Search found 97 matches

by tekoa
Sat Mar 11, 2017 5:06 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Your Dog's Vocabulary
Replies: 29
Views: 12688

Re: Your Dog's Vocabulary

I'm hunting out of a Tracked Wheel Chair so I added a few new words/commands to my Setters repertoire: "Stand Off" When I'm going to move the chair; "Lunch", he pulls the lunch sack out he pack on the back of the chair, this one was easy to learn because his lunch is in the same bag. "Side" when I w...
by tekoa
Sun Feb 19, 2017 6:12 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: training new dog with older dog
Replies: 13
Views: 5988

Re: training new dog with older dog

I've tried to do this twice myself, have watched friends and relatives try it. The dogs were GSPs, Setters, and Chessies. I tried running a female pup with a 10 year old male Setter with almost tragic consequences. The old dog,the sweetest, gentlest dog I've ever seen, ignored the pup in the yard an...
by tekoa
Thu Feb 16, 2017 9:19 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: TX Snakes during Moderate Temps
Replies: 3
Views: 3164

Re: TX Snakes during Moderate Temps

Snake Experience: Hunted the Panhandle for Quail every winter for 10 years with my Setters, neither of which could leave snakes alone. Never saw any snakes in temps below 50 degrees. Saw a few above 50 degrees but they were soaking up the sun and could barely move, saw active snakes above 60 degrees...
by tekoa
Mon Jan 30, 2017 11:03 pm
Forum: Tributes to the Departed
Topic: Last Point for 2X FC Seattle's Jack Flash (Jack)
Replies: 6
Views: 7941

Last Point for 2X FC Seattle's Jack Flash (Jack)

1:00 PM Sunday January 29, 2017, Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge, Lake County, Oregon Jack ( English Setter) and I attempting to photograph Pronghorn from a blind on a rocky hillside in the refuge. I let Jack out of the blind to pee. He's gone about ten minutes so I go out to call him in. I see him on...
by tekoa
Sun Jan 29, 2017 10:09 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: What gun dogs do you have and why?
Replies: 56
Views: 39961

Re: What gun dogs do you have and why?

I've always had two Setters until a few years ago. I have one 13 year old Setter and a 10 year old Chessie now. I had two big going dogs in the years we hunted Huns on the edge of the prairie. Huns were always widely scattered and two dogs made it a lot easier to find them. A few years ago, my remai...
by tekoa
Tue Jan 24, 2017 10:35 pm
Forum: Please Welcome New Members - Introduce Yourself Here!
Topic: A little about you...
Replies: 1099
Views: 846889

Re: A little about you...

Rik Sligar aka Tekoa, George, WA, Septuagenarian Old man owns and operates Salish Consulting Services ( Small Business Sales and Service Planning and Development) Upland Bird Hunting, Fly Fishing, Wildlife Photography, 12 English Setters over 50 years. Have trialed on and off for 20 years, had four ...
by tekoa
Tue Jan 24, 2017 9:10 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Setter heat tolerance question.
Replies: 13
Views: 7523

Re: Setter heat tolerance question.

I've hunted my Setters with Pointers, GSPs and Brittanies on Quail on Texas Quail and South Dakota Pheasant for the last 8 years in 70 to 80 degree F Temps. Individual dogs varied substantially from one another in heat tolerance, but there were no noticeable differences attributable to Breed. The bi...
by tekoa
Sat Jan 21, 2017 11:54 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Guided pheasant quail hunt oddity...
Replies: 6
Views: 5044

Re: Guided pheasant quail hunt oddity...

