in my kennels (WW III almost came about when I saw her asking him to sit with the house dogs for a bone!). Obviously, he isn't hurt by that at all- perhaps he's even more attuned to me because of it.

American Made Ford Hunt Truck

2011-10-26T10:00:00.001-04:00

Next pic at 300,000 miles!
40 degrees and rain. Can't wait to put a dog on the ground! Not long now- maybe 2 hours.

On the road again

2011-10-25T04:02:00.001-04:00

The very best time to drive in Atlanta. By the time the sun comes up, I will be close to Nashville.

Roosters, let me introduce Ace, Cap, Ruby and mister A. H. Fox.

Mr. Rooster and I have a date!

2011-10-24T16:36:00.001-04:00

Two young dogs and one experienced campaigner and I will tackle however many birds are left in the SW North Dakota wheat fields. Reports vary from, "More than I've ever seen!" to "Walked all day and moved 2 roosters." I suspect I'll find the middle ground. My pups are ready for the running demons- they've been on Sharptails, Huns and Ruffs the past year. These birds won't mess them up now. I would like to just watch their faces when the big rooster comes out of the grass, but dropping the thing is more important right now. Travel day tomorrow and Wednesday. By sunrise Thursday, Mountain Time, you can mentally watch me turn a pair of Brits loose, shoulder the old 20 ga. and step off in to the grass for another adventure with my buddies.......

The $200 Shotgun

2011-10-13T21:52:00.000-04:00

The Old Ball and Chain
Her First Quail on a Covey Rise

We have a little family secret down here. And since this is just between us, I'll share it.

It seems that sometime in the distant past, I may, or may not, have mentioned to my wife, that although I do have several shotguns they are all inexpensive. In fact, the story goes, none of my guns cost more than $200, so she says I told her. While neither confirming nor denying said statement was made, I do admit I was guilty for allowing the misunderstanding to exist. Over the years, as shotguns were acquired, I assured my lovely bride that I would never pay more for them than the usual amount. And, so, life blissfully carried on. Until the fateful day, in my barn, during a field trial. It was cold and raining so several of my bird dog friends were warming themselves by the fire and talking about all things bird hunting. BJ joined us for a bit. She usually holds her own in these meetings regaling the audience with stories of my adventures with my various dogs. Laughter and good natured ribbing was the name of the game, with everyone chipping in to tell an anecdote about their favorite dog or hunt. Conversation got around to shotguns and who just bought what, the various makes and models and quality thereof. Finally, someone happened to spy the gun I'd set aside as I came in from my brace and asked if that was the old A.H.Fox and why would I use it in such bad weather. I explained I did like to shoot the gun, and I would probably spend quite a while cleaning and oiling after the day was over. Another friend opined that he would never allow a gun like that to get wet, and so on. I happened to glance at my wife and noticed a puzzled look on her face. Warning flags shot up all over (Danger, Will Robinson! Danger!). Uh, oh! But then, BJ smiled and announced that it was no big deal, since "..none of Randy's guns cost more than $200 anyway.". (At this point in the tale, you could hear the wind blowing dust in the empty street and the hawk screech high overhead.) Mouths opened, jaws dropped and men froze in place. After a long, quiet moment....... "Absolutely! Yes! Uh huh! Yep, that's right, BJ!" was heard throughout the barn. Then, slowly, the laughter started and I heard several of my "friends" explaining to BJ the book value of a few of my $200 guns. It was generally acknowledged that I was dog meat for the rest of the year, I would never see the Dakotas, Montana, Minnesota, Kansas, Texas, Wisconsin, or New Mexico again (or, at least, during my natural lifetime)! She laughed and enjoyed my discomfort for a while and then gracefully bowed out to head back to the house. Always a class act, she gave me big kiss and said she needed to get going. "It's a long drive to Atlanta, honey, and you don't mind if I do a little shopping, do you? Oh, and I promise not to get anything that costs more than $200! Honest!"

There is a lesson in there, somewhere, but I just don't see it.......

A few wrap-up photos from the MT/MN Hunt

2011-10-01T15:08:00.000-04:00

That's Cap and me in the top two photos. The top one celebrates his first Hungarian Partridge- notice it was taken after the sun set- during the gloaming. The flash really set off the Wing Works reflective straps. The second shot is getting ready to go to the MN grouse woods- a whole 'nother set of parameters for little Cap. Last is Terry and some Ruffs they harvested after a good day in MN last week. I, personally, didn't see that many birds, but pictures don't lie (at least these don't).

Gear that WORKS!

2011-09-28T14:02:00.001-04:00

I evaluate gear and have two new, short youtube videos describing the WingWorks Vest and Turtleskin Snake Chaps. There is no polish here- just a bird hunter telling it like it is.

WingWorks Vest video

Turtleskin Snake Chaps

Next Trip- Pheasant in North Dakota and South Dakota

2011-09-26T11:29:00.001-04:00

This is Ace with the limit of three roosters in North Dakota. For the past, lets see, 15 years at least, I've been hunting North Dakota for pheasant. While they don't have the statewide name that South Dakota has, where I've been going has at least the number of birds! Over the years, I've gravitated to the area around Mott and Hettinger. The public land is plentiful and the birds are like rats. My friends up there constantly complain about the broken headlights and windshields from these colorful ditch-chickens. Numbers up or numbers down, it makes no difference. For some reason, this corner of North Dakota holds the birds. Now, I do not hunt line abreast with a lab walking in front of me. I use pointing dogs and usually just little old me working a field. I do just fine. The PLOTS land in the area is great! Most of the private land is posted and you must ask permission to hunt. There is a lot of fee hunting in the area, so a sweet little area will probably be off limits- unless it is PLOTS (Private Land Open to Sportsmen). Housing may be a problem now, too. since the discovery of the Baaken oil field under this part of North Dakota, Montana and Canada (Google it), there is a housing shortage- be sure to call ahead to motels. Good luck!

