Waterfowl hunting involves sitting very still and blending in with your surroundings.
Upland hunting different. It is constant movement.
When we hunt pheasant, we usually go to a farm and buy some birds which are released in the field that we are assigned to hunt. Sometimes the cover is high and the dogs really have to work to find the birds. The hunter gets a good workout walking behind the dog. There is nothing to keep the birds in the field, but at least you know where to look for the birds.
For grouse we hunt wild birds on state forest land. There is no guarantee you will find birds and they are not always in the same area year to year. They seem to like areas with a lot of downed trees and brush piles so those are the kinds of areas we hunt. You are constantly stepping over downed trees or squeezing around brush piles.
The dog’s job is to use its nose to try to catch scent of the birds. If they find a bird, their job is to flush it and if the hunter is able to shoot it, then the dog must find and retrieve it. They get and excellent workout.
If it is a warm day, you have to stop periodically for some water and shade. You also want to make sure the dog is fit before you try this kind of hunting. The hunter should also be in reasonably good shape so they can keep up with the dog.
Unfortunately on this day, the best Freighter could come up with was a feather.
Hunting was slow last weekend. Even Thunder and Storm, who hunted areas where there are usually a lot of grouse, only found one. It may be that they have moved to another area in the forest yet to be discovered. Dogs are up to the challenge and hope to get out again this weekend to try their luck and get some exercise.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks so much to SlimDoggy, MyGBGV Life, and To Dog with Love for K-9 Kamp and for the FitDog Friday Blog Hop!
Looks like a lot of hard work!
(Do the people or dogs come home with ticks?)
We really don’t have ticks by us for whatever reason. Long time residents claim they have never seen any. Just in case, they are on Frontline.
That would be a lot of excellent work for the dog, both mentally and physically. Well, a feather is better than nothing isn’t it? 🙂
That is had work but bet the dogs enjoy flushing out the grouse when there are some. Not the brainiest of birds in our book. We used to find when they were shooting in the paddock next to us (my friends place) they’d come into ours and the local dogs had a field day chasing them for fun. Have a fabulous Friday.
Best wishes Molly
That looks like a lot of fun. I think both Jack & Maggie would enjoy poking around looking for grouse in that woods. What great exercise too.
Lots of exercise there. Hope Jim doesn’t rip his pants going over all the cover. Have a great weekend and I hope the dogs turn up some birds. Catch ya when I get back!
That is a great workout for everyone involved. We always think of hunting as those folks that sit in tree stands, wait, shoot, find it and are done. This is much more sporty.
As you described what the exercise is like for the humans, I thought about all of the times we have lost a trail or been on a closed trail- it’s a crazy obstacle course! I was usually a bit worried but the dogs had an absolute blast… and we all got a good work out indeed!
What a great way to spend a weekend!
Sounds like a great weekend is ahead of you guys.
I never really thought of hunting as being a workout, but this looks like a great way to stay in shape! Hope the dogs have better lucky finding grouse next time!
Wow that looks like a lot of work! It sounds like an awesome way to spend time with the dogs, though!
Good luck this weekend!! Enjoy it and get lots of reading done. 🙂
Seems like a lot of work for a feather. But I bet the dogs enjoyed every minute of it!
Bentley would love to be able to run and sniff for birds. The problem would be finding him after a chase. ☺ It sure looks like fun.
Better luck next time, all! At least you got a good workout. 🙂
What a great way to have fun and exercise the dogs! I bet they absolutely love it!
I like the idea of being on the move when hunting. I don’t think I could ever sit still and wait for something to come by like a lot of deer hunters do. At least if you have an unsuccessful day, you still feel like you accomplished something….a good workout!
Hi Y’all!
Grouse are sneaky birds. Without our noses you Humans would never, ever see one. BOL!
Y’all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
Sorry you didn’t have better luck hunting, Ruffed grouse hunting is tough as they love the thick heavy brush, and then you get no more than a second or two for the shot. One of my best investments were a couple of bota bags that I got on clearance, they make it easy to pack water for the dogs.
A feather… hopefully Freighter wasn’t too disappointed!