First Hunt with Own Dog

[Jay Oliver]

Today was a great day. My whole life I had always wanted my own hunting dog, though always seem to make excuses on why I could do it. We got our Golden Retriever/Irish Setter mix in July and she is almost 11 months old now. With 3 kids I wanted a good combination of a family dog and hunting dog that would stay inside.

This fall and winter seemed like a blur with work and other obligations. I wanted to get our dog “Violet” hunting before the hunting preserves closed for the season. I honestly wasn’t even sure how to get started even though I have several books on the subject. I set up a hunt with Markover in Connecticut and had such a wonderful time this morning.

My wife came with me and we didn’t have any real expectations, my thought was just to introduce Violet to some birds and see what happens. With some patience and good advice we had an incredible morning. The dog wasn’t gun shy and took to finding birds slowly, but surely. She still needs a lot of direction/discipline, but we had a fun morning. I was shooting my Citori 410, just to start her off with as little noise as possible. On the the 3rd bird I made a long shot, she ran right after the downed hen and brought it back to me…how does it get better than that?

I missed the next few birds for a variety of reasons, but we still chased after them. She found the last 2 birds on her own and slowly got close enough so they flew. I still have so much to learn, but I am very motivated after some success today. I am going to plan one more hunt before the preserve season is over. All three of us had a little too much fun!

Anyway, I thought I would share,
Jay

[Mills]

Wonderful! There is nothing like hunting behind your own dog

[Phil C]

Nothing like hunting and training your own dog. Best of luck with all the great times that lay ahead.

[Ken Hill]

Definitely a good day! You can do a lot of training, but remember one thing "birds make a bird dog." Violet looks like she had fun. Also, she is a nice looking dog.

Ken

[mobirdhunter]

You are in for some real good times. Make note of all of them -- time moves quickly. (Enjoyed your photos!)

[C.O.B.]

Bird hunting without a dog is just a walk in the woods with a gun. Congrats on your new hunting partner.

[Jay Oliver]

I am so glad I made myself book the hunt and go. I almost didn't do it, and it would have ended up on my good intention list. The next hunt, in a week or two will be with Chukars and I can't wait!

My wife and I have been talking about what a wonderful day we had yesterday and how much fun our dog as having.

[Quigley97]

Jay,
In my mind there is nothing more enjoyable than watching a bird dog work. Many times I took my Labs out and never fired a shot and just enjoyed watching them work. Enjoy your time with Violet and good luck.

[Ed Norman]

Jay,
Congratulations, I waited forty years for a bird dog I was lucky enough to have the breeder of my brittany live about a mile away. He really helped me and my wife and explained a lot, my other hunting buddy who has 2 brittanies spent a lot of time with me out in the woods with my dog. Your in for some great times and memories, congratulations again.

[Jay Oliver]

Thanks for all of the nice comments. I am 46 and I am glad I am "finally" getting into this! Had I know the feeling it has produced, I would have done this long ago.

My son(who is 6) and I worked with our dog Violet some yesterday and and now he has my level of excitement. Definitely looking forward to some great times ahead!!!