Hunt Wrap-Up

2011-09-25T05:38:00.002-04:00

I finally made it home after 1 1/2 days on the road. Funny, how it seems so much shorter going than coming. Even after stopping at the Norske Nook in Osseo, WI (on I-94), it was still an ordeal. Part of the problem was knowing I was going back in to eighty and ninety degree heat! Since the third day in Montana, the weather was perfect- low humidity and cool temps. In Minnesota, the high overcast and cool temps made for perfect scenting and easy walking.

In retrospect, Montana was great fun and a lot of work. I don't shy away from walking as far as needed to find birds, and MT put that attitude to the test. I never did calculate the total distance walked, but it was pretty close to ten miles per day- perhaps much more than that. An interesting note: I did use my Astro to track my dog's running distance and noted they usually cover five times the distance that I walk. No wonder they are lean and mean by the end of a two week jaunt!

The top picture is of me and Ace. The bottom is of Bob and three of his four dogs- a Spinone, Sophie, Pudelpointer, Razz, and Gordon Setter, Tink. Not shown is his GWP "Ug".

Minnesota was beautiful. The people are absolutely friendly and the grouse woods are vast and flat. Unfortunately, we didn't find a whole lot of birds. The cover was still on the trees, so, when the dogs pointed a bird not right on the trail, it was very hard to get close enough to the dog quickly to get a shot! Many times, I would be pushing through alder and aspen only to hear the flush and see a brown blur through the trees.

All in all, it was a very successful trip. I would do it all again in a heartbeat. The dogs got worked on all manner of game birds and the pups had several points and retrieves. No one got hurt or shot or lost or aggravated. I am thankful that I have the health and opportunity to do this.

My Main Dog "Ace" and a Sharptail Grouse

2011-09-21T17:05:00.000-04:00

This kind of says it all.

Minnesota Grouse Woods

2011-09-21T16:39:00.000-04:00

We are hunting the Superior National Forest near Hoyt Lakes, MN. Scenes above show typical cover and the bottom pic is typical food, plus greens. We are getting only 6+ flushes per day and it's taking walking 10 miles per day to get those. If I wasn't in shape before I got here, I am now. The dogs are worn out and skinny from 12 straight days of hunting. It's tough to keep the dogs' weight up with all the running they do, but they are on double rations, plus a little wet food, too. Ruby, my young pup, is downright skinny. Today was the last day and we are heading back tomorrow. I'm looking for a stop in Osseo, WI to get my wife a pie at Norsk Nook! She said I could go hunting all I wanted, but if I'm anywhere near the Norske Nook, Osseo, WI, I'd bette come home with one of theor world famous, home cooked pies! Awesome.

Next trip is end of Oct to ND for pheasant!

Grouse 3- Me 0

2011-09-19T21:19:00.001-04:00

Secret Minnesota Grouse Trail

Every year, it's the same thing. For the first few days, those wiley grouse kick my butt. Ace, Ruby and Cap all did a marvelous job. Ruby pointed 3 birds. On the third find, the bird got up and flew directly away from me high and down the trail. I calmly lifted the gun, while mentally putting the bird in my game bag- and missed! I was tempted to start a little "Navy talk" right there. But I resisted (remembering PSR) and gave Ruby a lttle love on the trail. The other two finds, the birds got up too far out for shots. You look out boys! We'll be back tomorrow. And we'll be ready!

Last Day Photos

2011-09-19T00:46:00.001-04:00

A herd of horses comes over to see what bird hunting is all about. Cotton, a young pointer, is getting in to her stride on Sharpies. Bob and his Pudelpointer, Raz, put one in the bag. Bob and his Spanone, Sophie, and Gordon Setter, Tink, after a successful cast. We saw, among the group, many different breeds of dogs. There was no way anyone could pick a "best" breed. To my mind, and I'm a hard core Brittany man, that Spinone did one fine job and would be the dog of the day!

Wow! Honeyhole!

2011-09-18T10:04:00.002-04:00

Five covies huns, five covies sharptails, 20 pheasant and some darn fine dogwork marked this perfect day! My puppies are handling the birds with not only technical correctness, but also a type of grace. I can read them so much better now. I know when Ruby's tails starts that little wag, you may as well cock the gun. And when Cap starts and stops a.few times with his head high and moving back and forth, he'll be locking down in a matter of seconds. And Ace was his usual typically outstanding self. When my pups get 24 hunting trips under them (as Ace does) I hope they have the attitude, intelligence and class he has.

On to Minnesota and Ruffled Grouse.

PSR- Live for the day!

2011-09-16T15:35:00.000-04:00

PSR, it's what we all strive for. Point, Shoot, Retrieve. As I was on a 3 hour cast today, with my pup Cap, I got to pondering that. Point, Shoot, Retrieve- all the rest is details. I suppose you could write a book about each event and we all know the "devil is in the details", but PSR is really what it is all about. Do you ever get dissatisfied after a hunt? I find myself thinking of the finds we had throughout the day and critiquing my dogs and even myself. If I'm not careful, I will start getting too critical and then it becomes a competition. I laughed coming in yesterday when I realized I'd worked myself up and what was a really nice day in the field, I was turning in to a disaster! "Hey", I reminded myself, "you are hunting and living your dream. Get your head together and enjoy your dogs and blue sky and your friends, for crying out loud!" I laugh as I remember how I really had to jerk my own chain! If you are like me, start every day with the realization it may your last day behind a dog. Enjoy it!! Also, like I tell my hunting friends, "Try to be the man your dog thinks you are!"

