Search found 70 matches

by AtTheMurph
Thu Feb 16, 2023 7:00 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: New dog advice
Replies: 13
Views: 5698

Re: New dog advice

The answer is a Braque Francais type Pyrenees. Actually, I have seen two different Braques in the field. One was a Braque Francais and one was a Braque du Bourbonnaise( I think). Both were older dogs(older than5i think) when I saw them work and they did a nice job in the field and each s calm as di...
by AtTheMurph
Wed Feb 02, 2022 1:56 pm
Forum: Product Ratings & Reviews
Topic: boots
Replies: 6
Views: 3964

Re: boots

if you are looking for bird hunting boots the search can begin and end with Russell Moccasin. Hand made to custom fit on a last designed to be your foot. And in the USA. Costs about 2x what a decent pair of factory made boots will cost but will last probably 4 times longer (or more) can be rebuilt, ...
by AtTheMurph
Fri Nov 19, 2021 9:34 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: New dog advice
Replies: 13
Views: 5698

Re: New dog advice

The answer is a Braque Francais type Pyrenees.
by AtTheMurph
Fri Nov 19, 2021 9:32 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Million dollar question! Setter or gsp need some help.
Replies: 31
Views: 8389

Re: Million dollar question! Setter or gsp need some help.

Besides hunting what will he dog be doing? Living in the house? Living in a kennel? Family? Big or little kids?

So much more probably goes into it than just the hunting. Lots of dogs hunt and hunt well. It is the rest of the lifestyle that I think makes the most difference.
by AtTheMurph
Tue Sep 28, 2021 1:14 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Pointing dog breed for retirement
Replies: 31
Views: 8373

Re: Pointing dog breed for retirement

I had the exact same requirements as the OP. Have had brittany, weimaraner and vizsla in the past. Wife said no to those in the house. After doing a bunch of research found the Braque Francais type Pyrenees https://www.pheasantsforever.org/BlogLanding/Blogs/Field-Notes/The-Braque-Breeds.aspx Smaller...
by AtTheMurph
Tue Sep 28, 2021 1:05 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Help Settle An Argument About Color Of Dog and Performance in the Field
Replies: 12
Views: 3450

Re: Help Settle An Argument About Color Of Dog and Performance in the Field

Same arguments are made about Kentucky Derby horses.

Color doesn't matter.
by AtTheMurph
Tue May 11, 2021 7:51 pm
Forum: Polls
Topic: Curious how you all transport your dog to go hunting
Replies: 61
Views: 74573

Re: Curious how you all transport your dog to go hunting

Front seat, back seat box, in that order and depends on how many people in truck.
by AtTheMurph
Tue May 11, 2021 7:49 pm
Forum: Polls
Topic: Getting two new dogs can't decide what breeds
Replies: 9
Views: 12434

Re: Getting two new dogs can't decide what breeds

Braque Francais type Pyrennes, Weimaraner, Vizsla.
by AtTheMurph
Fri Jul 17, 2020 8:20 am
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: Beretta 686 20 gauge
Replies: 10
Views: 11036

Re: Beretta 686 20 gauge

I have had a 20 ga. 686 for about 25 years. I have used it for pheasants, quail, chukar, grouse, ducks, geese, rabbits and squirrels. And maybe a few other things! Since I have bought it I have done 90% of my hunting with it, shot thousands of rounds and never once had a problem, misfire, failure to...
by AtTheMurph
Sun Jul 29, 2018 3:02 pm
Forum: Polls
Topic: Dog Food
Replies: 295
Views: 319571

Re: Dog Food

Have now switched to Hi-Tek Naturals. Was hard to get Fromms and they raised their prices to a level that I looked around for something new.

Tried several new foods and this is the one the dog decided he liked best. Have used both the Salmon and the Chicken grain free.
by AtTheMurph
Sun Jul 29, 2018 2:45 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: new gun
Replies: 13
Views: 10759

Re: new gun

I have a Renato Gamba Principessa 28ga SxS.

I think it is a well built gun handles well and wood is nice enough. $2000 gun +/-
by AtTheMurph
Fri Jan 12, 2018 1:18 pm
Forum: Off Topic Forum
Topic: Identifying the Enemy
Replies: 498
Views: 556056

Re: Identifying the Enemy

This is a great thread! How did it turn out?
by AtTheMurph
Fri Jan 12, 2018 1:14 pm
Forum: Product Ratings & Reviews
Topic: Honda Ridgeline Dog Box
Replies: 1
Views: 5991

Re: Honda Ridgeline Dog Box

I just use a couple of plastic crates that I push all the way towards the cab. Then can use the in bed storage and dogs are fine and out of the wind.
by AtTheMurph
Fri Jan 12, 2018 12:59 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: What type of shotgun are you using for your bird hunts?
Replies: 214
Views: 220609

Re: What type of shotgun are you using for your bird hunts?

