Training Grounds - Dallas Area

[Ctdunn]

Hi all,

I'm somewhat new to the forum and have exhausted the search bar over the last few months in preparation for getting my first hunting dog this summer. One problem I foresee with training the dog myself is immediate access to birds. I plan on joining a hunting club once he's been gun-fire conditioned, but in the meantime I'd really like to at least get him started on live birds.

I'm looking for recommendations for training grounds where I may be able to take my own birds, and possibly shoot off some blanks in the Dallas area. I live in the uptown area, so there are a few parks, but I don't think others would be too happy with me firing off blank pistols and chasing around pigeons!

Thanks in advance for recommendations and I appreciate all of the knowledge I've already gained by lurking!

[DonF]

Dallas, Oregon?

[Tejas]

Since you mentioned uptown, I'm thinking you are in Dallas, Tx. It's difficult to tell due to the paucity of information, but I'm guessing you're getting a pup this summer. If that's the case, it should be a few months before you would want to be blanking birds. It's about an hour drive for you, but the LBJ grasslands are an area where you could do some training depending on when you are ready to begin that training phase.

What breed of dog are you getting?

[Ctdunn]

Yes - Dallas, TX. Sorry for the confusion.

I'm picking up a WPG in mid-July. I agree that he probably won't need much bird/gun exposure for a month or two, just wanted to get a head start and find some good spots. I'd love to have a place away from people to work him, even if we're not doing live bird or gun stuff. I'll definitely check out the LBJ grasslands - thanks for the suggestion!

I'm also looking for a place to get him in the water early on. I'm planning on doing a small 'kiddie pool' for the backyard, but beyond that all I've got are the lakes around here. Any suggestions on something in between would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[hi-tailyn]

http://www.southdallasquailhunting.com/
Owner and friend, and fellow Lone Star German Shorthaired Pointer member Larry Haden.
I have trained out there many times.
Has pigeons, launchers and good grounds to train and run dog on. Has access to quail and you can shoot birds over dogs as needed.

[Ctdunn]

Thanks, hi-tailyn! This is exactly what I was looking for...I'm going to give them a call.