Here’s the newest edition to the Cove Mountain pack. Born 11 November 2011. How cool it that?

We had a great family grouse hunt this weekend. Sharp-tail numbers seem to be doing really well in SE Idaho this year and we have had a ball with them. It’s a great hunt to take the family on because the walking is generally pretty easy. Because of the CRP grass cover, the dogs are usually fairly visible which makes it an enjoyable outing for everyone.

For the fourth of July, we took the family and all the dogs and went up on Cove Mountain camping. We had five kids and seven dogs and had a ball. Friday evening we hiked over to the rim and watched fireworks displays at several of the surrounding towns way below us in the valley.

The nice thing about camping is that you can relax and not worry about all the chores that need attention around the house. We were able to enjoy our outing and spend a lot of time both relaxing with and training the dogs.

Another thing about camping with the dogs I enjoy, is sitting around the fire at night with a dog curled up by your side. They seem to enjoy the warmth and relaxation of the fire as much as I do.

A couple of keys about camping with dogs: First, if at all possible, camp as far away from other campers as possible so the dogs won’t bother them, or their dogs cause conflicts. I NEVER camp in a campground because you are packed in tighter than your neighborhood at home and they are stricter about dogs than most municipalities. Second, use tie out chains and kennel boxes to control the dogs when you need a break. When dogs are confined, be keenly aware of temperatures and direct sun. Make sure that they have access to plenty of water. Third, if the dogs are free, keep close attention on them, for running off, chasing wildlife, or otherwise getting into trouble. Above all, enjoy all the time you get to spend with them.

 

After 13 years, our Aika (Deutch Drahthaar) passed away. It was bittersweet. It was definitely her time to go. I was so glad that she did it on her own and in a very dignified way. She had been going downhill for several months. I considered having her put down several times, I even called the vet twice, but I just couldn’t bring myself to schedule it and take her in. Thursday early morning Julie checked on her and she had passed, curled up on a blanket in the kitchen. We lovingly buried her under the big tree in the back. She has been such a part of our lives for so long. Julie and I talked late into the night about all our memories with her, her VJP and HZP ability tests (hunt tests), the many wonderful outings, memorable retrieves, and most of all, her constant companionship. It’s hard to see her go.

 

I got a this great email and photo from a friend and client in the Salt Lake Area and thought I’d share it. Duck hunting is a great opportunity to take the kids out and spend some time with them.

“Chris,
“I was just reading about your duck hunt on Saturday.  I thought you might enjoy this picture (not the best since I took it with my phone). I took my kids out Sunday afternoon duck hunting. I had just planned on it being a day to mess around with the kids since the weather was so nice.  I left my lab home thinking he wouldn’t be getting any work, which was a big mistake. We ended up with seven ducks in about 1 hour of hunting.  A couple of canvasbacks and the rest were gadwalls.
“It didn’t seem to matter what I did the ducks just kept coming.  This was my daughters first duck hunt and I let her have the duck call and she is convinced she had called them all in.”

As you can see from the photo, they had a ball.

Another friend of mine once told me that the best conversations he ever had with his teenagers were on slow days in the duck blind. So, take your kids out with you.

Sam & Travis were great help while training yesterday. We are working a young black lab (rescue dog) getting his first experience on birds. He did a great job and was really keyed up on game and would readily find the downed bird. My concern with the dog was his cooperation and willingness to bring the bird back. He’s pretty focused on looking out for himself. We’ll see if we can work him through this.

We’ve been reloading shotgun shells for the upcoming season. I was pleasantly surprised when Sam watched me for a bit, then said, “Oh, I know what you’re doing. You’re taking the old ones out and putting the young ones in, so you can shoot.” For a five year old, he has a very savvy technical mind. It was a lot of fun to reload with him. I look forward to more reloading and especially more hunting with him. This last weekend he went with me and walked at least two miles over rough country after blue grouse and was a champ.

Ps. I am always looking for quality 16 ga. components and good well rounded recipies to try. One of my favorites is a chukar load with 21 grains of Herco powder that seems to be well balanced, as it crunches birds.

What more can I say, like peanutbutter and jelly, kids and puppies just go together. They are good for each other. Here, Sarah and Daisy were exploring together.

 

Some of our good friends and their new dog. Nothing like kids and a lab. Note 2 year-old Brooklyn holding her dog, happy as can be.

 

Fouth of July and fireworks are fun – not so for dogs. Be careful over the next few days with your dogs outside when there a lot of fireworks going off. Even a steady gun dog can be made gunshy from fireworks. When hunting, there is the excitement of the flush and reward of the bird, but fireworks are just loud. It may be best to bring the dog in the house for the next few nights.

Enjoy your 4th. 

 Happy Birthday America!