Hmmm...?? My pups don't do preserve birds too well - or rather - they do them too well (read below)??

They did when I was training them - but preserve/reserve/planted birds just get them into bad habits after training, I guess (in my opinion, anyway)? It's why we have spent this season on woodcock (done last month) and wild Grouse (ending in a few days here). Most pups can point a planted bird - honor each point, back a point, retrieve to hand, hold in mouth until the command is given, and like I said - it's great for training - but wild birds are a whole 'nuther level and stage...

So my guys do all that on wild birds....???

My pups work in classic and outstanding fashion... Ask the guys who have seen them in action... When most pups give up on a retrieve - my pups will go until they find the bird, hold it high in mouth so not to drag it on the ground (which for Brie - is DIFFICULT, as she is a SMALL French Brit) - and retrieve it to hand - on command and/or by hand/whistle signals.

I love my dogs. They deserve their presents under the tree...

;)

John

Those an very fine lookin dogs John and perfectly trained I might add. I tought mine to jump up on you with muddy feet:)

Are you absolutly positive? Some seasons were extended a couple of years ago. Maybe it's open to Jan 1 still longer than NH:)

I'm going to try to go Grouse hunting up north Wednesday and it's preserve birds Thursday with a Deer hunt added for variety. My new deer rifle won't arrive in time for this season unfortunately :(

Calvin, you kill me.... :biglaugh:

:rotf:

Seriously - my dogs are perfectly UNTRAINED in the house (or almost anywhere else but the field), so trust me, I know the feeling!!!.

;)

John

Actually, when a pup, my little Wirehair liked to retrieve with front feet firmly planted on my chest. I thought it would be impressive if I could get her to continue this practice in the field, just for company. I found it a bit fortunate that she tired of this as she grew, because she knocked me on my can more than a few times when she was just a little over enthusiastic. Retrieving to hand is enough.

John all preserve birds are not created equally. The birds I hunt at the Haymarsh are as close to wild birds you'll come across, they would rather run than fly. Don't believe me...do ya.. well come on over and give them a try.