Search found 367 matches

by Windyhills
Thu Aug 23, 2018 8:07 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Anyone evaluate dogs in rescue programs for hunting ability?
Replies: 15
Views: 4962

Re: Anyone evaluate dogs in rescue programs for hunting ability?

Some of the rescue programs won't even talk to you if you say you want a dog to hunt. Others are more liberal and understand that you are just trying to get the dog to be all that it can be. So I would imagine broaching the topic with the particular rescue you deal with could be a deal breaker. As ...
by Windyhills
Thu Aug 23, 2018 7:47 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Is my GSP hunting too fast?
Replies: 13
Views: 5845

Re: Is my GSP hunting too fast?

Normal IMO, as is bumping birds at that age. Still pretty young. The popular advice is usually to keep working--on wild birds especially, as you can--and let the birds teach the dog. I think that's ultimately what needs to happen but think you can help move the process along with training using bird...
by Windyhills
Tue Aug 21, 2018 6:20 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Grouse
Replies: 11
Views: 8016

Re: Grouse

If you want a short barrelled semi I heartily recommend the Franchi Al48. Bought one of my kids and it's so light and easy to carry I find myself reaching for it. Mine is 24" and works great in the woods--I'd probably go for 26 as an all around gun if I had to do it again, have to consciously slow m...
by Windyhills
Tue Aug 21, 2018 5:56 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: whistle commands
Replies: 24
Views: 7425

Re: whistle commands

With my past gun dogs I layered over the whistle for two things only--for turning in the field, and for recall back to me. Teach them first, then layer over the e-collar and the whistle. I hate hollering at dogs in the field and always thought the whistle carried further than my voice. Handy to let ...
by Windyhills
Tue Aug 21, 2018 4:26 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Anyone evaluate dogs in rescue programs for hunting ability?
Replies: 15
Views: 4962

Anyone evaluate dogs in rescue programs for hunting ability?

Just curious if there's a standard protocol people use. We just took in a middle aged GSP rescue from a program I was fairly impressed by. I think because some of their dogs are surrendered because they "won't hunt" they make no guarantees and probably don't want to evaluate for folks that are inter...
by Windyhills
Sat Jun 17, 2017 9:37 am
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Native Performance Dog Food
Replies: 7
Views: 5731

Re: Native Performance Dog Food

We've been using Native with our dogs (GSP's, Hi Jerry!) for years now. Down to one ten year old male who we alternative from level one to level three depending on off-season or heavy training/bird season time. All our dogs have done well on it including one who had some coat issues on other well kn...
by Windyhills
Mon Dec 15, 2014 11:09 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Depression Ideas/experiences?
Replies: 6
Views: 3688

Re: Depression Ideas/experiences?

Thanks everyone. Fostering isn't in the cards nor is a new pup for a bit, at least until spring. It's gotten a bit better. An out of state trip did him some good. He did pretty well, better than my shooting at least! :( Still needs more exercise than normal it seems. Very little snow so I can still ...
by Windyhills
Mon Dec 15, 2014 10:53 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Best Dual Champions
Replies: 82
Views: 63399

Re: Best Dual Champions

I am not sure how one can draw any broad conclusions. Think of this--how many of the "best dogs you have ever seen" had an owner that had ANY inclination to put a show CH on their dog? Then ask how many could have been successful in doing so if they wanted? I've known a few that have done that with ...
by Windyhills
Mon Dec 15, 2014 10:36 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: SD pheasant take two
Replies: 13
Views: 6246

Re: SD pheasant take two

I did not see any corn left in the fields in my recent SD trip. Lots of it chopped and not plowed under though :D I sure like that! I wasn't too far from an ethanol plant most of the time however. Bird #'s OK and I ran into a higher percent of roosters than I usually see this late. Only place where ...
by Windyhills
Mon Dec 15, 2014 10:27 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Getting my first GSP back soon.
Replies: 7
Views: 4122

Re: Getting my first GSP back soon.