Ruby and Me

2011-09-15T23:23:00.000-04:00

Ruby is new to the Priarie. She's doing so well. Today, she pointed and held 2 large coveys of sharps. Then, whule we were resting about to doze off, my Garmin alerted that she was on point! I looked up and she was on the side of a grass hill, locked down tight on (what we learned later) what was another covey of Sharps. She's a great little dog!

Cap on Point and Retrieve

2011-09-15T23:15:00.001-04:00

Here's my guy on his first successful day. I called the ball and chain and told her that her puppy was now a dog. She said, "Guess again, Captain!" Well, perhaps not.

The Youngsters Team Up

2011-09-15T23:08:00.000-04:00

Cap in front and Ruby backing him in Montana! Wow, that's why I drove 1700 miles. These dogs are getting good work and this is not too hard on them. The terrain is just steep enough to work them hard, but flat enough to let them "get their legs under them". Today, we saw Sharptail Grouse, Hungarian Partridge, Dove and turkey. This is a bird hunter's dream up here.

Cap's First Wild Bird Retrieve

2011-09-13T13:53:00.001-04:00

He looked like a million bucks bringing that bird back to me!

Introducing Flyboy Ace's Delta Captain (Cap)- Bird Dog

2011-09-13T13:49:00.000-04:00

Today, Cap put it all together and really showed his stuff! After a fine point on a covey of eight, he held solid while I dropped one bird and sent him on the "fetch". Two good retrieves later and three more finds and he became a DOG. So proud of the little guy! He is an Ace mini-me, which pretty well answers the question about breeding Ace again in the Spring. (To Ruby)

It Pays to Have the Right Friends

2011-09-13T13:44:00.001-04:00

Terry, one of my hunting patners. He's a North Carolina game biologist and it's so nice to hunt with him. Whenever I have a question about habitat or feed or type of cover, he has the answer- good deal!

Long Cast and Birds in the Bag

2011-09-13T13:42:00.000-04:00

It took 6 miles of walking and lots of watching the dogs work, but we got into 2 large coveys and another smaller covey. Ace did wonderful work and Ruby (shown) did her very best. We harvested several Sharpies. I checked the Garmin Astro and noted the dogs ran over 30 miles on this cast! The terrain was not the easiest, either. I think both the pups will make excellent dogs!

Weather Cooler

2011-09-12T16:06:00.001-04:00

Finally, some relief! Highs in 60's for next few days and none too soon. Huge difference in dog work. Here we are shown eating grilled sharptails and sage grouse for lunch.

Resting in the Shade

2011-09-12T08:03:00.000-04:00

Cap and Ace and me. It was only 0900, but the sun was hot and the wind was dry. We'd seen sharpies, pheasant and turkeys on the cast, so far. My Wing Works vest allows me to carry as much water as possible and yet be able to move and shoot. Cap, in close, is on his first grown-up hunt and is finding it to his liking, I guess. I noticed him cruising the hills not long before this picture. I don't need to worry about his getting out. Ace is an old hand and reminds me of the soldiers that knew when it was time to "take five".

Skunked!

2011-09-11T23:14:00.001-04:00

Just a little love tap to the chest. Ace was working tall grass near a stock dam and came out of there straight to me. I saw the green on his chest and knew immediately what happened. It wasn't in his eyes or nose so we finished the cast. He wasn't really all that upset, either. Two years ago, he took a full load right in the snot-locker and that was when I discovered the recipe. Since then, I never hunt without the ingredients in my truck. What could have been a major disaster was nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Hydrogen Peroxcide, baking soda and Dawn soap. Mix in gallon of water and pour on dog. Rinse. Repeat. Magic! Most highly recommended for bids hunters!

Too Hot!

2011-09-11T17:38:00.001-04:00

I woke up and the temp was 48°! We hustled to the area and put dogs down right away. By the time we finshed a 4 water bottle cast, it was 85° and getting hotter. We can't hunt from noon until five. Tomorrow it will start a welcome cool down. By Tuesday, the temps will be in the 60's. It can't get here fast enough.

Country

2011-09-10T15:41:00.001-04:00

This is typical of the country we are hunting. 85 now in the shade. There is very little humidity and the dogs dry out fast. We went through a flat of water bottles in one morning. Water is critical for hard running dogs! Beats working.

Ruby Patiently Waiting

2011-09-10T15:33:00.001-04:00

She's patiently waiting her turn. The temps are in the 80's in the afternoon and I'm keeping the work to short casts. We are finding Sharpies but the Huns have been cut back severely by the hard winter and spring. For a first morning hunt, the pups did very well. Range was very good and I couldn't ask for more drive and attitude out of either young dog. Of course, Ace was spot on. Afternoons may be problematic due to the heat. I saw 2 huge coveys along the road driving in and my first Sharp of the year was harvested by my F-250.

Finally Ready to Put Dogs On the Ground

2011-09-10T08:30:00.001-04:00

Every year, the drive gets longer and more arduous. Every year the feeling gets better and better! Finally, months of work, cutting grass, etc. are behind us. It's time to put some paws on the ground and birds in the bag.

The dogs are fed, watered and ready to go. The big question in everyone's mind is- who's up? Ace,my main man, is chillaxing in his kennel. He already knows.

Christmas Idea- It's never too early!

2011-09-02T05:11:00.001-04:00

A few years ago, my wonderful children had this sketch made for me. It is displayed proudly on my wall in the den. My eyes can drift to each dog and remember instantly days in the field. What a thoughtful gift!

Finally, a good solution!

2011-09-01T18:03:00.000-04:00

Since installing my topper, I wanted to have a 3- holer dog box. Manufactured dog boxes not only were $800-$1000, but they would take 2-3 weeks to manufacture. I realized that by installing them in this fashion, I not only kept the dogs secure, but I can offload these boxes and use them at any time for other uses. I don't need water tight, since they are under the shell. Now, I have storage underneath, too. We'll see how this works out.

