Search found 521 matches

by Tooling
Fri Jan 15, 2016 6:31 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: What A Shame
Replies: 54
Views: 30103

Re: What A Shame

I love learning about the old school techniques - doesn't mean one must utilize them. Hows about a discussion on how to fix a gun-shy dog old school style...then again, that's likely best for a conversation over a beer or ten. Seems words get transformed into perceived actions to the extreme around ...
by Tooling
Mon Dec 21, 2015 6:09 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Gun Laws
Replies: 39
Views: 14252

Re: Gun Laws

Most of us are hunters and identify with each other as such. A forum like this would most likely be very pro gun so to pose such questions should produce answers that generally are in agreement. My issue isn't so much with the second amendment and what its reach truly is. My issue is more with elec...
by Tooling
Mon Dec 21, 2015 11:44 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Gun Laws
Replies: 39
Views: 14252

Re: Gun Laws

I am a resident in Maryland & admittadly not exactly objective as it relates to this subject on two fronts. As a machine shop owner it saddens me immensly to watch Berretta (who is right up the road from me) leave the state because their employees can no longer legally own the products in which they...
by Tooling
Wed Dec 16, 2015 12:22 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Thank you sweet girl
Replies: 35
Views: 12416

Re: Thank you sweet girl

Went through the exact same scenario with a 7 year old dog - tumor as you have described was the suspected culprit and there was simply no way to know before hand.

..it was surreal


Very sorry for the loss of your dog :(
by Tooling
Sat Nov 21, 2015 4:10 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: Energy at impact.
Replies: 39
Views: 26009

Re: Energy at impact.

WOW, this post only took 6 days or so to go from a guy asking a question about .410 to wild pheasant stocking.....WTF! 5 minutes of reading a post that caught my eye wasted. Come to think of it, all who read it will never get that time back. Could have been 5 more mins in the field, shooting, train...
by Tooling
Sat Nov 14, 2015 9:27 am
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: Energy at impact.
Replies: 39
Views: 26009

Re: Energy at impact.

Based upon my limited experience chasing both state released Pheasants in PA and wild SD Pheasants (I can assure you, the “survivors” in PA go wild pretty quick & their innate elusiveness and downright maddening and frustrating slithering techniques are nothing less than admirable) Aside that banter...
by Tooling
Thu Nov 05, 2015 9:08 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: Energy at impact.
Replies: 39
Views: 26009

Re: Energy at impact.

The .410 will crush targets w/authority. I've also noticed a high rate of just clipping targets as well (clays) Now I'm not saying that a bad shot never happens w/other gauges but as a rule I tend to miss entirely w/other gauges at a much higher rate compared to the .410. My guns fit I will not shoo...
by Tooling
Thu Nov 05, 2015 10:51 am
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: 20 or 28 for quail?
Replies: 20
Views: 17775

Re: 20 or 28 for quail?

.... but I'm not looking at sporting, just wanna save as much meat possible. I shot a bobwhite today with #9 Winchester AA Xtralight loads. I can normally hit, but this hit sent the bird straight back about 10 yards. Dog retrieved two wings. This was with a Beretta Silver Mallard in 12 gauge. ... "...
by Tooling
Mon Nov 02, 2015 7:19 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: 20 or 28 for quail?
Replies: 20
Views: 17775

Re: 20 or 28 for quail?

It's more about the handling qualities and less about the gauge. I can get hit more birds with my 28 than I can with my 12, because the 28 fits better therefore I can shoot it better. It just happens to be a 28 gauge. If I can find a 12 with the feel of my 28 I would shoot that. Precisely why I lov...
by Tooling
Thu Oct 29, 2015 9:28 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: GSP's First hunt 9 Months old
Replies: 23
Views: 13056

Re: GSP's First hunt 9 Months old

I am pleased to hear your exuberance with your pup and the fact that you're having a great time w/him really is what it's all about at the end of the day. Please remember that every individual here at one time was in your boat and thrilled owning their first bird dog. The drive to your NAVHDA chapte...
by Tooling
Wed Oct 28, 2015 4:38 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: GSP's First hunt 9 Months old
Replies: 23
Views: 13056

Re: GSP's First hunt 9 Months old

Evanman that is a fine looking dog you have there & it's great that your getting out there w/him and having fun doing it. As others have stated ~ a shock collar is not an instant fix sort of tool & much damage that will have to be un-done down the road can come from it if it's not introduced and uti...
by Tooling
Wed Oct 28, 2015 9:11 am
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: what is best energy suppliment for your dog?
Replies: 134
Views: 59265

Re: what is best energy suppliment for your dog?

