Storm and Freighter got out to do some more grouse/woodcock hunting last week. It was a frosty morning with no wind. By the time we started, the sun was up so the frost was melting.
We have been hunting Freighter and Storm together so Storm can show Freighter how to hunt these woods. Thunder as the more experienced dog taught Storm, and now it is Storm’s turn to teach Freighter. The dogs have natural ability, but we find that it helps to have a more experienced dog show a less experienced dog how to get into the cover and hunt it. The dogs would need to hunt the deep cover on this particular day because that is where the birds were sitting.
The dogs and hunter really got a good workout as they negotiated areas with thick trees. The dogs had many flushes but the hunter could not get in position for a shot. Sometimes dogs can get into places people cannot. At times we just heard the flush and never saw the bird. The colder weather had them dug in deep.
Even though we did not see every flush, we believe they were all grouse. Grouse make a particular sound when they flush and usually flush out and away, whereas woodcock usually flush straight up and make a slightly different sound. Woodcock migrate and it is possible they already moved on. The season for woodcock closes November 2.
Most of my pictures are taken from the road because I walked the road rather than trying to keep up with the dogs through all of that cover. Even though it was a brisk morning, the dogs still needed to be stopped and watered.
As we worked our way down the road, we approached the point where the road spits. One side is a levee and the other is a bridge over the water.
Often the dogs find birds in that center island of trees. But first, the dogs hunted up to the levee.
Once we crossed the levee, the dogs worked that center island of trees. Over the years the cover has gotten thicker and thicker to the point that the dogs can get in, but the hunter can’t.
Storm gave up, but Freighter stuck with it and flushed a grouse for his trouble. In fact Freighter was really good about staying in the hunt, even in the deepest cover, and for the first time flushed more birds than Storm. Storm has taught him well and hubby feels like he is ready to try on his own. Maybe next time.
Unfortunately this hunt resulted in no retrieves, but it was great experience for the dogs and they had a blast.
Today is the last day to enter Storm’s Spooktacular Giveaway. Don’t miss out. Details here.
There’s nothing better than learning from your experiences!
I but they are loving this cool weather! Glad to hear they had a blast, they sure look like it!
That looks like a good time for everyone involved. In the one pic, I can see one dog, and one additional dog collar 🙂
No Halloween costumes for Shadow or Ducky. Neither one of them likes even wearing their raincoats, so I won’t stress them out with costumes.
I love that dogs can learn from each other. We counted on this when we brought home two puppies 2 years ago. Rodrigo and Sydney are still teaching them.
Well it looks like a nice fall day outdoors anyway! Looks like the dawgs had a great time.
All your hard work is really paying off!
way to go Storm you are a great teacher! I’ve been taking out Preacher with the gang and Glory on her own too so she can learn from them.
We have woke up to frosty morning for the last week here too.
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
That is a great idea having the dogs teach each other a bit. It works well for the good and bad behaviors. Better luck actually catching some next time.
If not for the orange collars, I never would have found spotted them in there! We haven’t been flushing up any grouse when walking lately….they must be hunkering in deeper as you said. So glad Freighter has learned so well, wish you had had more success!
It’s cool to see the more experienced dogs show the younger ones how it is done!
Hi Y’all!
Storm, don’t feel bad about the heavy cover. Some of the young saplings are gettin’ so tough and strong I can barely get through them. But I see y’all there in that heavy cover.
Y’all come on by!
Hawk aka BrownDog
That looks like fun!!
Well if Storm is teaching Freighter, you know you’ll have a great hunting dog!
It sounds like Storm is a good mentor. I’ve found that dogs can teach each other far better than we can.