I'll never run away again. Promise!

2011-09-01T09:34:00.001-04:00

Just How Long Do I Need To Wait?

2011-08-30T08:17:00.002-04:00

The patience of a bird dog. Occasionally, I ponder the life of a dog on the road. We think of all the running and smelling and retrieving and pointing, etc., but, really, what is their life? Most of it consists of looking out the holes of a box. At what? More hunting gear and the inside of your truck bed? Hours and hours of that view, and then The Man comes along, opens the dog door, straps some bling on the neck, and sends them off- expected to never pass up a bird, bump a bird, have a slow retrieve, or make a mistake. Then, hours more in the box (while The Man has a good meal, a warm shower and a few adult beverages with his pack.) resting up for another day.

My best bird dog ever, Ruby (long ago departed), loved the box on the road. She'd curl up in GA and I would have a hard time getting her to water down on rest stops. When I opened the door to the dog box, she'd look out. If she saw pavement, she'd put her head back down, sigh, and chuff and say, "Leave me alone. I'm going to need this sleep for later!" If she saw gravel, thick woods, prairie, cut-over, wheat fields or mountains, she'd be up and ready to go.

They are amazing animals.

She's Ready

2011-08-26T16:39:00.000-04:00

This is Flyboy Ace's Ruby Deux (Ruby). Last year, she was pointing, backing and retrieving at 8 mos. old in Montana and Minnnesota. Since then, as expected, the wheels came off the bus and that necessitated some training and force fetching lessons- and, of course, some maturity. The last few trips (to SD, ND, KS, ID, NM, TX) we made last season showed me what she was capable of, and I'm really looking forward to September this year and Montana Sharptails and Huns. She is ready and so am I.

A Bertram Original

2011-08-26T14:24:00.002-04:00

This lanyard is made from Kangaroo Leather. Bob Bertram, the artist, talked with me several times to determine the colors I wanted. It turned out perfectly to match the color of my Brits. It took about three weeks, because each one is made by Bob in a tree house made from ethically harvested non-rare trees (Stop!, Just kidding about the tree house!) Anyway, he makes each one by hand and will make yours to reflect your requirements. 636-256-7817- Bob Bertram, Sporting Artist

Getting the pup ready for MT

2011-08-23T21:10:00.001-04:00

Momma's out of town and the boys are watching Braves baseball and talking hunting!

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I've been going through old pictures again!

2011-08-20T12:47:00.000-04:00

Rocket and Pheasant 2001 ND

Here's an old picture of my Brittany, Rocket. He's long gone now, but he was a good hunting buddy for 12 1/2 years. He really caused me to fall in love with the breed. I remember this day- exactly. ( I may remember the shooting a little too well, however.)

First Aid Kit for Your Dog

2011-08-20T05:53:00.002-04:00

Here is a link to a blog that describes a great first aid kit for in the field: http://setterfeathers.com/2008/06/07/bird-dog-field-first-aid-kit-2008/

Tires

2011-08-02T22:27:00.003-04:00

I drive a 2001 Ford F-250 Super Cab Diesel. It's got 290,000 miles on it now and I'm looking toward the 400,000 mile mark. I've been through all sorts of tires, expensive and cheap and good and bad. Frankly, I hate buying tires- they end up costing me $1000, more or less, and there are too many to choose from. Cooper, Kuhmo, Goodrich, Goodyear, etc. A good tire is like a good airline pilot- you never know it's there. And the converse is true, also. I drive 1000 to 2000 miles to hunt, and, then, I'm on muddy two-tracks for two weeks in all parts of the country. I do that four times a year- from September to February. Poor tires can really mess me up in mud, rain, snow and combination of the above. This time I went with the Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor Pro-Grade E. For what I paid for them, they warrant 50,000 miles. I sure hope so. You'll read about it if they don't.

Another year, another set of tires.....

Bandit (l) and Ace (r)- the son learns from the old man....

2011-07-25T14:39:00.005-04:00

It was a warm one last September in Montana! Ace was giving Bandit a few lessons in the fine art of Hungarian Partridge hunting. We stumbled in to a real hot spot and had some great hunting for several days- not only Huns, but Sharpies, too. At one point in this cast, both dogs were pointed on a large covey that had dropped off the alfalfa field and was hunkered down in tall grass on a steep slope down in to a hardwood bottom. The dogs were still in the field pointing the edge. When I stepped in front, about 5 feet from the edge, 30+ birds got up and headed to Canada. I dropped two and they both fell well down hill in the brush and grass. Bandit broke and went over the edge like a Olympic downhill racer. Ace went left along the edge, nose up and hunting. Bandit stayed in sight and I worked to get him on one of the dead birds. I used voice and hand signals and put him in the area- then he found it and started his climb up the hill. It was hot for him, and when he reached me, we had a little love-in with water and shade. Still no sign of Ace. After a bit, I started thinking he got down in the brush and went on point. I grabbed the Garmin and noticed him well off to the left and about 200 yards away, but making his way back. I gave him a short toot on the whistle and looked for him down the hill. A few minutes later, he came trudging up the hill- with a Hun in his mouth. Evidently, I didn't kill the first bird as dead as I thought! Ace was on him the whole time. He said he'd let the young buck jump off the cliff and fetch the bird in front, grabbing show points! In the meantime, he'd ease on down there and trail, find, retrieve the wounded bird. Good job, buddy!

This reminds me of the bumper sticker I saw- "Preserve Game-Hunt with a Dog". Also, kind of reminds me of the "Young Bull, Old Bull" story....