20ga Beretta 686 Onyx. 21 years old this season and never one issue. Have killed everything from quail to goose with it although now for quail I use a 28ga Renato Gamba Princepessa SxS.
by AtTheMurph
Tue Aug 01, 2017 3:49 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: What gun dogs do you have and why?
Replies: 56
Views: 39977

Re: What gun dogs do you have and why?

I had a Weimaraner. Then I had a Weimaraner and a Vizsla. Then I had a Vizsla. Then I had a Vizsla and a Braque Francais. And now I have a Braque Francais. All were/are inside dogs. Two dogs isn't really much more work than one IMO. More food, more clean up, more hair but not much more work in the b...
by AtTheMurph
Tue Aug 01, 2017 3:36 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Why did the British have so many distinct dog breeds?
Replies: 15
Views: 7905

Re: Why did the British have so many distinct dog breeds?

I think the O.P. observation is biased as America was founded by the British and more British dogs are recognizable here than breeds from other countries. Just do a simply search for "dog breeds of (insert country name)" and you will find dozens of breeds you never heard of from places like France o...
by AtTheMurph
Sat Jan 28, 2017 3:56 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Steady on quail , wild on woodcock..??
Replies: 8
Views: 4347

Re: Steady on quail , wild on woodcock..??

None of my three dogs ever pointed a timberdoodle. And none would ever pick up a dead one.
by AtTheMurph
Fri Oct 28, 2016 10:32 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Looking for advice on next pheasant dog
Replies: 13
Views: 7174

Re: Looking for advice on next pheasant dog

Braque Francais type Pyrennes. French Pointer. Sounds like what you're looking for.
by AtTheMurph
Fri Oct 28, 2016 10:30 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: The ever popular question...Which Breed?
Replies: 15
Views: 6949

Re: The ever popular question...Which Breed?

My first bird dog was a Weim. Terrific dog, super smart and very high energy. Could also be destructive if she got bored and I wasn't around. She ate a 10 ft couch one afternoon as we were eating dinner. She was also extremely jealous and would go into the clothes hamper, sift through all the stuff ...
by AtTheMurph
Fri Oct 28, 2016 10:21 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: New vehicle
Replies: 12
Views: 5007

Re: New vehicle

I just went through the same exercise. Ended buying a Honda Ridgeline. It's roomy, comfortable has the biggest back seat area of trucks that size. The back seats fold up increasing usable space. It has a lockable trunk big enough for all my hunting stuff. The tail gate flips down and to the side lik...
by AtTheMurph
Mon Oct 03, 2016 1:15 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Vizsla or Pointing Lab?
Replies: 66
Views: 46986

Re: Vizsla or Pointing Lab?

Here's my semi-informed two cents. My last dog was a Vizsla. Great dog and great nose. Not the best dog for in the house however. Vizsla's have all day go in them. Sun up to sun down they can and want to run. IMO that's quite a bit of activity to have in a house when you want to settle down. they do...
by AtTheMurph
Sun Feb 14, 2016 12:28 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: nwks no cover phez hunt
Replies: 8
Views: 6282

Re: nwks no cover phez hunt

why are you going to shoot your hunting buddy? :lol:
by AtTheMurph
Sun Feb 14, 2016 12:26 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: DIY Trips
Replies: 12
Views: 5916

Re: DIY Trips

I would agree with almost all of that except for using rest areas. I would find any place other than a rest area to get my dogs out of the car. Rest areas are like JFK airport for dog diseases. Look elsewhere. There are many other places to take the dogs out to stretch that aren't full of viruses an...
by AtTheMurph
Thu Dec 31, 2015 1:19 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Northern wisconsin grouse hunt
Replies: 7
Views: 5324

Re: Northern wisconsin grouse hunt

My buddy in Ashland keeps telling me he is seeing more grouse this year than ever before. He's had 40+ flushes in one day and routinely is getting 20 or more.

That's like a dream IMO.
by AtTheMurph
Mon Nov 02, 2015 4:05 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: 20 or 28 for quail?
Replies: 20
Views: 17790

Re: 20 or 28 for quail?

For quail get the 28ga. I would not get one based on a 20ga frame however. Find a gun built from the ground up to be a 28ga and you will be much happier. I've got a little Renato Gamba 28 SxS that's a sweet little gun. Easy to carry all day, sized right and well put together. And for a decent SxS it...
by AtTheMurph
Sun Mar 08, 2015 11:59 am
Forum: Product Ratings & Reviews
Topic: Hunting Boot Battle
Replies: 33
Views: 44361

Re: Hunting Boot Battle

Russell's. Period. End of story.

