Steadying point without pigeons?

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crazyboy
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Steadying point without pigeons?

Post by crazyboy » Tue Dec 21, 2010 7:44 am

Hello, First off I have a 4 month old pointer, who I'm working on housebreaking and basic obedience. He will point wings and live birds. I live where the neighbors are close so I cant put up a pigeon coop. My state doesn't allow any restraints on quail or pheasant, so they will be gone in no time. I also can't shoot pigeons for the dog, and I can only shoot quail/pheasant while in season. I plan on continuing with basic training, maybe running him on a bird just to peak his interest before I get into the heavy bird training. I'm just looking to see if there are any alternatives to train with. Thanks.

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ezzy333
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Re: Steadying point without pigeons?

Post by ezzy333 » Tue Dec 21, 2010 8:55 am

What state are you in? I don't see anything listed on your profile. I haven't heard of a state that banned pigeons. That is really strange.

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crazyboy
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Re: Steadying point without pigeons?

Post by crazyboy » Tue Dec 21, 2010 9:10 am

Sorry, I'm in NJ. The state allows pigeons for training, however you are not allowed to shoot them. Which is fine. The problem however is I live in a neighborhood where the neighbors are relatively close so a pigeon coop wont go over so well. The state does stock birds, but they are hunted so I don't want him that close to the area in case of gun shots. Thanks for the reply.

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Brittguy
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Re: Steadying point without pigeons?

Post by Brittguy » Tue Dec 21, 2010 9:21 am

Check with your DNR . There may be public dog training areas where you can release banded birds and be able to shoot them, or private training areas where you can buy birds to release and shoot.There may also be a club you could join.
You really don't have to shoot a lot of birds, it depends what you are trying to accomplish.

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crazyboy
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Re: Steadying point without pigeons?

Post by crazyboy » Tue Dec 21, 2010 9:38 am

Sorry for not thinking of all this info up front. There is Wildlife Management areas where I can release quail, pheasant, and pigeons. However I need to get quail and pheasant from a state approved facility. So basically I need to buy lots of birds so I can release them if he creeps on them. That's why i wanted to be able to restrain them somewhat, so after they are launched i could reuse them.

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ultracarry
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Re: Steadying point without pigeons?

Post by ultracarry » Tue Dec 21, 2010 11:02 am

Look into using a pigeon pole. You will only need a few birds go out and use them and have him work to a diff area. When you are don't go grab your birds and poles and reuse them next time.

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Don
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Re: Steadying point without pigeons?

Post by Don » Tue Dec 21, 2010 6:09 pm

Put a small loft in your back yard and only keep a few birds for training. Apartment dewellers in NY city have lofts on the roof of their buildings! You only need five or six birds.
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doco
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Re: Steadying point without pigeons?

Post by doco » Tue Dec 21, 2010 9:09 pm

Look into joining the English Setter Club in Medford. Most of your problems will be solved. Pigeons, Quail and property to release them on. You can not shoot the quail there and there are so many trials that there is always plenty of loose birds to train on. Plenty of great people with tremendous knowledge to help you along the way as well.

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nj gsp
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Re: Steadying point without pigeons?

Post by nj gsp » Wed Dec 22, 2010 7:36 pm

I think one of the best opportunities to work your dog on birds in NJ during the off season is to join the Del Val NAVHDA chapter: http://www.delvalnavhda.com/

Training clinics are held about every other weekend from April to September, and you will have opportunities to train for both field and water. It's a really good bunch of people too, with very knowledgeable folks who can help you learn how to train your dog.

And yes, you can shoot birds at clinics (except pigeons!)

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4dabirds
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Re: Steadying point without pigeons?

Post by 4dabirds » Wed Dec 22, 2010 8:43 pm

the delval navdha chapter is a great bunch of people . I had the opportunity to do a youth pheasant hunt with them and guide some junior hunters . It was a great experience . From what I understand the English Setter club of america requires a recommendation from a current member. good luck

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Re: Steadying point without pigeons?

Post by to the point » Wed Dec 22, 2010 8:52 pm

pm sent

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crazyboy
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Re: Steadying point without pigeons?

Post by crazyboy » Thu Dec 23, 2010 6:46 am

Thanks again guys. I'm going to look into the NAVHDA as well as starting a small loft in the yard. I'm thinking a small loft will work ok, time to search the site for pigeon stuff :)

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