Some Good Blues Hunting in Texas

2011-07-24T15:32:00.001-04:00

A Great Day on Blues in Texas

I came across this picture of me, self-taken, after a day hunting blues in the TX panhandle. You can't see it but there is a limit of the little cotton-tops on the ground by my knee. We were driving out after a frustrating day, thinking about moving on up to SD, when I saw a bird flush to my left. I stopped, grabbed my gun, Ace, and a pocket of shells and stepped off the graded sand road of the ranch. Right then the world exploded when about 30 blues got up all around me! I mean, we were in the middle of 'em- and a bunch more ran off into the brush. Ace locked up to the flush and I watched as they scattered out along a stretch of flat, brushy, sandy, grazed-over pasture. The sun was at my back, the breeze was in my face, it was 30 deg. and there was a big grin on my face as we set out to some of the best shooting I've ever had. Ace locked up time after time pointing two and/or three of the little buzz bombs before they erupted out of the pointed cactus, shin-oak, or grass pile. What a great time! We took our time, easing along and hitting all the cover, ditches and vegetation. What seemed like 5 minutes later (actually an hour or so), I grabbed for more shells and came up empty- with a dog on point, the sun on the horizon and the temperature dropping fast. I had one shell left in the A.H.Fox 20 ga. double and was one bird shy of the limit here in TX. (Limits never held much fascination for me- I rarely get close enough to worry about them on quail- but today it would be nice to round it out.) Ace was locked down at the base of a cactus as I eased on up alongside him. I glanced at his face and it was set in that stoney look bird dogs get when they are dead center of the scent cone- mesmerized by the smell. I kicked at the shrub and 5 gray blurs came out of that cactus heading in all points of the compass! As a lefty, I locked down on the one heading from my left to right, checked his location down the barrels and pulled the trigger.......

It was a day to remember.

Here he is, Boss.

2011-07-22T07:38:00.001-04:00

Cap's First Covey

2011-07-18T13:17:00.001-04:00

I saw the covey leave, but he didn't chase them, so I took a few minutes and shot a some pictures! Nine months old. I think he'll be a good one.

Shotguns (Re-Post from 2008)

2011-07-07T14:51:00.002-04:00

I figured "How in the world can anybody miss a bird with a shotgun? ". I mean you are shooting a pattern 30" across at 25 yards and a bird in that zone should be killed- what's the sport in that? Plenty, as it turns out. I don't even remember what my first gun was- a big 12 ga. auto loader, I think. I used to miss birds plenty, too. Finally, a buddy up in TN told me anything bigger than a 20 ga. on quail was just murder, so I got one of those-a Browning Citori Upland Special, to be exact. This thing had a short (26") barrel and a straight stock. It sure was pretty, but, once again, I couldn't hit the ground with it. Finally, about 15 years ago, I chanced upon a double in a gun shop. I hefted the thing and instantly fell in love. Never even having shot it, I offered the guy $200. He laughed and said $2500- it was on consignment and he thinks the old lady really wanted to get rid of it, otherwise it would be a lot more than that. Since I had no adult supervision at the time, I went to the bank and got a loan for the gun and I walked away with my very own A.H. Fox 20 ga.- built in 1912. Some folks would put it on the wall and stare at it, but I don't have any guns like that. Mine are bird guns or they are sold. This sweet little gun was like an extension of my arm- point and shoot and go get the bird. I still shoot that light little gun every season. I kill quail, grouse, woodcock, Huns and sometimes pheasant with it. And I really like the double gun- that big sight plane and the rounded pistol grip on the stock is perfect for me.
I've moved to the 16 ga. for pheasant and Sharptail grouse. For some reason the slightly larger gun seems to drop them more dead, more often. In a moment of weakness, I obtained another A.H.Fox- this one a 16 ga. It's newer (1930's I think) and much more ornate with the carving, but it, too, is perfectly balanced. I sent the barrels Briley in TX to have checked and they called me back the day they got them and said the measurements were EXACT on both barrels! I mean it was a big deal for him to say that- he'd only seen it once or twice in his career. I told him it was a Fox and the details and he said it was a fine barrel set and I'd better take care of it or he'd personally hunt me down!!
So, I guess I prefer the double gun. I like the way it shoots, and the classic feel of the gun. Some folks need that third shot and I suppose I'd have more birds in the bag with more shots, but, hey, I'm OK with these old doubles.

Update- 7/7/2011

I still like my doubles. In fact, that old Model 100 SKB has shot about every species of bird I've hunted. Once in a long while, I will break out the Ruger Red Label O/U I won at the 2009 NSTRA Grand Nationals, just because I like the heft of the thing. Especially when I'm shooting 3" 4's on pheasant. But, overall, a nice double gun has the feel that I like....

Speaking of Snakes

2011-07-02T12:34:00.000-04:00

I just vaccinated my pup, CAP. He was too young last year to administer the vaccine, made by Red Rock Biologic. He, along with the rest of the pack, will get his booster in 30 days. That will put them all with peak protection for the Montana trip in September. Last year, after 20+ years of never seeing a snake, we had several up close and personal encounters with Prairie Rattlers (one of the snakes protected against by this vaccine). I was darn glad I'd had the foresight to vaccinate. They say there are too many variables to speak with precision, but the vaccine should make the reaction much less and the recovery shorter. Good enough for me.

Also, I bought some Turtleskin Total Protection Snake Chaps. They are so comfortable, I think they will replace the pair of Double Tin Filson Chaps I bought (and have worn since) 1991. Aside from re-waxing every 4 years and patching with duct tape and denim iron-on patches, they are still looking pretty good. And they bend in all the right places, that's for sure. I'm going to keep them around, no doubt. These Turtleskin Snake Chaps are very lightweight and comfortable and absolutely snake, water and wind proof. I'm looking forward to trying them out behind a dog in a few months. (www.uplanders.com).