Everything the OP wants Russell's will give him. Custom fit, wear like steel, comfort, etc. Not cheap but with care will last longer than I do.
by AtTheMurph
Sun Mar 08, 2015 11:55 am
Forum: Product Ratings & Reviews
Topic: Weinbrenner wood & stream boots
Replies: 7
Views: 9866

Re: Weinbrenner wood & stream boots

I have not but I am always fearful of cement construction hunting boots.
by AtTheMurph
Sun Mar 08, 2015 11:49 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: 15 WORDS OR LESS ... NEXT SEASON, I'M GOING TO HUNT
Replies: 52
Views: 36596

Re: 15 WORDS OR LESS ... NEXT SEASON, I'M GOING TO HUNT

WI to grouse hunt.

Talked about it for years, and haven't done it since HS.
by AtTheMurph
Sun Mar 08, 2015 11:47 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Favorite upland pants
Replies: 61
Views: 40986

Re: Favorite upland pants

I've been through plenty of hunting pants. Could never seem to find something that I liked, that stopped the thorns and gave me the flexibility I needed. What I have settled on are Carhart work plants with the nylon facing. They have a carpenters loop on them if that helps. They are roomy, not too w...
by AtTheMurph
Mon Jan 26, 2015 8:25 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: 28 ga over a 20 ga
Replies: 86
Views: 59319

Re: 28 ga over a 20 ga

I have a Beretta 20 GA O/U and a Renato Gamba 28GA SxS. The Beretta is my all around get everything gun, except for bobwhite. The 28 is for that. I've used the 28 for Pheasants loaded with #5 pheasant loads. It will drop a cock but I've only used it once since I love the Beretta so much and am a bet...
by AtTheMurph
Sat Dec 27, 2014 4:20 pm
Forum: Wild Game Recipes
Topic: First Grouse
Replies: 7
Views: 10744

Re: First Grouse

The next time you get a grouse (or any game bird) don't field dress it. Hang it for several days in a cool place. I would let a grouse hang for at least 3-4 days. Then pluck (or skin it) and clean it. Much more tender, much more flavor. Pheasants I hang for a week or so. Cook like any chicken recipe.
by AtTheMurph
Sat Dec 27, 2014 4:11 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: What states have huntable pheasant populations?
Replies: 16
Views: 9964

Re: What states have huntable pheasant populations?

There are a few counties in North-Western Indiana that have an excellent pheasant population. The rest of the state has none. There are also pheasant from what I would call W. Central IN in a line to the NE corner of the state where IN, MI and OH meet. I'd say IL has more than IN mostly in E centra...
by AtTheMurph
Fri Oct 10, 2014 12:07 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Intro instruction for quail hunting
Replies: 4
Views: 2994

Re: Intro instruction for quail hunting

In Indiana we do quite a bit of quail hunting. We hunt mostly thick fence rows between beans and corn fields, little wood lots, thickets, thorns, brambles. I guess the best explanation I would give is that anywhere you might suspect a rabbit could or would be is a good spot to look. On public ground...
by AtTheMurph
Tue Nov 26, 2013 4:50 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: pup's 1st duck hunt...tips?
Replies: 35
Views: 16174

Re: 1st duck hunt...tips?

Wear boots.
by AtTheMurph
Tue Nov 26, 2013 4:49 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: hardly believable but posted anyway.
Replies: 13
Views: 7383

Re: hardly believable but posted anyway.

We've had a redtail hawk one year that would follow the neighbors game farm 4 wheelers as he planted birds. No sooner would he plant them than the hawk would swoop down and grab one off the ground or out of the air if the bird was semi--smart. Saw it for myself a number of times. I have also watched...
by AtTheMurph
Thu Sep 26, 2013 11:02 am
Forum: Product Ratings & Reviews
Topic: Hunting Boot Battle
Replies: 33
Views: 44361

Re: Hunting Boot Battle

Russell Moccasin. Wear like steel, constructed to be very water resistant (no membranes that will always leak) and custom made to your foot. I got a pair of the Prem South 40s last year with some upgrades, notably the toe cap because I too hunt thick, thorny briars that eat up boots. After one seaso...
by AtTheMurph
Thu Sep 26, 2013 10:48 am
Forum: Training
Topic: 3 year old weim
Replies: 8
Views: 3844

Re: 3 year old weim

My first gun dog was a Weim. What you are describing is almost the exact things I did with mine. Here is what I learned over the years with her. Weims are notoriously late bloomers. 3.5yrs is like 1 yr for some other breeds so be patient. Your dog will only keep getting better for many more years. M...
by AtTheMurph
Mon Dec 31, 2012 8:14 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: What should a hunter always have in the truck?
Replies: 35
Views: 11658

Re: What should a hunter always have in the truck?

jasonw99 wrote:beer :)
calories, liquid for dehydration, carbonation to be used to clean wounds or the eyes, and it tastes good.

