New Birds

[bigshark]

Today was an off day for the public lands but the private clubs shot. What was new for us was the flock size. Flocks of more than a dozen were the rule up until about 9:30. The large groups were both mallard and sprig. I would say we have a lot of new birds. Have fun! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Dogfish]

I saw a lot more mallards today on my private property spot in the Chehalis river valley. Notice I said "saw", not "shot"? Only one pair of woodies, still saving them for you, Bill.

I am getting water in my spots earlier than I did last year, thankfully, and I also saw over 500 geese today. They don't open for a while though.

Best of luck. Andy

[Tilla]

While I was chasin' silvers on the Lewis, our S.I. spot picked up about 25 birds on the weekend and again on Tues. My 1 hour hunt this eve netted 5 birds for 5 shots and 5 first retrieves for my 1 year old lab. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[bigshark]

Tilla
Those first retrieves are sort of like the kids first steps. Tell us a little more about it. Why did you get a male or female?
Where did you get it? What color? When did you start training it? Our old girl may be put down tomarrow or the next day. I was going to have it done yesterday but didn't.
Its great to hear about the young ones. Will
you do the "test" thing were they are certified as seniors or masters etc.?

[Capin' Dan]

Way to go Tilla. Now for the five for five thing you need to shoot them in the air and not wait until they land on top of you. Way to go great shooting I'm Jealous and way to go for your young boy is he the one that hunted with us a few weeks ago.

Bigshark I may have a line on a two year old female that may work for you If you want I can check and see if she is still available. I also have a couple of puppies left from my last litter that will be ready to go any day now. should be good for next year.

Dan! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Tilla]

It was my wife's little black female Josie (out of a Lean Mac breeding done by Butch Higgins). She's got a couple legs on her JH this summer. We start training the day we pick up the pup and they get birds year round . To me the sex or color is not as important as the breeding, they have to have the good genes. I just hunt and train the dogs, my wife does the picking. My 4 yr old S.H. (master wannabe)male dog was locked in the blind and was forced to watch the action. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] So, this morning he refused to even get close to the blind to be contained so they shared the duties of 10 birds for my brother and I). I keep the e-collar on the pup.
By the way Dan, today they were cupped and holding 15 yds feet out 5 ft high and I couldn't hit them, went through 15 + shells for my 3. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]
Bigshark, I don't envy you and the situation with the older dog. Last night I had to help one of our older dogs to his feet after falling while doing his business [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] After the wonderful things he accomplished during his hunting career as a powerful retriever to see him looking to me for help like that [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] I had to put one down last Dec. too.