Gun Dog Forum

Bonasa Umbellus, If any dog rips a bird on a hunt, whether a friends or mine it is put up immediately. Bad behavior of any kind is not acceptable under any circumstances. I too have seen this as most of us have, unfortunately it also is not dealt with properly or promptly - and I do not mean harshly...

Jim, Mountaineer, and all; thanks for the tips and advice on the effects of trapping and suggested solutions. I read your notes principally because I am moving further and further into back country seeking grouse and woodcock across the northern states. There are multiple reasons why after 60 years ...

Mat, thanks. The issue is not whether the 18 month old hunts alone(the age of the puppy when we next hunt grouse this coming fall); it is whether I take two dogs or one into the woods and heavy grouse coverts. I agree with you that getting a puppy on birds as early as possible always is beneficial. ...

Those of you that responded with scenting conditions can alter dramatically a dog's capability to pick up a bird seems to be the consensus among many experienced bird dog owners. It is interesting that this dog of mine walked right by a cock pheasant a few weeks ago is known for its incredible nose ...

Winchy, BINGO! Obtaining a guide was not the question, but you quickly addressed why many use guides. Simply some of us have to travel too far for good cover, and when we get there we do not have a lot of time to scout. I know cover as well as anyone. Especially growing up in rural Vermont in the la...

Photo? I have been futzing with this and still have not figured out how to bring over the photo once downloaded to this website. Notice the duplicate entry and you understand my computer competence. And If anyone knows how to insert the photo on this page I would be eternally grateful. I might even ...

I am pushing the lower half of 70 years old. I am principally a partridge and timberdoodle bird hunter. Although I find that pushing through the pucker brush, mud, and briars more and more demanding with time! Knock on wood, good genes and being athletic keeps the old legs going, at least for now. I...

I selected this topic as I am in the process of booking guides and grouse hunting trips. Remember, this is grouse hunting not sharptail or Dakotoa pheasant hunting I am addressing. A couple of guides specifically mentioned they will not guide with more than one dog at a time. I throw this question o...

In fact since I wrote this, read all of your comments, I watched and experienced this one or two more times. Also in speaking with trainers with a "modicum" of experience they mentioned everything y'all said. "If the dog has a good nose and instincts it will find birds!"
Thornapple

I have a question for you grouse hunters. I use an e-collar (not while hunting) with a stationary beeping sound on point. It also has a locator sound. My question is this. After many years of loosing a dog in the heavy thick coverts that is on point and trying to locate the beeping sound while on po...

Jagerdog, You are correct, and I knew someone was going to pick up on the water test requirement. However, I would be very curious how you got any of your dogs to repetedly enter the water with consistency, and I am not speaking of a shore dance, without a purpose or desire. So the question still is...

Doc E.,
I dot have the same experience as you. Some dogs will respond to a thrown ball, some do not.

I have a Spinone that will be tested in the spring of 2013 for his first NAVHDA NA. My question relates to retrieval of a bumper. The test requires, as many of you are aware, to demonstrate a desire to swim and presumably fetch a bumper at a minimum of twice in the water. I do not want to start forc...

All thanks, As I am new as to what to expect from a dog in the field, I am glad others confirm what I thought but was not sure. I find that even after three years of actively hunting with my dog I find that I am learning more and yet know less. I appreciate everyone's insight as it is helpful. My pu...

I throw this question open to those of you that have more experience than I (hunted for 60 years minus two in Vietnam). My Spinone bitch has substantial experience hunting grouse, woodcock, and pheasant. In brief we hunt frequently and she has developed a great sense of the field, nose, and how to u...