Back in October 07 (link) and again in January 08 (link) I wrote about a huge curl leaf mahogany tree we found while grouse hunting. We went back with the official state big tree scorer today from the Division of Forestry and re-measured the tree. We were excited to see that it was not only the state record, but also the world record largest curl leaf mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) tree. Keep in mind that these are typically more like a tall shrub than a tree. A good sized mahogany is  as big around as your thigh and about twice your height, so this tree was huge. It was a fun field trip with folks from the State Division of Forestry, Division of Wildlife, BLM and Forest Service. We are now entered in the record book for the world’s record mahogany tree. We stole the record from California.

Oh yeah, another funny thing was when we went back, there were grouse feathers at the base of the tree. The day we found the tree, we were hunting dusky grouse and were skunked.

 

If you got a puppy this spring, it’s probably about time to start building her interest in birds. I like to start with numerous positive experiences on birds. Pigeons or quail are about the right size for a puppy. Quail are often hard for most folks to come by, so pigeons are the best solution. I start with a small frozen pigeon and toss it out for the dog to retrieve. Build lots of excitement around the bird. Toss it out and have them retrieve it to you. If they want to run away with it, do it in a more confined space or have a check cord on the pup.

Another incentive for them to bring it back is to start turning and moving back, often they think you are leaving and will want to come with you and will bring the bird along. When they bring it back, stroke them down the back while they have the bird in their mouth; stop petting (stroking not patting) the instant they drop it. After just a moment of them holding the bird take it from them with praise. Don’t let them chew up the bird, and don’t over do this. Keep it to 3 or 4 times so it is a super-treat for them.

This will both get the pup excited over birds and help develop their retrieve. This method will help any gun dog puppy, spaniel, retriever, or pointer. This is the first step to preventing gun shyness (gun sensitivity).

 

Next, starting with wild birds…

 

If you live in Utah and didn’t draw a deer or elk tag, today is the day to get online and purchase remaining permits. There are still spike elk and any-bull elk tags, as well as archery deer permits. Last year I my hunting buddy waited to purchase his archery deer tag and didn’t get a tag, because they were sold out.

If you are interested, it is also time to put in for the antlerless big game drawing. Go to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources web site and click on the on-line licence sales.

 

I came across this indoor dog crate on-line today. Other than on their website, I have never seen this product, but thought it looked nice. They are made by Wooden Creek in Dunedin, FL. They are listing them at $185 and have a sale price of $149. I think it is a great idea, if you have your dog inside, and occasionally use the crate when you have guests, or for the dog to sleep in at night, but don’t like the look of the plastic dog crate in the house, this is a great solution. This looks like a nice piece of furniture and would be a nice addition to most rooms. Of course, you wouldn’t want to put a puppy in it, or any dog that has a habit of chewing on their dog box.

Looking at Wooden Creek’s other items on their website, they have a raised wooden dog feeding dish holder, a dog gate/holder, plus a large selection of beautiful Grandfather clocks and other furniture. It might be worth a look.