Yea. Take the attitude that he's not fully trained until he shows that to you, where you work, on the birds you like to work.

Ideally the trainer will have you work with him before you get the dog back at the trainers place to help with the transition.
by Windyhills
Mon Dec 15, 2014 10:20 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: GSP Puppy Feeding issue
Replies: 16
Views: 9181

Re: GSP Puppy Feeding issue

I quit pro plan when they decided to go with the latest designer food fads and switched to Native some years ago (I think they have long since reverted back with Pro Plan Performance, but I have liked Native Better). Level 3 during hunting season, Level 1 in off season less active times. Other than ...
by Windyhills
Mon Dec 01, 2014 8:56 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Depression Ideas/experiences?
Replies: 6
Views: 3688

Depression Ideas/experiences?

Well we have a new issue for us. Lost our old GSP a few weeks back to cancer complications that finally made it too difficult to keep her comfortable. Problem is our other dog--her son--is quite obviously missing her badly. Whining for no reason frequently and he has never been much of a whiner for ...
by Windyhills
Mon Dec 01, 2014 8:32 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: biting puppy - seeking advice
Replies: 11
Views: 4746

Re: biting puppy - seeking advice

IMO kids (and occasionally the SO) need as much if not more training than pups do sometimes! I wouldn't blame the pup if the kids are not handling their encounters well. It's up to you to decide if they can learn to do so and I'd probably still monitor most encounters for awhile. I also don't have m...
by Windyhills
Mon Aug 18, 2014 4:11 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Stamina of DD vs Field bred lab
Replies: 57
Views: 31627

Re: Stamina of DD vs Field bred lab

I think it could be managed a bit by taking care in selection of a pup, but regarding running/biking etc. on roads I'd worry a bit more about a lab getting into hip and knee injuries than a versatile pointing dog. I don't know enough about health in DD's in general to comment on them. If I was leani...
by Windyhills
Mon Aug 18, 2014 4:01 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Training question.
Replies: 28
Views: 8518

Re: Training question.

The 22 worse or better than shotgun discussion has always seemed to me to be straying from the main question. IMO whether you use either one you want to start with the pup engaged in something fun, with the gun blast far from the pup. If you don't do that you risk problems no matter what gun you use...
by Windyhills
Mon Aug 18, 2014 3:48 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Scent discrimination
Replies: 16
Views: 6821

Re: Scent discrimination

Gun dog noses are far more capable than think--and I think to an extent the usual advice holds--that exposure and training when young can really help get across what we desire. The problem I have with fur is the difficulty in turning that off. I'm not sure I did a thing to encourage my two GSP's to ...
by Windyhills
Sun Feb 19, 2012 10:23 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Smallest GSP?
Replies: 29
Views: 20940

Re: Smallest GSP?

Some of the best GSP's I have hunted over have pushed the limits of the small end of the breed standard. I do like the bigger dogs for crashing cattails in December though--and if I still chased waterfowl I want want them on the average to larger side as well. One caveat--I've seen some on the small...
by Windyhills
Thu Feb 16, 2012 9:08 pm
Forum: Off Topic Forum
Topic: Beer?
Replies: 185
Views: 69554

Re: Beer?

Had my first Surly yesterday. Surly Bender and it's real good! I've been jotting down all the beers in this post that I haven't tried so I can give them a shot. Keep'em comin'! :lol: You're going to be a busy man! p.s. you better be taking notes of those Oregon brews, we don't mess around with % an...
by Windyhills
Thu Feb 16, 2012 9:03 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Woodcock Banding
Replies: 4
Views: 1529

Re: Woodcock Banding

If your dogs are steady and can handle sitting it out while chicks are worked up without going crazy, it can be fun. Usually getting into it is an apprentice thing, you'd need to work with someone who has a permit. Check this cheap book out--available through RGS--if you want a bit more of a primer ...
by Windyhills
Thu Feb 16, 2012 8:58 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: gun broker dot com
Replies: 7
Views: 2958

Re: gun broker dot com

Gun broker is OK--some of the other sites I avoid. Real value is as others have stated--wider variety of guns you almost never see in a local store available there.