I also carry an emergency snake kit with steroids and benedyl and syringes. During the drive to the vet, I would inject the dog to lessen the effects. I put the kit in a PVC tube and orange painted the ends, so I could find it in a hurry. I have the instructions written in Marker in the outside of the tube. No mistakes.

About all you can do in the heat!

2011-06-26T15:40:00.000-04:00

This is my Brit, "Ruby", relaxing inside. It's 95 outside and once a day I go out and grab one of the dogs to come in and have a little "cool time". As you can see, she is making most of the situation.

On The Border

2011-06-12T17:05:00.000-04:00

This picture was taken in 2003. That fence is south of Tucson. Mexico is on the other side. Bo'd been hunting the other side of that fence for twenty minutes or so. I'm glad he didn't find anything over there, because it is a sturdy fence and I didn't relish climbing over it. Also, it wasn't until about an hour later we found a sign that read "United States of America".

Product Tester

2011-06-12T13:53:00.000-04:00

I test every product I take into the field. Probably, you do the same thing. You learn about an item, you think it may help you in your hunt and you get one. You take the thing out in the field and use it. If it doesn't work, it's the last time you see it- I usually give the thing away, or throw it away, if it's not big or expensive. But, sometimes, I come upon a gem that really enhances my hunt.

I think I'm going to start making short (1-3 min.) videos of some products I use and putting them out on YouTube. This new vest I bought is a perfect example. Or the snake vaccine, or my Akubra hat from Australia or my snake chaps, truck shell, Garmin, Tritronics.......you get the idea.

Stay tuned for links on the this site. If you have any suggestions of what you'd like to see, let me know. Email flyboykennels@gmail.com.

Dog Food Re-visited

2011-06-08T16:22:00.002-04:00

This all began about 6 months ago, when I decided to try and find the best way to feed my dogs. I wanted them to get the best nutrition they could for strength, endurance, growth and coat. Regardless what anyone says, buying "dog food" at the feed store is not the most efficient way to feed old Buck. They are not all the same. Just because the national testing says it will maintain a dog doesn't mean it's good for your dog. Here is what I've come to believe: 1.) dogs need meat. 2.) dogs need vegetables. 3.) dogs DO NOT need corn byproducts, corn meal, organic corn hulls, or anything corn. 3.) dogs need meat. 4.) dogs do not need grains, wheat, wheat by-products. 5.) dogs need meat.

OK. Turn the bag over and read the ingredient list. The list is ordered by the amount, in bulk, of the ingredients. For example, if the list is: Organic corn meal, corn, soybean meal, incredibly tasty pork chop by-products, vitamins, spray on fat, sand. The largest, by volume, ingredient is corn. Next is corn. Then soybeans, then some sort of meat. This is not a good feed. It will be sold at large box stores as "Quality Dog Food".

Here's what to look for in our dog food. Meat, meat meal, fish, lamb, poultry, chicken or some type of meat should be Number One on the list of ingredients. (Yes, by-products might be guts. Dogs love guts.) In addition, meat/chicken/fish should be the top 3 out of the next 4 ingredients.

I found a good feed for my dogs. It costs me $68/30 pounds. I feed them 2.5 cups per day. They are thriving. There are many great feeds out there. Google "dog food rankings" and see what you get. The premium dog food you thought was expensive may not be on the list!

Good Luck!

Snakes! Now is the time to get ready...

2011-06-06T06:54:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year when it's time to start thinking about getting the dogs and my legs in shape for the hunting and trialing year. Actually, I've been pretty good this year about working out every day. We are shooting for some Chukar hunting in ID the last week of October and I sure don't want to be the last guy up the hill. Ace, my main dog, has been getting roaded everyday for 3 months now and is hard as a brick! Actually, since this is the first year I've done the roading thing for him, I'm interested to see how the trialing year starts off for him. Being in good shape should really help him early in the year.

Another aspect of getting ready is snake vaccine. I started the dogs on that 3 years ago and will keep it up this year too. Red Rock Biologic snake vaccine is most effective on the Western Diamondback (and Prairie Rattler and others of that ilk). In all the years I've hunted, I've never seen one. I'm sure I'm the only bird hunter that hasn't, but it's true- not one! I decided a few years ago to get all my dogs started on the vaccine, just in case. For piece of mind, nothing works better. I found out that it should not be used on puppies less than 4 months- so Cap is out. But Ruby is ready for her first shot and Ace and Bo ready for their annual booster. For Ruby, she'll get 2 shots a month apart and then she'll be protected a month after that.

Give this some thought. Google Red Rock Biologic and read about the product.

Update one year later........not only did I see Prairie Rattlers in Montana this year (2010), but up close and personal. Ruby was a young pup and we were working around some hay bales. I heard a strange noise that sounded just like a rattlesnake in the old spaghetti westerns. I looked over Ruby's head, past her, and up against the hay bale was a coiled up rattler making all kinds of noise. He was about 4 feet from Ruby. I called her to me and killed the snake. We were lucky in that he had two rats in him already that morning and wasn't real hungry or mad. Later, my friend Robert was struck at by a snake that ran out of himself just as he got to Robert's leg! He, also, was killed. So, two encounters after many years of no sightings. Check out the vaccine.

Randy's Red Hot Rocket

2011-06-01T16:54:00.002-04:00

Randy's Red Hot Rocket

Looking out my kitchen window

2011-05-30T06:11:00.003-04:00

The things you see looking out the window. The photo is poor quality, due to the light and camera, but the deer is real. He was one of four big boys that wandered through. I don't think he was harvested, because I would have heard about one this big!