Planned a Pheasant hunt Idaho's Magic Valley with a couple of buddies. We all have pointing dogs. Took my setter to a friends beach house the week before the hunt and he tore up his pads on barnacles. Decided to take my daughters Chessie on the hunt as a retriever. First day of hunt went well. Chess...
by tekoa
Sat Jan 21, 2017 11:11 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: Refinishing a stock
Replies: 7
Views: 8319

Re: Refinishing a stock

It just occurred to me that "BLO" might be boiled Linseed Oil, if that's correct then the Varnish will be a bit tacky for many weeks because the oil will dry very slowly when coated with varnish. The more coats of varnish you use the longer it will take to dry. It will dry but may take a long time. ...
by tekoa
Sat Jan 21, 2017 10:36 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: Refinishing a stock
Replies: 7
Views: 8319

Re: Refinishing a stock

That's what I meant by having patience with varnish. It may take several days to dry each coat. Put it on very thin and make sure it is completely dry before sanding and adding the next coat. Hopefully the wood was completely dry before the first coat was applied. If it's still tacky in three days, ...
by tekoa
Fri Jan 20, 2017 11:09 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: Refinishing a stock
Replies: 7
Views: 8319

Re: Refinishing a stock

All a matter of personal preference as to degree of gloss, feel of finish, etc. If you want a high gloss finish only 'varnish' will do. My preference is for a very low gloss, or at most, a satin finish. If the stock is down to bare wood, I'd use a hand rubbed oil finish, of Tru-oil or Tung, Teak, or...
by tekoa
Tue Jan 17, 2017 6:05 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: Help selecting a 20 GA O/U
Replies: 18
Views: 18814

Re: Help selecting a 20 GA O/U

Stevens just started producing a very nice O/U (the 555) in .410, 28, 20 and 12 gauge. I have handled them in the gun shop but not fired them. Seem well made and very well balanced. They are very light weight (under 6 pounds) and you can probably get two of them for $1200. I have 12 and 20 Rugers wh...
by tekoa
Mon Jan 16, 2017 12:33 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: What range do you prefer, etc.?
Replies: 18
Views: 8912

Re: What range do you prefer, etc.?

For the last 40 years my preferred range for the dogs (Setters) has been 400 to 600 yards in short grass prairies and spring creek ravines hunting Sharptails and Huns. Last year I got old, lost a leg and hunted this season on a prosthetic leg. Suddenly range mattered a lot more. I only hunt in the m...
by tekoa
Wed Jan 04, 2017 8:59 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Vizsla vs GSP training style??
Replies: 36
Views: 20935

Re: Vizsla vs GSP training style??

IMHO Never heard of negative or positive discipline. Animal behavior training, including canine and human training, involves positive and negative "reinforcement" which just means adding (positive) or taking away (negative) incentives, obstacles, etc. All individual dogs respond to positive and nega...
by tekoa
Wed Dec 28, 2016 6:49 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Young Dog , Inexperienced upland hunter .. Shooting non poin
Replies: 5
Views: 5121

Re: Young Dog , Inexperienced upland hunter .. Shooting non poin

Pooch, Okie I'm not a pro and this is just my opinion based on experience. I made the same mistake with my first Setter, since then I've had 11 Setters that all were steady on point by 8 months and remained steady their whole lives . Two were FCs. While it's true that more birds is almost always the...
by tekoa
Sat Dec 24, 2016 8:33 pm
Forum: Product Ratings & Reviews
Topic: Kennel or crate size question
Replies: 3
Views: 6026

Re: Kennel or crate size question

I have a large Ruff Tough crate for my 85 pound Chessie. She can stand up, turn around and lay against either wall of the crate during travel. She's comfortable at night on just a floor pad. I use a small bolster on one side of the crate during travel to give her something to brace against. She's tr...
by tekoa
Sat Dec 10, 2016 9:12 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: What type of shotgun are you using for your bird hunts?
Replies: 214
Views: 220556

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

1955 my dad gave me a JC Higgins Model 20 12 Gauge Pump with Pachmayr Power Pack for my birthday (10 Years). I've used it every year since. Noticed how heavy it really is a few years ago and bought a CZ Bobwhite 28 gauge for Quail hunting, but still use the pump for Ducks and quail.
by tekoa
Sat Dec 10, 2016 8:45 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Best Vest?
Replies: 23
Views: 19303

Re: Best Vest?