If you are careful some good deals once in awhile too.
by Windyhills
Tue Feb 14, 2012 8:18 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Force Fetch Help
Replies: 15
Views: 5256

Re: Force Fetch Help

OK Reason I asked my question was something others caught too i think--V's can be slow to develop. Some of the programs might be a bit aggressive/fast for them.
by Windyhills
Sun Feb 12, 2012 12:28 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Force Fetch Help
Replies: 15
Views: 5256

Re: Force Fetch Help

Was the dog really ready for force fetch training? What made you think it was?
by Windyhills
Sat Feb 11, 2012 11:36 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: Retirement gun?
Replies: 30
Views: 11505

Re: Retirement gun?

If you have your heart set on an auto (and already have a nice sweet 16), I would lean towards a montefeltro. I like lighter/trim/easy carrying guns though--your preference might vary.
by Windyhills
Sat Feb 11, 2012 10:37 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: DOGTRA 280 NCP PLATINUM WITH LCD SCREEN
Replies: 4
Views: 1428

Re: DOGTRA 280 NCP PLATINUM WITH LCD SCREEN

I had some cold weather problems with my LCD 2500 unit a few years back (amongst other things... :( ). Am talking COLD weather though--well below zero Fahrenheit. Always leery of any LCD system where I live. I don't often hunt in weather that cold, but I don't keep the dogs in all day long when its ...
by Windyhills
Sat Feb 11, 2012 10:32 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Akc Hunting tests
Replies: 68
Views: 15809

Re: Akc Hunting tests

If I understand it correctly--and admit I may not--it's an effort to provide a bit more assurance of proficiency in the dog? Something to allow the sponsors to refute those claims of less worth in their test when they allow as many entries as you want to attain a passing grade. I'd probably prefer s...
by Windyhills
Sat Feb 11, 2012 10:13 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Do turkeys hurt game birds
Replies: 16
Views: 8041

Re: Do turkeys hurt game birds

Have to agree--Turkeys don't impact game birds much. But the best turkey habitat is NOT good for many of the game birds we favor! If you see turkeys in good #'s, chances are good that the habitat for game birds has gone south. I see this quite regularly. If there is an impact, it's the disparity of ...
by Windyhills
Sat Feb 11, 2012 10:08 am
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: straight stocked pump gun.
Replies: 17
Views: 9379

Re: straight stocked pump gun.

I would agree that barrel lenght wouldn't affect ballistics much, but that's more of a rifle concern than shotgun. Where barrel length comes into play in shotguns--and something to really pay attention to--is in balance and swing. Very important for shotgunners. A short barrel takes more effort to c...
by Windyhills
Sat Feb 11, 2012 9:49 am
Forum: Legislation & Hunting Rights
Topic: Obama pushing shooters off public lands
Replies: 18
Views: 16675

Re: Obama pushing shooters off public lands

I would ask that people not be so darn quick to jerk those knees! This is not an issue for hunters unless you feel you should be target shooting on public hunting lands. I do NOT think that should be allowed, nor does most every state that manages it's own public hunting lands (don't believe me, get...
by Windyhills
Wed May 04, 2011 9:38 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Stapled hide back together
Replies: 12
Views: 3990

Re: Stapled hide back together

Had to staple mine a number of times, only time I have messed up is when I totally missed a cut just inside the foreleg on the belly side for a number of hours. No bleeding and dog didn't react much. My mistake was just feeling the dog underneath at the end of the hunt rather than bending down and l...
by Windyhills
Wed May 04, 2011 8:53 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Anyone know of a Lost GSP?
Replies: 0
Views: 671

Anyone know of a Lost GSP?

