Chuck, I like those dogs too. I have always had dogs, we used to really have quail here in Texas. The last 3 years something has happened to them. Two of my closest friends have "bird" ranches, one 4000 acres and the other 8500, and I have a little farm. As you might guess we got spoiled through the years. We basically haven't shot any birds for 3 years except a few to bring the pups along. We have the quail research ranch here too and they brought a guy in to try and figure out what's happening and of course the State is supposed to be working on it. One of the board members told me that in the initial conversations the guy they brought in was talking about a 5 year study, all of the board members told him they likely didn't have 5 years left, get some results now. I am down to two Pointers, a 3 year old and a 4 year old and they could be good if we can get to where we can kill some birds, I call them half broke. In August had a friend had some problems and needed to get rid of a Lab pup that was 8 months old. I really didn't want him but my buddy was talking about putting him down if he couldn't find someone who would do right by him. I had seen the dog some at the Gun Club and couldn't not take him. Anyway he is a sweet boy and in Sept. at 8 months I put him in the dove field. Had a guy I let hunt deer on the farm mow me about an acre in the field so he could see the birds fall to get the idea, result was for the dove season I killed a lot of birds and he picked them up like he had been doing it all his life, rough pasture, sunflowers, water, anywhere. Got to where when he heard the safety click off he was up and ready. Good fun, wish I had more strength to shoot more for him. No ducks for him yet there isn't any water here this year. Going to try and get around to taking some pic and will post. Best, JH
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