I have had a Wing Works best for 6 or 7 years. Don't know how the new vests are but suspect they are even better. Very durable, mine still looks new (except for the dirt, feathers, dog slobber and blood) big pockets, very comfortable, especially with large loads. I carry a lot of water for the three...
by tekoa
Fri Dec 09, 2016 10:24 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Dry skin on my GSP's muzzle
Replies: 3
Views: 2990

Re: Dry skin on my GSP's muzzle

My Chessie has recurrences of these same symptoms, Turned out to be fungal infection she picks up from the lake we live on. Apparently common in cool wet environments. Only way to tell is to have vet analyze sample.
by tekoa
Fri Dec 09, 2016 10:17 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: New brittany pup
Replies: 5
Views: 2715

Re: New brittany pup

Thread discussing this topic is on this forum entitled "Older Dog Influence"
by tekoa
Fri Dec 09, 2016 10:02 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Wolves in Forest Grouse Country
Replies: 46
Views: 47893

Re: Wolves in Forest Grouse Country

Near Colville, on the East side of Kettle River. We were up pretty high looking for Forest Grouse,and did see some Elk. My dog may have interrupted a Wolf/Elk hunt. The locals say that since the "Wedge Pack" was killed or relocated, they have not seen any Wolves in the valleys. I should have hunted ...
by tekoa
Fri Dec 09, 2016 9:17 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Before the e-collar...
Replies: 19
Views: 9021

Re: Before the e-collar...

Why don't you ask George? Over the last 10 years, after attending one of his training seminars, I've asked he and his staff a number of questions about training issues and they've always answered. Shoot em an email. Better still go to one of his seminars and ask him in person, best money I ever spen...
by tekoa
Fri Dec 09, 2016 9:02 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Dog energy
Replies: 15
Views: 7641

Re: Dog energy

AAA, Art Absolutely, dogs run on fat. Not recommending carb loading, just Glycogen recovery from carbs for short term exercise and next day recovery. If you hunt a couple of hours a day and hunt every other day clean water and good food are you'll need. Supplementation is only needed when you are hu...
by tekoa
Thu Dec 08, 2016 11:30 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Wolves in Forest Grouse Country
Replies: 46
Views: 47893

Re: Wolves in Forest Grouse Country

Hey, I'm the 'Rik' that started this conversation, screwed up my password to the point I had to re-register as 'tekoa'. Against my own advice, I returned to the South Selkirks for some Grouse Hunting last week with my Setter, Jack. Had a great hunt for two days. Morning we were to head home we went ...
by tekoa
Thu Dec 08, 2016 10:09 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Dog energy
Replies: 15
Views: 7641

Re: Dog energy

I'm not a Vet and this is just my opinion, but it is based on a lot of experience, I have talked to several Vets about this theory, and it's a bit like asking economists about the economic growth, some say yes, some say no and the others say we don't have enough data................. Reading these r...
by tekoa
Thu Dec 08, 2016 5:46 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Dog energy
Replies: 15
Views: 7641

Re: Dog energy

Most Vets, Cornell Canine research and lots of field trialers, and mushers recommend/use these elements before, during and after exercise, for Glycogen replacement. I use "Fit Dog" which contains: Water 1.5 to 2.25 liters a day for working dogs ( Hydration is the most important element in recovery, ...
by tekoa
Thu Dec 08, 2016 5:23 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Wolves in Forest Grouse Country
Replies: 46
Views: 47893

Re: Wolves in Forest Grouse Country

40 Dogs this year? Wow that's scary. Were these dogs lost guarding livestock, pets in the yard or hunting dogs? Washington Fish and Wildlife says 10 dogs were killed by Wolves in WA last year and that 7 were associated with livestock and three were hunting dogs. We only have about 140 Wolves so may...
by tekoa
Tue Dec 06, 2016 8:28 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Rainy day training ideas? What's yours..
Replies: 24
Views: 13433

Re: Rainy day training ideas? What's yours..