Rarely post here anymore but thought this might be a good place to spread the word--a quick check didn't seem to indicate that has happened here yet. Found in south central MN several months back. South of Twin Cities, north of Faribault. Thought to be approximately 2 years old, intact male. From ph...
by Windyhills
Sun Aug 08, 2010 9:59 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Pup Pointin Launcher?
Replies: 7
Views: 3762

Re: Pup Pointin Launcher?

Assuming these were wild birds you let the dog out of the truck to go after, I wonder if it isn't a simpler explanation of wild birds that just wouldn't stand crowding and him being used to moving close to planted birds with no problems. Nothing wrong with holding off birds for awhile but I might as...
by Windyhills
Sun Aug 08, 2010 9:49 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: semi autos
Replies: 21
Views: 9610

Re: semi autos

Do more of my hunting with an O/U now but I used a Franchi AL48 20 bought in the early 90s for some years and still use it for grouse/woodcock hunting. Have not had any trouble with it other than it was hard to get live shells out of it at the end of a hunt for a few years, seems to have loosened up...
by Windyhills
Sun Aug 08, 2010 9:41 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: #2, 3" 20 gauge Steel
Replies: 18
Views: 10686

Re: #2, 3" 20 gauge Steel

I have shot a lot of #2 steel at pheasants and it works quite well out to around 35 yards if I do my part. I don't use 3" loads, I run 2 3/4" loads, 3/4 ounce of shot. Generally use remington nitro steels which are sent along at 1400fps or faster as I recall. Pattern your loads. I find that a lot of...
by Windyhills
Thu Oct 08, 2009 7:20 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Wolf or Coyote???
Replies: 53
Views: 17396

Re: Wolf or Coyote???

Would like to see a bit more but my money would be on timber wolf. Looks like a youngster to me. We don't have much for coyote dog hybrids here, unlike out east where they are more common.
by Windyhills
Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:15 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Retriever that plays keep-away
Replies: 15
Views: 6942

Re: Retriever that plays keep-away

Perennial problem with me given all the kids in the neighborhood--mine and others--who like to play with my dogs. I gave up teaching all of them how it's done as they don't enforce things anyway and they end up in this game pretty often. What I do is seperate MY bumpers/bucks/dokken dummies etc. and...
by Windyhills
Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:02 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: What's wrong with this picture?? How NOT to work a flush!!
Replies: 14
Views: 5198

Re: What's wrong with this picture??

Things I would change: - Switch to a check cord. I like and use flexi-leads for some things, but not for field work on game, for a number of reasons. They hang up too easy, can't be dropped to let the pup roll, don't give as firm control as is ideal if the dog wants to break, the dog can't feel the ...
by Windyhills
Fri Jul 17, 2009 11:33 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Broke while hunting!
Replies: 17
Views: 3189

Re: Broke while hunting!

I can't agree that the definition is universal amongst HUNTERS. Field trialers, perhaps... :D Just saw a similar discussion on another board that illustrated that, I believe. In any case, it seems like every year on every doggie-related BB folks who trial speak up about their desires to not want the...
by Windyhills
Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:51 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: 09 hunt...WI for grouse or KS for pheasant/quail
Replies: 24
Views: 7594

Re: 09 hunt...WI for grouse or KS for pheasant/quail

Couple of thoughts for ya... The Grouse cycles don't crash and burn in a year so there should be good numbers for a few years now. I am less hopeful about pheasant populations with the dramatic loss of CRP and the equally troubling (unless you have the $$ to pay to hunt or ability to hunt private la...
by Windyhills
Thu Jul 16, 2009 4:20 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Broke while hunting!
Replies: 17
Views: 3189

Re: Broke while hunting!

