Nothing better than a lab for a pal

Recently we sent a young lab home to a family, and it was one of the more rewarding dogs I have worked with. The dog came to me wilder than a march hare, the family was at their wits end. They had purchased the dog to replace a dog that passed away, one that was mature, gentle and a great family member. They got a wild young pup and were pulling their hair out with frustration. They loved the pup, and didn’t want to get rid of the dog, but didn’t know what to do. I think many people find themselves in this position. This is just when dogs end up tied in the back yard, dumped off at the shelter, or back in the want ads. We were able to catch this dog just at the right time and get her on track to becoming a great companion dog for the family and a best buddy to their young son. We trained the dog to be a great bird dog, but more importantly, she is a great companion.

James and his new best buddy

Scout pointing a covey of huns Monday afternoon at the end of a beautiful day.

Monday was one of those glorious days out training. The dogs were doing really well, progressing and showing improvement. I was working a setter, Brittany, pointer and a lab. We were able to get into both a wild rooster pheasant and a covey of huns. When the setting sun dropped below the cloud layer we were bathed in this beautiful warm light that took my breath away. Luck was with me and I happened to have my Nikon with me and got some great shots of the dogs on point. Not to get too touchy-feely, but it was one of those awesome days.

Cody pointing a wild rooster pheasant on President's Day.

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This season was a little tough for us in Arizona; birds were harder to come by. We did get some, and had a great time. I was shown, however, that really understanding the nature of these birds, knowing an area well, knowing how to locate birds through calling, and having a great bird dog, you can still find limits out there; even on the last day of the season.

The Idaho goose season ended here a few weeks ago and I was able to take a few more birds. I hit a slump there for a few weeks, then went out on a good note. Therefore, I thought I would post a tasty goose recipe.

Roasted Goose w/Wild Rice

Photo: Keith Carlson

1 young Canada goose (cleaned and plucked, best if bird has some fat)

Oven Roasting Bag (large)

3 medium apples (any variety)

2 medium Russet potatoes

2 teaspoons ground clove

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 package Uncle Ben’s Wild Rice (not instant version)

1 package Knorr Brown Gravy Mix

To Prepare Stuffing:

Dice apples and potatoes ( ½” squares)

Mix with clove, nutmeg and cinnamon

Place stuffing into goose, pack tightly, put goose in roasting bag and seal well

Place goose breast up in roasting pan

Place in 350 degree oven; roast for 3 hours or until inserted meat thermometer reaches 180 degrees F

(Note: cooked goose meat is dark and should resemble roast beef in color and texture; take care not to overcook.)

Prepare wild rice as directed on package

Prepare brown gravy as directed

To serve goose, discard stuffing (really, throw it out) and carve as you would a turkey. Serve with gravy over wild rice. The age and condition of the bird really seem to make a difference on the palette.

Goose Hunting in Southeastern Idaho Dec 2009

As you know from my blog, I am not much of a waterfowl hunter. I think it’s because of two reasons, I love to walk too much to sit in a blind or lay in a field, and I don’t really care for the taste of duck. That said, I have been doing a little goose hunting the past two weeks and have had a ball. I’ve got to say, when 20 geese are cupped up with their big black feet splayed out in front of them settling into your decoys, it’s an awesome sight.

There seems to be a good number of geese here in southeastern Idaho this year and I’ve had good luck decoying them in. Enough that now I have to start enjoying the taste of goose.

While I was learning the game the first few times out I left Allie at home. Now I’ll start taking her along. I just didn’t want to have to try to keep her still, while tryng to figure everything else out that is going on as birds are coming in. She’s an upland flushing dog; keeping still doesn’t come naturally to her. She’ll have to learn.

Also, she is a fairly small dog (55 lbs). I purposely breed her small for the uplands so she could hunt chukars and desert quail for days on end. When it comes to geese, well, they’re huge. She won’t have any problem subduing them, she’s got plenty of prey drive. It’s the retrieving that will be the challenge. She can’t even get her mouth around a 8 -10 pound honker. We’ve been working on it in the yard and she has figured out the wing carry, so we’ll see how it goes this week.

Porcupine and dogs; not a good combination

I had a potentially scary situation this afternoon hunting that I was able to turn into a teaching experience. I was out hunting pheasants with my lab and a young Brittany when we came across a porcupine. Luckily it was out in the open on the edge of a meadow and the dogs were both wearing e-collars. I saw it with a little bit of warning, so I was able to get the controller out and crank it up. I sent the lab out into the thick brush with an “over” cast so I could deal with the situation one dog at a time. The Brittany, about seven months old, got within about 10 feet and then went on point.  I took a step closer and he started to creep in. The porcupine turned, bristled up and was ready to counter attack. I waited until the dog was about three feet away,  just as he was taking another step and the porcupine started to move I let him have it hard with the e-collar. He came yiping out of there like he’d been struck. Quickly he decided that he didn’t want anything to do with these painful critters. Then I had basically the same experience with my lab when she came over.

Through the years I have had a few dogs get a face full of quills from a porcupine and it is a nasty experience for both me and the dog. I hope this lesson sticks.

photo

I had a great opportunity this afternoon, I was introducing a young Brittany to birds using pigeons when I heard some huns just over the top of the hill, so I took the dog just around the knoll where he would crest the hill close to them and directly down wind. It worked well. We topped the hill and the dog got birdy, followed the scent and found the birds. What surprised me was how many huns there were. We got about 25 huns up in three waves. It really got him keyed up. To tell the truth, it got me keyed up. There is nothing like training on wild birds.

It has been quite a while since I have posted anything new; it’s been busy.  In October we moved from south central Utah to southeastern Idaho.  Moving is a huge pain, but we are slowly getting settled in and getting the kennels set up like we want. It was really hard to leave good friends, but we are looking forward to making new ones. Hunting buddies are always welcome. Unfortunately it will be further for our Las Vegas clients, but will be closer to our Northern Utah/Southern Idaho clients.

One reason for the move was the ready access to wild bird populations. It is really enjoyable to look out and see pheasants feeding in the back pasture, and hear ruffed grouse on the hillside. Other birds I have seen while out in the area include: huns, dusky grouse, sharp-tail and sage-grouse, valley quail and chukars. I also look forward to hunting spruce grouse, as that will be a new species for me.

We are working with gundogbreeders.com to bring Hall of Fame dog trainer Dave Walker to Central Utah to teach his method of training pointing dogs. We are really excited about this seminar. If you want to learn form the best, come and meet Dave Walker. His gentle way with dogs brings out their best and quickly teaches them just what to do on birds. Dave’s dogs are always confident and stylish and a pleasure to hunt behind.

The seminar will be here in Annabella, Utah September 18th and 19th. If you are interested in coming, the cost is $200 for the two day seminar, plus meals. Come sit down and visit with Dave over a Dutch oven dinner and learn from the best. Not to mention the drawing and raffle.

I still have spots available. If you are interested, contact us right away to reserve your spot. I guarantee that after two days with Dave, you will know more about how your dog learns and how to bring out the best in your pointer than you thought possible. Space is limited, so contact us soon.