Sorry I tried to help. Won't do it again.
by tekoa
Tue Dec 06, 2016 7:38 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Obedience Training
Replies: 22
Views: 7957

Re: Obedience Training

I have trained six Setters using both Hickox's 'Bird Dog Training', and Jonn Hann's 'Perfect Start' methods. Five of the dogs trained with these methods turned out to be well behaved, good to great hunters and great house dogs. The sixth dog was a pain in the "bleep" to train,required frequent corre...
by tekoa
Tue Dec 06, 2016 6:23 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Rainy day training ideas? What's yours..
Replies: 24
Views: 13433

Re: Rainy day training ideas? What's yours..

They won't melt in the rain: My Setters and I live in Western Washington. If we stayed in when it rains we'd only be outside 90 days a years. They run or train hard every day in any weather excep tfor days with deep snow or high winds. Dogs always get muddy. I wash them off with warm water and towel...
by tekoa
Sun Dec 04, 2016 1:17 am
Forum: Training
Topic: My GSP is afraid of gunfire
Replies: 4
Views: 3233

Re: My GSP is afraid of gunfire

I was going to describe how I have introduced my my last five dogs to birds and guns when my wife reminded me that the process I use I borrowed from George Hickox about 12 years ago and maybe I should let him tell how to do it since he does it better than I can. So here's an excerpt from Hickox's "I...
by tekoa
Wed Nov 30, 2016 7:45 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Age old question.... Breed options
Replies: 36
Views: 13982

Re: Age old question.... Breed options

I've had a number of breeds and hunted waterfowl and upland birds with all of them. I've never found a perfect dog for all types of bird hunting. My observations of the pros and cons of several types might help you decide: Springer Spaniel, great Pheasant flusher, good water fowl retreiver in lakes,...
by tekoa
Thu Nov 24, 2016 12:10 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Older dog influence
Replies: 14
Views: 5983

Re: Older dog influence

I assume you'll eventually want to hunt the dogs at the same time. I've had many Setters that never had any problem hunting with each other, but, have had a few who needed to be reminded who's in charge. In my experience the key to running multiple dogs is to train and hunt them separately until bot...
by tekoa
Sat Nov 19, 2016 11:11 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: English setter won't point
Replies: 16
Views: 18338

Re: English setter won't point

I've used George Hickox's Pointing Dog Training and Jon Hann's Perfect Start on 6 dogs with great success. Both systems work well to teach point but are very different. I'd pick the one that seems to suit you and your dog the best. The Hickox method uses fewer birds and more launcher work; Hann's me...
by tekoa
Thu Nov 17, 2016 5:57 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Wolves in Forest Grouse Country
Replies: 46
Views: 47893

Re: Wolves in Forest Grouse Country

I hunted WI for Grouse a few years ago and was told by Game Officer that if I was not hunting Deer or not hunting during Deer season(i.e. Had no Deer tag) I could carry all the buckshot I wanted............Didn't ask about slugs. Deer wasn't open while I hunted grouse so it didn't matter anyway. He ...
by tekoa
Wed Nov 16, 2016 9:14 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Need help/advice
Replies: 11
Views: 5181

Re: Need help/advice

I had a similar experience that just seems to demonstrate how different dogs can be from one another. My two setters and I busted up a covey of Huns. most of them headed over a small hill into a meadow with about 10 head of cattle. I popped over the hill to see Molly being chased by a steer and in f...
by tekoa
Fri Nov 11, 2016 2:41 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Hunting late season sharptails
Replies: 20
Views: 11680

Re: Hunting late season sharptails

Leeza,

I did't mean to say they wouldn't fly if they saw us, just that they seem to to sense our presence and flush long before they could have seen us or us them...........Without a good dog I doubt I'd ever see one.
by tekoa
Thu Nov 10, 2016 2:07 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Hunting late season sharptails
Replies: 20
Views: 11680