I have read through this thread & also appreciate the experience as well as the technical volume which has now been published on this subject. My dog does well on his food and I run him regularly to condition him. When hunting hard - we will typically do 2 days on and 1 day off. Following a day of h...
by Tooling
Wed Oct 28, 2015 8:02 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Single Shot 20GA
Replies: 16
Views: 6999

Re: Single Shot 20GA

This is crazy! Take the pump. My dad gave me a Stevens single shot for my first shotgun. It had to be the cruelest thing he ever did to me. Lol. That thing kicked like a mule. And I never could shoot that thing worth a darn. lol..stop the madness :lol: I would also concur w/Ray (although it has lit...
by Tooling
Tue Oct 27, 2015 7:59 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Single Shot 20GA
Replies: 16
Views: 6999

Re: Single Shot 20GA

I'll 2nd everything said so far as I hunted with a single shot 20 ga for several years once I stumbled upon upland hunting, even took a few deer w/it back in my deer hunting days. Of course you are at a disadvantage with no follow up shot available but it will also force you to take better shots. I ...
by Tooling
Mon Oct 26, 2015 9:05 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: A Clarification
Replies: 6
Views: 2980

Re: A Clarification

I have an e collar myself,but my goal with every dog I own is to get them trained to where I don't even need to put it on them.Hate the looks of a fine looking bird dog with a dang e collar hanging on it,just doesn't look natural to me. Ditto..been working to lose the collar altogether. I like the ...
by Tooling
Mon Oct 26, 2015 10:44 am
Forum: Brags
Topic: Opening Day in PA
Replies: 4
Views: 6766

Re: Opening Day in PA

Very nice and congrats on your opening day success..doesn't get much better than a nice October hunt w/a good dog!

Enjoy the upcoming season!
by Tooling
Tue Oct 20, 2015 4:39 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Solid on point
Replies: 12
Views: 5234

Re: Solid on point

My dog does not need nor does he associate "whoa" in order to establish point on birds..that's not what "whoa" is for. I am not saying that I won't quietly offer an eaaasy every now and again, but who is that for, really? When walking past a dog he/she is breaking for one of two reasons - either the...
by Tooling
Tue Oct 20, 2015 11:25 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Which sex do you prefer?
Replies: 41
Views: 17406

Re: Which sex do you prefer?

I’ve had both and as a rule we have found the females to be a bit more calculating and methodical in lieu of the males gung-ho exuberance to be a hinderance at times. Our dog at the moment is a tick more than 3 and when we set out to find him, we were set on a female. When it came down to brass tax ...
by Tooling
Tue Oct 20, 2015 9:44 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: SD
Replies: 5
Views: 3356

Re: SD

Thanks for the reports..I"m sure many here got the same e-mail as I did..populations up 42% I think?

..hoping the nice weather holds up and the temps drop over the next few weeks..forecast looks good.
by Tooling
Tue Oct 20, 2015 9:38 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Emergency Closure of Pheasant Hunting in NH
Replies: 11
Views: 5798

Re: Emergency Closure of Pheasant Hunting in NH

I've seen this happen before too...first trip w/pup in PA - the hunt lasted all of about 8 seconds..saw what was going on and packed it in for the day w/many weekdays and treks into areas off of the beaten path ahead of us...I don't get it at all. As the saying goes..some people are hunters and some...
by Tooling
Sun Oct 18, 2015 8:37 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: SD
Replies: 5
Views: 3356

SD

Opening day reports? :D
by Tooling
Sun Oct 18, 2015 8:32 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Opening Day Concerns
Replies: 11
Views: 4157

Re: Opening Day Concerns

That is fantastic - good for you!

That first bird is something very special & having a young pup help heal a loss from the past like that is nothing less than a gift from the almighty himself.

Congratulations
by Tooling
Fri Oct 16, 2015 3:01 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Solid on point
Replies: 12
Views: 5234

Re: Solid on point

ruffbrit..I'm sorry if the tone seems negative in any way..that's not the intent at all. I'm glad that wild birds in your area have steadied your dog..it's pretty tough with limited opportunities to do so and new ways to get what you want out of a dog w/the least amount of pressure as is possible is...
by Tooling
Fri Oct 16, 2015 7:50 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Solid on point
Replies: 12
Views: 5234

Re: Solid on point

The dog that works for the gun and the handler has an advantage over the dog that works only through the obedience of the handler? The dog is only standing b/c the handler says so - PERIOD - I've never come across a dog that counts how many birds are in the bag. I also know there are skeletonized bo...
by Tooling
Fri Oct 16, 2015 3:56 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Solid on point
Replies: 12
Views: 5234

