Back From Our First Hunt Test *PICS*
- LoveMyGSPs
- Rank: Junior Hunter
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2009 10:56 pm
- Location: St Aug, Fla
Back From Our First Hunt Test *PICS*
Well we went to the TWCF Hunt Test down at Rodman Dam today for our first hunt test. Hubby and I brought the pup and our new adopted female. We only ran the pup as we are still waiting for our limited reg. for the female.
We were VERY fortunate that the foster mom of Hope (female) was there judging so we were able to borrow her blank hand gun and orange or green collar for the braces. We walked the course behind one of the JH teams way before us so we had an idea of what to do.
We were braced with a really nice male that was 1 y/o and it was his first hunt test and 3rd time on birds, just like Toby (6 mo).
At first they ran and played a little bit but as soon as the brace mate locked onto some quail, Toby figured out why he was there. They were both on point and flushed a covey of 3 quail, and that got the ball rolling. All in all, he pointed 3 quail, and I mean an actual point! His first 3 points EVER. Woop! The last point I was able to actually walk up and flush the bird myself, he held steady the whole time. He was a little machine! lol
We met a lot of really nice and helpful people and it def made the experience very welcoming and enjoyable for us. And to top it off, he got his first qualifying score in JH (7.5 all across the board). So we got our first ribbon.
Heres a few pics. This is def a lot of fun and something hubby and I and the 2 dogs can all share in.
Hope hanging out on the stake out
Toby on his stake
Walking to the JH area
Waiting our turn
Proud Mom & Pup
Proud Dad & Pup
We were VERY fortunate that the foster mom of Hope (female) was there judging so we were able to borrow her blank hand gun and orange or green collar for the braces. We walked the course behind one of the JH teams way before us so we had an idea of what to do.
We were braced with a really nice male that was 1 y/o and it was his first hunt test and 3rd time on birds, just like Toby (6 mo).
At first they ran and played a little bit but as soon as the brace mate locked onto some quail, Toby figured out why he was there. They were both on point and flushed a covey of 3 quail, and that got the ball rolling. All in all, he pointed 3 quail, and I mean an actual point! His first 3 points EVER. Woop! The last point I was able to actually walk up and flush the bird myself, he held steady the whole time. He was a little machine! lol
We met a lot of really nice and helpful people and it def made the experience very welcoming and enjoyable for us. And to top it off, he got his first qualifying score in JH (7.5 all across the board). So we got our first ribbon.
Heres a few pics. This is def a lot of fun and something hubby and I and the 2 dogs can all share in.
Hope hanging out on the stake out
Toby on his stake
Walking to the JH area
Waiting our turn
Proud Mom & Pup
Proud Dad & Pup
Last edited by LoveMyGSPs on Sat Feb 07, 2009 2:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
*!~Shantel~!*
Re: Back From Our First Hunt Test *PICS*
That is great! That's the way new folk should find their first hunt test - user friendly! Thanks for the pics.
" We are more than our gender, skin color, class, sexuality or age; we are unlimited potential, and can not be defined by one label." quote A. Bartlett
- original mngsp
- Rank: 5X Champion
- Posts: 1232
- Joined: Fri Dec 16, 2005 1:24 pm
- Location: Mandan, ND
Re: Back From Our First Hunt Test *PICS*
Thats awesome to hear, congrats on the qaulifying scre and more important congrats on having fun and meeting a bunch of great people. Just becareful it can soon become an addiction
- subatomicstang
- Rank: Senior Hunter
- Posts: 145
- Joined: Wed Dec 03, 2008 1:03 am
Re: Back From Our First Hunt Test *PICS*
haha I think we are already addicted! We loved it either way and its nice to have something we both really seem to enjoy together although I can see there may be a fight on who gets to handle the dog lol. At least we have a 2nd now.
Randy B
Re: Back From Our First Hunt Test *PICS*
Congrats!!
This is a bit off topic, but I couldn't help but notice. The hunt tests I have been to looked NOTHING like that (background) Looks like Toby had some nice grass to lay on, here in Utah it seems like you stake teh dog out on dirt, then run them in teh sage brush. That's really neat for Toby, and both of you.
Good times....
This is a bit off topic, but I couldn't help but notice. The hunt tests I have been to looked NOTHING like that (background) Looks like Toby had some nice grass to lay on, here in Utah it seems like you stake teh dog out on dirt, then run them in teh sage brush. That's really neat for Toby, and both of you.
Good times....