Randy's Cool as Gritz

2011-05-23T12:30:00.000-04:00

Here's my little Gritzie dog in Wisconsin. What a bird finding sweetheart she was. I say was, because when she was 2 1/2 years old, she developed encephilitis. By the time it was diagnosed and we got her to the Auburn University Vet School, she passed away that night. You never want to lose a bird dog before his time, but this one was a special little dog. I still smile when I see her run.

Blast from the past!

2011-05-13T14:52:00.000-04:00

This picture was taken in 2001 at the Quail Unlimited National Championship in Bronwood, GA. The dog is Bo (Julia's Bocephus) and that's me as the handler. This picture was snapped very close to the gallery right after Bo found his 6th (and winning) bird. I'm not sure who was more focused. Bo is still with me and, as long as he wants to get in the box, he's got a place on my trips.

Training on the Table

2011-05-09T22:25:00.001-04:00

Cap in training!

My dog, Cap, on the Training Table learning the "Trained Retrieve"- (click to view)

Bo on Arizona Quail

2011-05-07T19:29:00.001-04:00

That's some big open country out there- a little on the mystical side..

Peaches and the Limit

2011-05-05T10:27:00.004-04:00

Peaches and the limit- ND

Sorting through some old dog pictures.... This is Randy's Southern Peach or "Peaches" to those who hunted over the lady. Never flashy, always working, always on game, Peaches was the old, reliable, steady dog that loved her job. She was overshadowed by flashier, faster, and more stylish setters in the kennel, but when push came to shove, Peaches came out of the box and found birds for me. I remember, in Texas, watching her head up a draw in her signature lope. Just before she disappeared around the corner, I noticed just the slightest break in her stride- and then she was gone. After years of watching her work, I knew exactly what I'd find as I stepped around the hill- Peaches had a huge covey of Bob's pinned in a clump of shin oaks. I got a double that time- heck, I was shooting at 30 birds coming up at my feet! Another time, the wind was blowing hard in the panhandle of Texas (really?) and this was pre-Garmin Tracker. She was hunting with a bell and beeper and I could hear neither. I searched the draws and grass and waterholes and, after maybe 10 minutes, I saw the tip of her white tail above the blowing grass. I was filled with respect for this dog as I kicked around for a full minute before the lone, buried up Bobwhite blew out of the tall grass. He dropped and Peaches went after him, located him in the grass and brought him back to hand. She was a good one. There are parts of this country that I have a hard time hunting without a certain dog- all the memories come back as I load the shotgun, check the compass, and leave the truck. "This was Peaches' ditch....", I think to myself......

Teach Someone to Shoot

2011-05-05T06:45:00.001-04:00

This is Rhys, from Wales. He was visiting, up from the University of Florida, where he is a student with Elizabeth. He wanted to learn how to shoot a gun. Since I know Elizabeth is a good shot, I figured I'd better teach him- to give him a fighting chance. Son of a gun! I guess better eyes and youth will make a difference. He was a natural!

Take a young person hunting, or take them with you when you run dogs or check your hunting areas. Let's not lose the battle, through complacency, to keep our hunting heritage !

"Working on the chain gang, goin' down, down, down, Workin' on the chain gang.."

2011-05-03T17:23:00.000-04:00

More table retriever training! This is my little Ruby (about 14 mos.) learning about hold and fetch. It's interesting to me how just altering the sequence in the tiniest degree will have one dog pushing ahead and the front dog lagging behind. Ruby is now the one lagging. She was quick to grasp the "hold" command and walk around with the items in her mouth. Now, she's the one balking at the 'fetch' portion. Little Cap is forging on ahead with the fetch and is wagging his little stub the whole time! "Boss, this is great, but when do we get to the real thing?" Ruby will catch on and happily complete the task at hand, I'm sure....I've got all summer...absolutely no hurry....

On the Training Table

2011-04-26T18:00:00.000-04:00

I reached an "impasse" during my fetch training with my two pups (11-13 mos. old). I am a big fan of Jim and Phyllis Dobbs' technique and have used it many times. I had the dogs holding anything I put in their mouths and walking around with it and surrendering it on command. But, now was the time to head them to moving the mouth out and taking what I was putting out there for them. I'm not a fan of a lot of yelling and unnecessary pain on a dog (re-read "unnecessary"), and these are my future dogs, so I was a little apprehensive about where to go next. The would just clam up when I put the buck on their lips.

I went to the TriTronics website and found their Forum. I ended up getting some very good advice off the forum and I encourage anyone with training issues to give it a shot. I also read through several posts about upland hunting around the country and was especially intrigued about bird hunting in Alaska, of all places! Did you know their season is 9 months long? Give it a look! http://forums.tritronics.com/

Look out pups, here we go again! They will be ready for next year with some fine retrieves, I'm sure!

Cap at 8 months in NM

It's force-fetch time!

2011-04-22T14:55:00.001-04:00

Cap on Table with Bird

It's a long summer and I have plenty of time to do this, so, here we go! Here's my pup, Cap, about 11 mos. old, on the training table. He is really taking right to the training, which surprises me. My other pup, Ruby, is much more tentative. Of course, that is the personality difference between them, too. I'm pretty sure she won't be quilled or skunked next year, either. Cap, on the other hand,.......well, he's got a little of that "ready, shoot, aim" mentality. I'd lay odds, he'll jump in on a skunk in a heartbeat. It's a good thing I keep pliers and antibiotics on hand for the porcupines and the skunk elixir ready to go (hydrogen Peroxide, baking soda and dish soap).

Well, back to the table.....

