Posts Tagged ‘golden retriever’
Dog of the Day: “Chase”
Monday, April 1st, 2013
Tim Bixler’s 1-year-old Golden Retriever, “Chase,” had an amazing first year in the Pennsylvania fields. The pair is planning a Midwest pheasant hunt in the near future.
Editor’s Note: Photo from Pennsylvania stocked pheasant hunt in which hens were legal.
Have your own bird dog photo you’d like to share? Email it to Anthony Hauck, Pheasants Forever’s Online Editor, at ahauck@pheasantsforever.org.
Dog of the Day: “Deuce”
Monday, March 25th, 2013
Travis Sims’ golden retriever, “Deuce,” made one last pheasant hunting trip this past autumn, ending a hunting career on a high note. “Deuce” passed away this winter.
Have your own bird dog photo you’d like to share? Email it to Anthony Hauck, Pheasants Forever’s Online Editor, at ahauck@pheasantsforever.org.
Dog of the Day
Thursday, January 17th, 2013
The conditions for pheasant hunting on this October North Dakota day weren’t ideal, but that didn’t deter Jamie Fitterer’s Golden Retriever, “Ellie,” from going for a limit of longtails. “Wet day but she had a heck of a time!” Fitterer says.
Have your own bird dog photo you’d like to share? Email it to Anthony Hauck, Pheasants Forever’s Online Editor, at ahauck@pheasantsforever.org.
Pheasants Forever Puppy Power
Friday, June 29th, 2012
Pheasants Forever employees, from left, Rehan Nana with “Annie” the red setter, Brian Blair and “Jag” the English cream retriever, Ron Leathers and “Keeva” the golden retriever and Andrew Vavra with “Sprig” the English cocker (owned by PF’s Anthony Hauck). Photo by Mark Herwig / Pheasants Forever
Pheasants Forever’s national office in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is experiencing a puppy explosion.
The national office staff, as you would rightly expect, is keeping up the pheasant hunting tradition big time. My co-workers are hunters and dog men. They are leading by example at a time when many around the country are not replacing their dogs and giving up on hunting.
When these guys hear pheasant populations are down, they don’t throw in the towel, no, they just get more field power, more four-legged oomph to roust out those roosters that have survived man’s insatiable appetite for grain and protein, nature’s cold winter, wet springs and other habitat calamities.
Pheasants Forever national office employees who have thrown down the gauntlet against those rowdy roosters with new dog power this year include Ben Streitz, Pheasants Forever Director of Special Markets, and his athletic black Lab, “Pepper”; Bob St.Pierre, Pheasants Forever Vice President of Marketing and his good looking German shorthaired pointer, “Izzy”; Rehan Nana, Pheasants Forever Public Relations Specialist, and his rambunctious red setter pup, “Annie”; Anthony Hauck, Pheasants Forever Online Editor, and his little English cocker spaniel, “Sprig”; Ron Leathers, Pheasants Forever Director of Public Finance, and his golden retriever, “Keeva”; and Brain Blair with his English cream retriever, “Jag.”
You’ll see this new crop of retrievers, flushers and pointers will be in the fields this autumn. Did you get a new puppy this year? If so, send your photo(s) to press@pheasantsforever.org – we may run it online or in the Pheasants Forever Journal.
The Nomad is written by Mark Herwig, Editor of the Pheasants Forever Journal and Quail Forever Journal. Email Mark at mherwig@pheasantsforever.org.
My First Bird Dog – Best Bird Dogs for an Apartment
Monday, November 21st, 2011
Pheasants Forever's "My First Bird Dog" series follows a pheasant hunter's journey into bird dog ownership.
Pheasant Blog reader Jeff posted recently: I am surprised that only 65% of (Pheasants Forever) members own a dog. Who hunts pheasants without a dog? Who’d want to?
Probably not many, but circumstance and desire don’t always match up – just ask any apartment dwelling pheasant hunter such as myself. My last two weeks included a phone call informing me dogs would no longer be allowed in my apartment building (evidently someone’s unapproved dog had bitten someone else), to a lengthy conversation with the apt. owner going over every detail of my upcoming pup to earn an exception to the newly instituted “no dogs” rule. With just five weeks until my pup is in my hands and a week-long Rooster Road Trip in the mix, moving just wasn’t an option.
The first question from my apartment owner was “What breed are you getting?” A valid question, as when it comes to an apartment, not all dogs are created equal. Recently, Kyle Wintersteen from the NRA’s American Hunter wrote about Five Bird Dogs for Today’s Suburbs. In addition to his solid list, here are five more (and yes, the breed I’ve selected is on either his or my list) worthy of consideration in the tight quarters of the concrete jungle:
American Water Spaniel. This small (25-45 lbs.) sporting breed is obedient, a good family fit and the State Dog of Wisconsin, where they must have lots of apartments.
English Springer Spaniel. Their breeding stock learned the Queen’s manners before crossing the pond.
Golden Retriever. Very adaptable and eager to please, which pleases other tenants.
Poodle. With its hypoallergenic coat, can accommodate almost any living situation. Perfect if you want a hunting dog with the look of a city dog.
Weimaraner. This breed is known for getting along easily with children, which urban areas are usually full of.
What do you consider the best breed(s) for an apartment or urban area?
Previous “My First Bird Dog” posts:
- Introducing “My First Bird Dog”
- What I’m Looking For
- Gun Dog Experts’ #1 Piece of Advice
- Just Show Me the DOGFAX
- Why Attend a Hunt Test or Field Trial?
- What Was Your First Bird Dog?
