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.

Heading Out
Heading Out

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.

Looking Through The Trees To The Lake
Looking Through The Trees To The Lake
Hunting The Cover
Hunting The Cover

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.

Storm And Freighter Emerging From The Cover Having Flushed Some Grouse But No Shots Possible
Storm And Freighter Emerging From The Cover Having Flushed Some Grouse But No Shots Possible

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.

Storm And Freighter Working Hard
Storm And Freighter Working Hard

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.

A Split In The Road-Levee To The Right And Bridge To The Left
A Split In The Road-Levee To The Right And Bridge To The Left

Often the dogs find birds in that center island of trees.  But first, the dogs hunted up to the levee.

Storm Works One Side And Freighter The Other
Storm Works One Side And Freighter The Other

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.

The Dogs Working The Dense Cover
The Dogs Working The Dense Cover

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.

Can You Spot The Dogs In This Cover?
Can You Spot The Dogs In This Cover?
Freighter
Freighter Emerging From The Cover
Freighter Had Been Hunting The Ridge On The Side Of The Bridge
Freighter Had Been Hunting The Ridge On The Side Of The Bridge

Unfortunately this hunt resulted in no retrieves, but it was great experience for the dogs and they had a blast.

Heading Home
Heading Home

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Leave A Comment Telling Storm What You Plan To Be For Halloween To Enter The Giveawat
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16 thoughts on “Lessons Learned

  1. That looks like a good time for everyone involved. In the one pic, I can see one dog, and one additional dog collar 🙂

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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!

  5. 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

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