- LoveMyGSPs
- Rank: Junior Hunter
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2009 10:56 pm
- Location: St Aug, Fla
Re: Back From Our First Hunt Test *PICS*
h.q.s wrote:This is a bit off topic, but I couldn't help but notice. The hunt tests I have been to looked NOTHING like that (background) Looks like Toby had some nice grass to lay on, here in Utah it seems like you stake teh dog out on dirt, then run them in teh sage brush. That's really neat for Toby, and both of you.
This was a really nice place. It used to be a little town where the fur traders would live, travel to, etc. The family who owns it is now converting the old hotel into a bed and breakfest and they allow clubs to rent the site for like hunt tests, horse back riding, parties, 4 wheeling, mudding, etc. I forget how many acres it is, but its HUGE (probably over 200). Theres lots of grass, shade, fields, creeks, trees, etc. The bathrooms are really nice, theres a kitchen with a bunch of stoves and a GIANT (meaning like at least 20x20) walk in freezer, and a pavillion where you can cook and have dances, etc.
The JH course went through the woods, on trails, with lots of cover and palmetto bushes. I didnt go on the Senior or Master courses but there was a big open field and then there was a big tree line. It was a great place esp for our first time. Gotta love Florida!
*!~Shantel~!*
- LoveMyGSPs
- Rank: Junior Hunter
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2009 10:56 pm
- Location: St Aug, Fla
Re: Back From Our First Hunt Test *PICS*
BTW, heres a pic showing us starting out on course to give you an idea of how the course looked.
*!~Shantel~!*
Re: Back From Our First Hunt Test *PICS*
That's awesome. I'm waiting to find a hunt test in my area to participate in, and as another future first timer--I appreciate hearing everyone's stories. Congrats on getting a qualifying score your first time out!
- subatomicstang
- Rank: Senior Hunter
- Posts: 145
- Joined: Wed Dec 03, 2008 1:03 am
Re: Back From Our First Hunt Test *PICS*
I believe it was actually said to be 800 to 1000 acres which is really huge!LoveMyGSPs wrote:h.q.s wrote:This is a bit off topic, but I couldn't help but notice. The hunt tests I have been to looked NOTHING like that (background) Looks like Toby had some nice grass to lay on, here in Utah it seems like you stake teh dog out on dirt, then run them in teh sage brush. That's really neat for Toby, and both of you.
This was a really nice place. It used to be a little town where the fur traders would live, travel to, etc. The family who owns it is now converting the old hotel into a bed and breakfest and they allow clubs to rent the site for like hunt tests, horse back riding, parties, 4 wheeling, mudding, etc. I forget how many acres it is, but its HUGE (probably over 200). Theres lots of grass, shade, fields, creeks, trees, etc. The bathrooms are really nice, theres a kitchen with a bunch of stoves and a GIANT (meaning like at least 20x20) walk in freezer, and a pavillion where you can cook and have dances, etc.
The JH course went through the woods, on trails, with lots of cover and palmetto bushes. I didnt go on the Senior or Master courses but there was a big open field and then there was a big tree line. It was a great place esp for our first time. Gotta love Florida!
Randy B
Re: Back From Our First Hunt Test *PICS*
Yep, looks like there could be many places for birds in there.LoveMyGSPs wrote:BTW, heres a pic showing us starting out on course to give you an idea of how the course looked.
Not only was it probably a fun hunt tests, bit a nice stroll in the woods
- LoveMyGSPs
- Rank: Junior Hunter
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2009 10:56 pm
- Location: St Aug, Fla
Re: Back From Our First Hunt Test *PICS*
Yes it was a nice stroll. A little cool but it was nice b/c as you kept up the pace with the dogs, you got a little warm, and the temp kept you pretty cool. Thankfully they dont run in the summer which would be brutal down here. Esp in an area like that with NO wind and lots of bugs and mosquitos and snakes.
*!~Shantel~!*
Re: Back From Our First Hunt Test *PICS*
Congrats, and glad you had a great weekend! Hope to see you at some future events!
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DC AFC Valley Hunter's Southern Comfort CD MH NA NAJ, UT Prize II, "Shooter"
DC GCH Lagniappe's Chosen One MH, "Buffy"
DC AFC SoCo's Enchanted One JH, "TomBoy"
CH SoCo's Independence Day SH, "Patriot"
SoCo's Twist of Fate JH, "Emma Jane"
- Ruffshooter
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Re: Back From Our First Hunt Test *PICS*
Good job Guys, It is amazing how just a few birds will kick start the (bird dog juices). Congrats.
The best part of training is seeing the light come on in your little prot'eg'e.
Rick
Rick
- subatomicstang
- Rank: Senior Hunter
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