Solid on point

Mentioned in another post We all know scent means stop & whether everyone agrees on usage or not we all know that whoa means stop - some use whoa on birds and some do not (doesn’t matter as it relates to this) Staunchness can fall apart as you walk past your young dog for a flush etc and many advise...
by Tooling
Thu Oct 15, 2015 5:56 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Opening Day Concerns
Replies: 11
Views: 4157

Re: Opening Day Concerns

oops..poor choice of words..meant before the dog breaks point..he could start introducing the expectation to stand and begin to associate whoa when the gun comes up and set the dog up for next yr. when training becomes formalized.
by Tooling
Thu Oct 15, 2015 3:51 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Opening Day Concerns
Replies: 11
Views: 4157

Re: Opening Day Concerns

I didn't/haven't done this w/my dog & I can't remember where I heard it but I have heard somewhere of somebody teaching their dog whoa at the close of the shotgun (break action) as well as the shouldering of the shotgun. Your dog is at the right age to consider this as just another mental block for ...
by Tooling
Thu Oct 15, 2015 2:48 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Protective vest
Replies: 23
Views: 10035

Re: Protective vest

Just had a porcupine spear my dog 3 days ago. I am a FIRM believer that his skid plate saved his life seeing where the majority of the quills struck him. before the incident, he had no issues with it on. The one I use on him is sold at LL Bean for $50. I highly recommend it (no Velcro) That sounds ...
by Tooling
Sat Oct 10, 2015 6:23 am
Forum: Training
Topic: just found a fresh road kill pheasant rooster
Replies: 6
Views: 2848

Re: just found a fresh road kill pheasant rooster

..savages

Two questions

What are the gps coordinates & can pup and I have exclusive permission to hunt at your place :)
by Tooling
Fri Oct 09, 2015 5:12 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Protective vest
Replies: 23
Views: 10035

Re: Protective vest

Thanks to all that have replied, it has been very helpful. Based on the experiences that have been shared along with some more thought on it, it seems I am creating a problem that does not exist. As mentioned, the dog has a Tummy Saver. It's not used often but when it is it does not chap the dog at ...
by Tooling
Thu Oct 08, 2015 1:19 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Why I Send My Dogs North
Replies: 31
Views: 12322

Re: Why I Send My Dogs North

I am lucky enough to live up north. About 4 hours from where Rich Robertson used to come up and develop dogs. The prairies is where its at! That is a beautiful picture! My priorities have changed big time over the past couple of years, age will do that - I'd send a dog in a heart beat and eat mac &...
by Tooling
Thu Oct 08, 2015 12:58 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Protective vest
Replies: 23
Views: 10035

Re: Protective vest

Gentlemen, thank you FR - I'll have a look at the LL Bean - I have seen other positive remarks about that one. Assuming proper fit - no chaffing etc? Ezzy I also appreciate your input..your experience mirrors what I find with the tummy saver - I've never had any other vest before and as I stated, I ...
by Tooling
Wed Oct 07, 2015 6:26 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Protective vest
Replies: 23
Views: 10035

Protective vest

Now that October is here :D Pheasants will be the main focus however I am also very much hoping to get my dog some exposure to Grouse this year..this means an awful lot of time in the woods & I would like to get a spare or potentially replacement protective vest for him. He has a tummy saver when it...
by Tooling
Mon Oct 05, 2015 8:25 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: bird hunting literature
Replies: 30
Views: 11013

Re: bird hunting literature

Follow up ~ Pheasants of the Mind..pretty good book to start with, second half is just so-so

Got a copy of *Jenny Willow* on Sat afternoon - couldn't put it down and finished it up last evening.

Thank you to whoever recommended it, it's now a favorite.
by Tooling
Wed Sep 30, 2015 8:16 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Thoughts on Kansas and SD in December
Replies: 31
Views: 13920

Re: Thoughts on Kansas and SD in December

First trip out last year (SD) - mid November and we watched the weather literally blow in as the sun was fading on our first evening, it was nothing less than glorious. Rest of the trip was 30 mph winds give or take with snow and below zero temps. We had a blast and there are some real benefits to h...
by Tooling
Sun Sep 27, 2015 7:09 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: finally got a gsp puppy
Replies: 8
Views: 4016

Re: finally got a gsp puppy

Congratulations on your first GSP. They are a wonderful breed and your going to have many frustratingly wonderful days ahead w/her..a sense of sense humor is a must with a GSP as they are what they are..full of spunk & tons of smarts. Something that makes you crazy with frustration today is likely t...
by Tooling
Sun Sep 27, 2015 8:13 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: bird hunting literature
Replies: 30
Views: 11013

Re: bird hunting literature

I'm about half way through "Pheasants of the Mind" ~ Proper

So far it's a good read along with a very nice writing style. There is much to relate to considering it's rather recent publication & it sure is a good primer for this upcoming season.
by Tooling
Mon Sep 07, 2015 9:29 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: quartering cue for pointing dogs
Replies: 15
Views: 6369