Pet Cemetery

2011-04-14T18:40:00.001-04:00

Shuga

Well, we lost another family pet. This time, it was our little West Highland White Terrier, daughter of Angus of West Georgia fame. Shuga (southern for "sugar") was an anti-social, territorial, opinionated, little terrier (or "terror" to many a kid that made the mistake of pulling her tail). Most of all, she was really loved by the family. Yeah, we had to bury her today after a bout of cancer. That's three holes in the pet cemetery in six months! Do you have a pet/dog cemetery? Ours is in a stand of old pines in one of the pastures. Lots of memories out there.

OK...Chukar...

2011-04-05T12:40:00.000-04:00

The one major game bird in this country I have not had occasion to meet- Mr. Chukar. Last year, I hunted Idaho for a few days and did not do the proper pre-mission intel search. I ended up leaving early and putting the dogs back on Huns and Sharps in Montana for a few days before heading back to Georgia. This year, I'd like to take another stab at them. Snake River valley, is what they say. Vertical, rough, dry, and cold- perfect! I'm ready and so are my dogs, but I'm not getting any younger (or thinner), and the time to strike is this season- late September! Anyone have any suggestions as to where to drop the tailgate? I don't need the street and mailbox address- just a place to start looking. Heck, half the fun is the search, isn't it?

Thinking about a "Paws on the Ground, Birds in the Bag" Seminar...

2011-04-03T13:11:00.000-04:00

I've had some interest in a seminar for the non-hunter who'd like to learn a little about how to go about planning and executing a bird hunting trip. The perfect attendee would be a pointing dog person (man or woman) with the time, inclination and where-with-all to take a week or so and go on a bird hunt; but they've never done it. We would cover planning tips, equipment, dog care, species specific hunting techniques, navigation, etc. We'd spend a lot of time in questions and answers, how-to's, and some what-not-to-do's.
My intention is to spread the word about bird hunting and the value of an outdoor sport in our society. Is there a place for a seminar like this?

Another fine dog is a memory....

2011-03-29T18:44:00.002-04:00

7XNSTRA Ch. Quail Valley Trooper

Trooper and Jeffrey Keck

On the first of August, 2001, a little male pup made his way into the light and started pushing through his siblings to the warmth and protection of his mama. He was all squeal and push and mouth- and he was not to be denied the nipple. Not long after that day, Jeffery Keck picked that little guy up, smelled his puppy breath, looked him in the eye and told him, “I’m going to call you “Trooper”. And I’m going to put every bit of dog training knowledge I have in to you. That’s my job. Your job is to find birds. What do you say, Trooper? You got what it takes?”

Three years and two months later, Trooper finished his first championship. Not many years later, he had seven championships, won everything in the Georgia Region and was second high point dog in the nation. It was a given for many years: If Trooper was running, we were all competing for second place.

I remember watching Jeffery and Keith Howard working with Trooper in the back pasture. Lots of birds planted, voice commands, retrieving practice- most of all, lots of fun, grins and admiration and respect. I had a friend one time mention how I must really like the dog I was working at the time. I asked why he said so, and he said he could tell by the way my face lit up when I watched her run. Jeffery’s face lit up that way every time he worked or ran Trooper.

I don’t need to tell a bird dog man about the bond that develops between man and his dog. It’s strong, deep and real. It’s about trust and hard work and not quitting- for either dog or man. The man sees a partner, a friend and an animal that trusts him to do the right thing- to care for him, feed him, train him and protect him. The dog simply looks at the man and sees his purpose for putting paws on the ground- to please this man. And he’ll do it every time he’s asked. The dog looks at the man and sees his god. For too short of time, we have our dogs. From pushing to the tit, to standing tall in the grass, to hobbling from the box one last time, they love us unconditionally until it’s their time to be a memory.

Quail Valley Trooper was put in the ground March 29, 2011. He ran his last field trial March 18, 2011. He gave his last run exactly what he gave his first run. I know because I was there to see it- I was his bracemate. Trooper gave it all he had.

Trooper

Season Officially Over

2011-03-20T16:39:00.003-04:00

Randy and Ace at GA Championships

NSTRA Georgia Championships 2010- a short video

Seeing as how tomorrow is the 1st day of Spring and state NSTRA Championships are over, too, I guess I'll have to concede that my bird dog season is over.

Ace did the best he could and made it past the first day. On his first run of the second day came up somewhat short. Not by much, but it only takes a point. While the top six dogs of the second day prepared to run again, we said our goodbyes and eased on down the road.

It's time to work on the pups (Ruby and Cap), get them on to some birds, firm up their retrieving on freshly shot birds. Both the little guys have a lot of potential, an I'm excited already about my September trip to Montana with 3 broke dogs! It's been a while since I've been in that situation.

Well, I'm heading to dust off the lawn mower....

I wonder when fly fishing season starts out west..?

At Loose Ends....

2011-03-17T15:45:00.000-04:00

Seasons are closed, it's warming up down South, and all the bubba's down here are psyched up for Turkey season. I confess, I have my decoys ready to go, the camo hanging the barn room, the shotgun choked full with #6 shot and the turkey call set up.

Georgia Region NSTRA Championships This Weekend

2011-03-15T20:45:00.001-04:00

For those not associated with NSTRA, every year each region (there are a bunch- 27?) has a final trial to determine a champion. To be in the final trial, a dog must already be a NSTRA Champion or have placed in a field trial (1-3) in that region during that trial year. So, you can see, every time you run a dog, you will be running against a proven winner. The GA Region trial will be at 4-Star Plantation, outside of Elberton, GA starting at 0730 Saturday morning. My dog is ready and so am I. Since even the best dog in the world still needs that 15% luck, we are hoping to get a dash of that and perhaps make a run of it. I do know that a few dogs in the region have really been getting better with every trial and they are on a roll. They will be peaked and ready to rumble! Well, whatever happens, it will be a fun weekend and a fitting way to end the trial year.