Re: Hunting late season sharptails

I've noticed that when hunting Sharpies at any time of the year that they seem to have a noise level threshold. When hunting with more than two dogs or with three or four hunters, they tend to flush at about a hundred yards and they keep moving off as we approach. Also bells and beepers on dogs seem...
by tekoa
Wed Nov 09, 2016 9:37 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Wolves in Forest Grouse Country
Replies: 46
Views: 47893

Re: Wolves in Forest Grouse Country

Lead buckshot of any size can be safely shot with any choke size normally used for upland bird hunting. Non Rifled lead slugs can be safely shot with Mod, IC, Skeet or Cyl. Rifled slugs are safest with IC or less constriction. Remember, if you are using a SXS that the shot paths from the barrels cro...
by tekoa
Wed Nov 09, 2016 12:24 am
Forum: Training
Topic: 1st birddog and first time training
Replies: 9
Views: 5058

Re: 1st birddog and first time training

No Birds, No Bird Dog................Unless you have easy access to wild birds you must develop or locate a source of birds as soon as possible. Be prepared to use a lot of birds unless you use homers and be prepared for the expense. Joining a NAHVDA Chapter can help you find bird sources. Some chap...
by tekoa
Wed Nov 09, 2016 12:02 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Sharp Knife?
Replies: 19
Views: 8262

Re: Sharp Knife?

Knife selection is dependent, in part, on type of steel you want in the blade. Some are easy to sharpen ( high carbon) but do not hold an edge for long. Others hold an edge for heavy use, but are difficult to sharpen. My choice for birds,fish, and small game is the Cold Steel Fish and Game knife wit...
by tekoa
Thu Nov 03, 2016 5:06 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: What size Gunner Kennel?
Replies: 4
Views: 3372

Re: What size Gunner Kennel?

I have three intermediate and one large Ruff Tough Kennel(s). Setters are 55, 50 and 45 pounds, Chessie is 80 pounds.All have been very secure and comfortable traveling in these sizes. I use mud mountain crate covers for the Setter's kennels, 'cause they're wimps in wet weather, but the Chessie pref...
by tekoa
Wed Oct 26, 2016 5:23 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Post dogs on Point!!!!
Replies: 738
Views: 738046

Re: Post dogs on Point!!!!

Not sure if this was a swamp point or retreive.
P1020437 (2).jpg
by tekoa
Wed Oct 26, 2016 4:01 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Anyone dealt with a grass allergy?
Replies: 1
Views: 1307

Re: Anyone dealt with a grass allergy?

Had a similar problem with my setter when he was 2. We had been feeding him a dry food with some corn and wheat in it. No problem until we started hunting the Wheat fields. Vet thought that the wheat dust and wheat in the food was enough to overload pups immune system. We switched to a grain free fo...
by tekoa
Wed Oct 26, 2016 3:25 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Launcher help
Replies: 4
Views: 3586

Re: Launcher help

What Vman and gonehuntin said. Over the last 12 years I've had this same problem many times. Always turned out to be the battery, even if it seemed to be ok; or the bent wire even if it looked ok. In cold weather the batteries potential and current are frequently too low to operate the solenoid quic...
by tekoa
Tue Oct 25, 2016 4:53 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: What time?
Replies: 5
Views: 3278

Re: What time?

For me, it depends on the weather/scenting conditions. I'll hunt anytime the scenting conditions are good. Good conditions (damp/dew, 3 to 10 knots wind, good cover, proximity to food and water sources) The dogs will find birds at any hour if they are present . Early to mid morning usually provides ...
by tekoa
Mon Oct 24, 2016 9:43 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: What type of shotgun are you using for your bird hunts?
Replies: 214
Views: 220556

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

Dad gave me a new JC Higgins Model 20 pump 12 ga with powerpac chokes in 1958. I used it 30 to 40 days a year hunting upland for 50 years. Gave it to my grand daughter in 2008. She has used it 200 days hunting waterfowl. I always shot well with it. I have a 20 gauge Beretta Silver Hawk SXS now and I...