Gun Dog Forum

Bobman,

Good luck in ND. Sorry we couldn't get things cleared out for ya here.

Kevin

OK Ruff - I'll bite.

"Send a box I will send them to you"

What size are they and what's you address?

I've had a pair of LL Bean Maine Guide Boots with Gore-Tex for twenty years and no leaks. I've had Rocky's, Browning, etc. leak first year. My opinion is that a year of dry feet is worth the extra cost of Gore-Tex. Once they leak they are no worse than the non-gore-tex boots you would have had anyway.

A vote for uninsulated but definitely Gore-Tex.

If you're not set on the Filson's I recently bought a pair of Vasque Leather/Gore-Tex hiking boots that are the most comfortable boots I have had on my feet.

Central Kansas roads are mostly driveable with frozen snow/ice early turning to mud/slush as temps warm through the day. It's still not the greatest conditions but probably safe enough. Be prepared for mud and standing water in the fields as the melting snow has no place to go due to saturation and ...

For tie downs I like to buy the flat top U-bolts (I don't know what they're really called) and (2) small springs for each. Drill (two holes) through pickup bed, put the U-bolt in from top, slide (1) spring onto each protruding leg from underneath bed, then put on nuts. You may wish to add some washe...

Have had EP's, Britts, GSP's, and Viszla. These have all been pretty much adapted so the ones I had may not be typical of the breeds. My thoughts are that the Viszla makes an exceptional pet. The one I had was very sensitive. I wouldn't reccommend them if either of you are harsh or has a temper as t...

As of today it looks like you will be in good shape. The 10 day calls for highs in the low 40's for the most part which should clean things up well by then. I think by the coming weekend most areas should be accessible.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Bobman,

The latest forecasts show pretty warm temps for the next week to ten days. As of today it looks like by next weekend your prospects would be much better than they were over the weekend. Sorry for the missed forecast but that's the way Kansas weather is.

The moisture has moved out and the temperatures are getting above freezing through the day. Expect the main roads to be pretty good but a mix of snow/ice packed or mud/slush on the back-roads. Also be aware that the walking will be on soft mud or snow so waterproof boots would be required. I would n...

Bobman, I haven't been out west but here in central Kansas the problem is that we got 2-4 inches of rain before the snow and ice. Also the temperatures have been going back and forth across freezing. This results in a slick muddy slurry on the dirt roads which is tough even with 4 wheel drive and wh...

I am there to provide transportation, nutrition, some safety guidelines, to kill a bird or two so he can perform the retieve, and to let him know when it's time to go home. The rest of the day is for him to do what he thinks is right.

Bobman, Without 4-wheel drive I would not try to drive the country roads in that part of the state right now - and I have driven in conditions like this all my life. If you had a set destination to hunt and could find out specific information or other people/vehicles for support in an emergency it m...

Forgot to answer the poll question. Several things do it for me. Like Wildrose said that light that comes on when a bird is located is number one. The little dance they do when they see me put the crate in the truck. Hearing them snore when I let them ride home in the cab. It makes me smile when I k...

My interest in birddogs and training started when I was about 15 pr 16 years old. I had paid my dues acting as birddog for my dad and his hunting buddy since I was 11 or 12. We lived on 40 acres outside of Wichita Kansas and our next door neighbor had a small kennel with brittanies. I really don't r...

I use "Stoppit". Don't know why but it always comes in an "I mean business" tone.

I must be awfully easy though as between two dogs I bet I use it no more than 3-5 times a week. Usually when the rough-housing between them gets a little too animated.

Here is a link to the KDOT current road conditions for northwest Kansas. These will change drastically by Sunday/Monday. You can track them on this website (Kansas Department of Transportation) We had a pretty substantial storm with lots of moisture but temps hovering around freezing. You will find ...

Hunt with 110% intensity and effort. Here, Heel, Kennel, Wait and Allright. Once I have my dogs doing these they are usable. I will start with Retrieve next but if they can locate downed birds that's all I really need. Retrieve to hand is icing on the cake. Just my definition.

I'm afraid I can't tell you where to go that would provide equal odds for quail and pheasant. Generally the pheasants are concentrated west of where I-135 runs north from Wichita to Salina. There are pretty good numbers of pheasants east also but not like the western part of the state. I would look ...

I think that you answered your own question with " The only real advantage I find a GSP has is the short hair which makes clean much easier after a day in the field. ". I choose the shorthaired breeds for this reason but if it's not an issue for you then a Brittany would be a fine choice. My first 4...

Nobody ever teased her by moving the wing when she moved toward it?

Well I guess that's it then... But what about all of the documetaries showing the parents of the wild beasts you mention teaching their young to hunt? It is one of the first lessons taught as it is basic to survival. The one thing I do believe to be instinctive is the need to fill ones belly.

Maybe the traits which are bred for are prey drive, scenting ability, and physical confirmation suitable to long days afield. If it is true that pointing is "born in" then what causes a dog to break on a bird? Why wouldn't they hold their point indefinitely? I think it is the instinct that causes th...

I think I agree with Don. Even those dogs which might not have been knowingly trained to point by a person probably learned by having some type of prey depart when approached. It might be bugs, other pups, cats, birds, etc but the dog learned that if it didn't pursue, the prey would sometimes stay p...

The Braque du Bourbonnais sounds like a good fit for you.

http://www.elkrunkennels.com/Litters.htm

These folks have some good information about them.

Was reading a post where Don noted that very few people follow up with how they utilized the answers they receive here so I thought I should contribute in that manner as this question was my first (I think) here. Upon the advice, I took the dog to Larned to see Jim at Rosewood Kennels. We talked abo...

Thanks - I have sent an email to Jim at Rosewood kennels per your reccommendation.

Thanks for all of the replies. I have PM'd Robbi at Blue Dawn Kennels as was reccommended. I am waiting on a reply. To give some idea of my abilities - I am 51 years old and used to hunt quail and/or pheasant virtually every weekend (mostly central Kansas near Cassoday) with my dad from the time I w...

Thanks for the input. I will try to contact someone for evaluation. I have tried several times to enter the Blue Dawn Kennels site as sugggested but I am unable to get it to load. Has anyone been able to access that site recently?

I have adopted a GSP which the vet has estimated to be 2 years old. This dog showed up at a local farm and after about a month of trying to find an owner the people at the farm asked if I would take the dog off their hands. He seems to have been taught some basic obedience and also shows great desir...