Excellent call.
by AtTheMurph
Sat Dec 29, 2012 4:15 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Hunting when it is snowing.
Replies: 10
Views: 5734

Re: Hunting when it is snowing.

Neil wrote:As said you can hunt most upland birds in the snow very successfully, but I have rarely had a good hunt on quail in the snow. Pheasants are the easiest, followed by grouse.
All of our best quail hunts have come int he snow. I wonder what the difference is?
by AtTheMurph
Thu Dec 20, 2012 2:26 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Hunting when it is snowing.
Replies: 10
Views: 5734

Re: Hunting when it is snowing.

Hunting in snow and hunting while it's snowing are a little different. A fresh snow is prime time! Hunting during a blowing, wet snow can be miserable but still rewarding. I have a couple of spots that we hit during snows that hold lots of birds, especially if it's blowing. Pine trees and anything s...
by AtTheMurph
Sat Dec 15, 2012 3:10 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Quail home range question
Replies: 5
Views: 2321

Re: Quail home range question

They could have been out feeding and not in the fence rows. Could have been eaten by a hawk too. I've seen whole coveys get taken over a weeks time by one hawk. Could have moved after getting pressed too hard by you. You might have just missed them! I can think of lots more reasons but those I think...
by AtTheMurph
Sat Dec 15, 2012 2:58 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: closest wild phez to ohio?
Replies: 9
Views: 4917

Re: closest wild phez to ohio?

I live in eastern ohio and all we hunt are pen raised birdsits a blast but I would really like to hunt some wild birds where would be the closest state with a wild population ill?or does indiana have any? or is it out to SD? any info would br great thanks I hunt both IN and Ill as well as WI. All h...
by AtTheMurph
Sat Dec 15, 2012 2:46 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Best Hunting Dog? (Opinions)
Replies: 55
Views: 22496

Re: Best Hunting Dog? (Opinions)

gotpointers wrote:Your question is like asking a golfer if he had to choose only one club what would it be.
7 Iron
by AtTheMurph
Sat Dec 15, 2012 2:45 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: What's Your Rig like?
Replies: 101
Views: 70450

Re: What's Your Rig like?

Image

My first rig. 1974 Ford Maverick 2 door.
by AtTheMurph
Fri Nov 30, 2012 11:03 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: How is Illinois looking this year?
Replies: 5
Views: 2023

Re: How is Illinois looking this year?

Just talked to my buddy that hunts pheasants in IL. He says it's been pretty good. Spotty in places but some spots are holding lots of birds. W. Iroquois seems to be better than E. Iroquois county (where he lives). Ford is good.

I will be going next weekend for a couple days hunt with him.
by AtTheMurph
Tue Nov 27, 2012 4:08 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: puppy eating "poop"
Replies: 12
Views: 4753

Re: puppy eating "poop"

After he does it just tell him to kiss your wife.
by AtTheMurph
Mon Nov 19, 2012 12:30 pm
Forum: Off Topic Forum
Topic: Dumb question but I have to ask..
Replies: 29
Views: 16067

Re: Dumb question but I have to ask..

I heard they taste like crow.
by AtTheMurph
Mon Nov 19, 2012 11:37 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Finally got out here in IN.
Replies: 3
Views: 1653

Re: Finally got out here in IN.

My buddy in SE Indiana has reported seeing quite a few coveys this fall. We went out Sat morning and only found one group out feeding on spots he had put up 2 coveys within the past few days. I suspect is was a timing issue. Birds had gotten out in the corn fields to feed. Have been out three times ...
by AtTheMurph
Mon Nov 19, 2012 11:31 am
Forum: Training
Topic: DOG BELLS
Replies: 8
Views: 4150

Re: DOG BELLS

There are some on Ebay for $4-$5 USD plus shipping.
by AtTheMurph
Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:23 am
Forum: Training
Topic: DOG BELLS
Replies: 8
Views: 4150

Re: DOG BELLS

I will use bells on my dogs in deeper cover and have never noticed game being affected by them. Each dog has a different tone to keep track. In some of the cover I hunt it is easy to loose track of a dog, especially a reddish brown colored Vizsla which will disappear in cattails. I actually think bi...