Great day out conditioning the dogs
 

Scout, Bell, Missy and Ollie out for a romp.

Did you take a Parker with you?





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Dean I useda 1 1/2 frame VH 12 shooting some RST 7 1/2 shot loads. I took 20 pigeons along and dizzied and planted 5 each for the older dogs. The other 5 I used my electronic pigeon trap for my pup Ollie’s one on one training. Ollie also ran with 2 of my older dogs when they each went out. I was able to get Ollie to back as well as getting her use to being on point, and having another dog come in and honor her.
Great day but I managed to miss two birds with both barrels.
These 2 pigeons I missed still ended up being a good training exercise as Ollie broke after the shots the first time and tried chasing the bird. Took a little correction but once stopped she watched the pigeon intently as it made several sweeping passes over the field.
The next time I miss with only a quick WHOA, and Ollie stood and only shifted her head around to watch the pigeon circle.
That’s a lot of temptation for a young dog. I could not be any happier with her ability to understand and obey commands.
Dean I must admit that Parker 12 is pretty heavy as a training gun but I wanted to shoot it after having some work done on it. Generally I prefer a light 20.

Missed with both barrels? Heck I do that a lot on grouse!





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Just grouse!?! Heck , I can miss with both barrels at the pattern board. :whistle:

Seriously, Phil, you have quite the impressive cadre there. I hope your season is a good one.

Hard to beat a pointer in areas with higher temps. That is why the English pointer has always been a favorite of the Southern boys.

Love my Pointers. You are right Reggie they really are the right dog for our conditions. Mearns quail season starts the first Friday in December and I am looking forward to getting the dogs out.
Next week I will get the dogs out and start scouting. This seems to be the best way to find out what kind of season we might have.
I usually use a mixture of Peroxide and Iodine to treat their feet. What do others use?
Lots of sharp rocks.
My Pointers generally run on the average 12 plus miles during an average 3 hour hunt. My two older dogs won’t be able to run like that this year. Probably their last season. I will hunt Missy and Bell less than an hour each every other day and will select areas that are a little more flat, as well as having some running water.
We have shot hundreds of wild birds with these two dogs and they have been great companions. Will really miss these girls when they are gone.