El Jason
Well-known member
‘25-‘26 Upland Bird Thread
- Thread starter brymoore
- Start date
I had another training day yesterday with the highlight of pushing around a lot of wild horses. Bird coveys were down from the last hunt. The ridge may have been hunted the previous two days. Cady found a few coveys in the beginning that Dot busted. Cady downshifted and had one of the stronger searches I’ve seen. She searched everything hard with no birds. I’m guessing they were pushed around the past few days.
Cady and Dot both tore up their pads. It’s been years since I’ve had pad issues. They’ll need to recover this week.
On Thanksgiving morning we did a quick hunt. Cady found a covey with Dot pointing/backing. Son missed on the covey rise.
Cady and Dot both tore up their pads. It’s been years since I’ve had pad issues. They’ll need to recover this week.
On Thanksgiving morning we did a quick hunt. Cady found a covey with Dot pointing/backing. Son missed on the covey rise.
El Jason
Well-known member
Yesterday was wet and cold. I questioned my sanity several times. We scratched out a limit by early afternoon. No photos because of mud that stuck like baby poop.
Today was dry and windy.
An ancient hunting artifact left by the mediocre hunting tribe known as TheJason
Today was dry and windy.
An ancient hunting artifact left by the mediocre hunting tribe known as TheJason
Mica Man
Well-known member
The wind and rain that has been pounding us for the last several days stopped and the sun decided to make an appearance. Hard to believe it's the middle of December with temps in the 50"s. Beautiful day to take the dog for a walk.
El Jason
Well-known member
With the weird weather, I was able to get into an area that’s normally inaccessible. I had to cut my way in, as expected. This was bigger than expected though.
I got to my spot later than anticipated. The wind was howling, which made life difficult for the dogs to work the ridges effectively. Eventually I opted to drop off a spur ridge.
I didn’t find as many birds as I expected to. I attributed this to the wind. The sign was there. Fortunately, I could hardly miss.
Day two was a different ridge. Unlike the day before, the end of it in the steep bluffs was filthy with birds. Unfortunately, shooting was subpar today.
I hunted in a long sleeve t-shirt today. Bizarre. But it was fun to hunt a couple of areas I don’t normally get to.
I got to my spot later than anticipated. The wind was howling, which made life difficult for the dogs to work the ridges effectively. Eventually I opted to drop off a spur ridge.
I didn’t find as many birds as I expected to. I attributed this to the wind. The sign was there. Fortunately, I could hardly miss.
Day two was a different ridge. Unlike the day before, the end of it in the steep bluffs was filthy with birds. Unfortunately, shooting was subpar today.
I hunted in a long sleeve t-shirt today. Bizarre. But it was fun to hunt a couple of areas I don’t normally get to.
I’m still in training mode. I went to an area burned last year to scout it out. The setter squadron, son’s term for the three setters, was released. Cady (5), Dot (9 months) and Ted (5.5 months). My buddy had given the area a low survival review early in the year.
We found 11 covies! It was still a puppy getting experience circus. Within sight of the truck Dot blew a covey, Ted blew a covey and then Dot blew a Cady point. Dot found the next covey and held point for her longest time. I thought I might make the group when her relocation bounced the birds. She’s learning. She pointed 2 other finds.
We continued to hike and experience points and busts.
I even found flowers in December!
We did a big loop and only had one shot opportunities at one of Cady’s points. Dot is getting there but needs more field time. She’s a machine in her search patterns. Ted is a young male and didn’t get real birdy until he busted Cady’s last point. Something clicked. Cady has been easy going about the bust but searching really big. Farthest point was 770 yards.
We need to start running the dogs separately if possible. I just need more time and energy!
We found 11 covies! It was still a puppy getting experience circus. Within sight of the truck Dot blew a covey, Ted blew a covey and then Dot blew a Cady point. Dot found the next covey and held point for her longest time. I thought I might make the group when her relocation bounced the birds. She’s learning. She pointed 2 other finds.
We continued to hike and experience points and busts.
I even found flowers in December!
We did a big loop and only had one shot opportunities at one of Cady’s points. Dot is getting there but needs more field time. She’s a machine in her search patterns. Ted is a young male and didn’t get real birdy until he busted Cady’s last point. Something clicked. Cady has been easy going about the bust but searching really big. Farthest point was 770 yards.
We need to start running the dogs separately if possible. I just need more time and energy!
Flynarrow
Well-known member
I've hunted that area for many years before it burned
seeth07
Well-known member
My girl may be getting old but she is one great pheasant dog. Her ability to find them and hold on point as a retriever is something I'll never forget about her. Made for a gravy 15 yard shot for my wife. Was a good quick midday break from deer hunting.