Re: quartering cue for pointing dogs

Body language as others described. A beep tone on dogs Alpha when dog is far out in front in order for him to check in for my next cue (recall if I would like or start heading the direction I am going, whatever.) And the occasional “hup” …haven’t heard anyone mention “hup”…not fashionable any longer?
by Tooling
Thu Aug 27, 2015 6:10 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Finishing up a dog
Replies: 10
Views: 4664

Re: Finishing up a dog

Nothing confusing about it..if a reward exists for good dog work then a correction or aversion must also exist for a less than expected performance. I've had dogs in the past that would do just about anything to get a bird in their mouth and have watched many trainers use the desire to have bird in ...
by Tooling
Thu Aug 27, 2015 2:40 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Finishing up a dog
Replies: 10
Views: 4664

Re: Finishing up a dog

~ When finishing a dog who has demonstrated wonderful natural talent & far more than adequate bidability along w/a strong bond ~ What is your approach & strategy for a dog that values the hunt (location and pointing of birds) above having a bird in his mouth which as most of you know is generally t...
by Tooling
Thu Aug 27, 2015 2:05 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Finishing up a dog
Replies: 10
Views: 4664

Re: Finishing up a dog

Excuse me if I'm making some assumptions and reading between the lines, but are you asking how to reward a dog that enjoys hunting and finding birds but won't retrieve them? No need for apology - my fault for not being more descriptive. The dog was delivered as a pup w/a natural retrieve which quic...
by Tooling
Thu Aug 27, 2015 10:43 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Finishing up a dog
Replies: 10
Views: 4664

Finishing up a dog

~ When finishing a dog who has demonstrated wonderful natural talent & far more than adequate bidability along w/a strong bond ~ What is your approach & strategy for a dog that values the hunt (location and pointing of birds) above having a bird in his mouth which as most of you know is generally th...
by Tooling
Fri Aug 14, 2015 7:46 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: *VIDEO* It Happens!!
Replies: 7
Views: 3721

Re: *VIDEO* It Happens!!

Great video..thanks for sharing

...gotta' love a bird dog!!
by Tooling
Fri Jul 17, 2015 2:57 pm
Forum: Birds & Bird Supplies
Topic: will Bobwhites continue to fly as they get older?
Replies: 4
Views: 6538

Re: will Bobwhites continue to fly as they get older?

Chukars are awesome but they are also nasty nasty birds (tempermental) I don't personally raise birds beyond pigeons for training but have been given some pearls of wisdom from guys that know. Your flight pen is good and feeding them on the platform seems to make sense. Moulders Farm gave some very ...
by Tooling
Fri Jun 19, 2015 9:47 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Wild birds
Replies: 21
Views: 8625

Re: Wild birds

Sounds to me like you have a very good scenario (sure makes me envy) I would say step one - make the dog yours (at home) Step two - make the dog yours in the field and just hunt him/her - the dog has it or it doesn't...time in the field with your mouth shut will tell you what you have and then you c...
by Tooling
Fri Jan 30, 2015 8:48 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: GSP not as advertised
Replies: 66
Views: 33740

Re: GSP not as advertised

That's good..you mention another dog in the house..is your GSP crate trained to the point that he can be by himself in a room crated up or does he rely on the company of the other dog? Hopefully others will chime in but...where I'm going w/this is I wonder if the best thing to do is for you to take ...
by Tooling
Fri Jan 30, 2015 8:10 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: GSP not as advertised
Replies: 66
Views: 33740

Re: GSP not as advertised

Is your dog crate trained?
by Tooling
Fri Jan 30, 2015 8:03 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: GSP Neurotic after Neuter
Replies: 3
Views: 1975

Re: GSP Neurotic after Neuter

Don't think a neuter would cause this but who knows..it might make me edgy :| You mention consistent exercise...just coming off hunting season, have you been actively hunting? Transition from a very active season can take a bit of an adjustment for the dog. Outside of that the only thing I will sugg...
by Tooling
Fri Jan 30, 2015 11:43 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: GSP not as advertised
Replies: 66
Views: 33740

Re: GSP not as advertised

I am no vet and certainly do not want to speak out of line however the notion that snipping the dog will correct this is delusional at best and I cannot believe a veterinarian would suggest otherwise. (It is not impossible that I have no clue about what I'm talking about here) There are very serious...
by Tooling
Mon Jan 19, 2015 10:52 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Finally Found a Name
Replies: 22
Views: 8969

Re: Finally Found a Name

That's a good name

We had a dog named Squid once..Squiddy was a good boy..

Good luck w/your new pup!