Might have to start by defining "broke", but if you mean staying put at first scent and not moving until released, then there can be some very negative effects of requiring that on some wild bird species that like to run. Several times in recent years I have watched folks with very steady to first s...
by Windyhills
Thu Jul 16, 2009 4:14 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Boot suggestions
Replies: 14
Views: 5384

Re: Boot suggestions

Assuming you are talking regular bean boots, I would not recommend them for mountain hunting! Little to no ankle support. You might have a hard time finding them in your price range, but the choice I would suggest can occasionally be found on sale--any of the Meindl made hunting boots from Cabela's.
by Windyhills
Thu Jul 16, 2009 4:11 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: My Cadens Kennels Dino X Maggie Pup
Replies: 10
Views: 2671

Re: My Cadens Kennels Dino X Maggie Pup

Nice looking pointer!
by Windyhills
Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:54 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Dog bells
Replies: 11
Views: 3901

Re: Dog bells

Highly suspect if you were watching videos of bird dogs wearing bells while working pheasants, that those were tame bird/preserve hunts. You'll get some argument as to how many birds bust wild in front of bells with some other species, but with wild pheasants that have any seasoning, you will be ser...
by Windyhills
Sun Jun 21, 2009 10:41 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: My Problem With NAVHDA's NA Test
Replies: 36
Views: 9590

Re: My Problem With NAVHDA's NA Test

In non-competitive entry level events my take is the event should be organized to best allow the dogs to show their stuff, which IMO means needing to be flexible in the order of events and be a bit flexible in their operation as well. On a day projected to get hot for example, I sure can see the wis...
by Windyhills
Sat Jun 20, 2009 3:43 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: e-collar
Replies: 28
Views: 3743

Re: e-collar

"I guess I have a more sensitive dog than usual". Do you? What do you know about the dog and it's breed tendencies, the line it came from, etc.? Every dog is different. I wish more folks would appreciate that. In this case, one neglected (and possibly important, IMO) factor is the type of dog. What ...
by Windyhills
Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:42 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Can a average joe find a place to hunt Pheasants
Replies: 20
Views: 8744

Re: Can a average joe find a place to hunt Pheasants

Private pay to hunt places in SD release birds but the numbers pale in comparison to the wild bird population, which is due to habitat conditions and has nothing to do with stocking or releasing birds. Popular claim for those from other states to make though. Even more popular for shooting preserve ...
by Windyhills
Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:17 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: NAVHDA NA tracking
Replies: 26
Views: 7536

Re: NAVHDA NA tracking

My point - doesn't matter if you drag live or dead, or a toy, you can't teach a dog to have a good nose, to be cooperative or to track. The dog is or is not born with it. The tracks and drags in NAVHDA are not long enough to judge whether a dog has the focus or cooperation needed to stick with when...
by Windyhills
Thu Apr 30, 2009 4:45 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Does your dog take laundry?
Replies: 23
Views: 9496

Re: Does your dog take laundry?

Both of our GSP's will drag clothes out if they are feeling a bit neglected for attention. The old female seems to know when company is over that coming out with a female undergarment dangling from her mouth will always work. How she knows a sock from a bra or panties I don't know, but she's got it ...
by Windyhills
Sat Mar 07, 2009 1:34 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Metro Barrel for gun shy work and gun intro
Replies: 10
Views: 3934

Re: Metro Barrel for gun shy work and gun intro

Have you bought one yet? I might suggest caution. My take is that the things are soooo long that they are pretty much impossible to use for normal walk-up bird hunting. I've heard others say the same thing. They are designed for stationary pass shooting primarily. If you just want to fire off a gun ...
by Windyhills
Tue Mar 03, 2009 10:23 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Cooperating with your Vet
Replies: 8
Views: 3439

Re: Cooperating with your Vet

I'd suggest shopping around and talking to people. Don't by shy about talking to different vets in the same practice, and asking to speak to the vet instead of the front office gal or the vet tech. If you do it in a nice way of course. I've found some vets more willing to work with you than others. ...