- Stuck Between Two Litters
- Rationalizing the Sticker Shock
Anthony’s Antics Afield is written by Anthony Hauck, Pheasants Forever’s Online Editor. Email Anthony at AHauck@pheasantsforever.org and follow him on Twitter @AnthonyHauck.
AKC’s 28 Sporting Breeds and Their Owners
Friday, April 1st, 2011
Despite their beauty, I don't know anyone personally that owns a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIVE DOG FOOD
The American Kennel Club counts 28 different breeds in the sporting dog category. I was curious how many different breeds I could connect with people I know. So here goes it; the 28 sporting breeds according to AKC and the first person that pops into my head as owning that particular breed.
1. American Water Spaniel: Not a single person comes to mind. Starting slow out of the gates.
2. Boykin Spaniel: Joe Duggan, Pheasants Forever’s VP of Corporate Relations.
4. Chesapeake Bay Retriever: Chad Love, Quail Forever blogger.
5. Clumber Spaniel: Shale Nyberg, volunteer with Minnesota Valley PF Chapter
6. Cocker Spaniel: A swing and a miss.
7. Curly Coated Retriever: I don’t believe I know any curly owners.
8. English Cocker Spaniel: It’s not my place to break the news, but stay tuned for an announcement from a fellow PF blogger related to this breed in the coming months.
9. English Setter: John Edstrom, Pheasants Forever’s merchandise buyer.
10. English Springer Spaniel: Mark Herwig, Pheasants Forever’s Journal editor.
11. Field Spaniel: Drawing a blank.
12. Flat Coated Retriever: Diane Lueck, Pheasants Forever National Board Member.
13. German Shorthaired Pointer: This one is easy . . . ME!
14. German Wirehaired Pointer: Mark Reinert, McLeod County (MN) Chapter of Pheasants Forever.
15. Golden Retriever: My buddy & radio partner, “The Captain” Billy Hildebrand.
16. Gordon Setter: Another fellow radio buddy, Mike “Cold Front” Kurre is in between Gordon Setters at the moment.
17. Irish Red & White Setters: A blank.
18. Irish Setter: Rick Van Etten, editor of Gun Dog magazine.
19. Irish Water Spaniel: Nada.
20. Labrador Retriever: Well, let’s see . . . there is Rick, Eric, Matt, Ron, Brad & Andrew that all come to mind immediately.
21. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: I can’t say as I know anyone that owns one of these beauties. If I was a duck hunter, these babies would be at the top of my list.
22. Pointer: Rich Wissink, Pheasants Forever’s Youth Programs Coordinator.
23. Spinone Italiano: I used to live down the street from one, but that’s as close as it’s gotten.
24. Sussex Spaniel: To be honest, I’d never heard of this breed till reading it on the website moments ago. Anyone ever hunted behind a Sussex?
25. Vizsla: David Bue, Pheasants Forever’s VP of Development has a pair.
26. Weimaraner: Janine Kohn, Pheasants Forever’s Education Specialist.
27. Welsh Springer Spaniel: Another goose egg.
28. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: Although I don’t currently have any direct connections to a “Griff,” Andrew & I are in a race to be the first to own one in the PF/QF offices.
So there you have it. Of the 28 sporting breeds recognized by AKC, I have direct links to 16, which leaves 12 voids. I was actually surprised not to find Munsterlanders (small or large) on AKC’s sporting list. Anyone know the story of AKC and Munsterlanders?
So, how many of the 28 breeds on this list can you connect to an owner?
The Pointer is written by Bob St.Pierre, Pheasants Forever’s Vice President of Marketing.
Put me in Coach, I’m Ready to Play
Sunday, February 20th, 2011
The Labrador retriever goes from last season's pitcher to designated hitter on this year's lineup card.
Last year, I wrote a blog titled “Pitchers and Bird Dogs Report to Spring Training,” which merged my love of upland bird hunting with my previous career in baseball. With MLB kicking off full squad spring training this week, I’d like to offer my thoughts on how winter free agency has impacted my team of baseball playing bird dogs for 2011. Yes, it’s a bit of an odd blog but grab that lever under your office chair, recline and imagine hot dogs grilling and fresh cut grass. Summer is a comin’!
Around the Horn
Pitcher: English setter – Coming over in a one-for-one trade that sent the Chesapeake Bay retriever to the Madison Mallards, this crafty veteran brings moxie, guile and style to my team of upland canines. Think Greg Maddux
Catcher: German wirehaired pointer - This versatile pup moves behind the “dish” from centerfield. Such a dramatic shift in positions may be perceived as a big move for some athletes, but for this grizzled veteran, it’s just another day at the office. Think Thurman Munson
1st Baseman: Clumber spaniel – The Clumber brings the lumber to my squad after signing a big free agent deal in the off season. What this pup lacks in range, he’ll make up for with a nose to dig balls in the dirt. Think Boog Powell
2nd Baseman: Brittany – This rangy midfielder continues to occupy the pivot on my double play combo with the shorthair. The Britt’s gold glove continues to vacuum up big ground. Think Bobby Grich
Shortstop: German shorthaired pointer – As a guy that owns a shorthair named after a former Detroit Tigers shortstop, there’s no way I don’t slot my favorite pup into her natural position on the diamond as “The Field General.” Think Alan Trammell
3rd Baseman: Boykin Spaniel – The newest sporting breed entrant to the Westminster Kennel Club and official dog of South Carolina came over in a three-way deal sending the Weimaraner to the Sioux Falls Pheasants and the Cocker spaniel to the Columbus Canvasbacks. Think Evan Longoria
Left Fielder: English Pointer – Last year’s season ticket holders demanded this fan favorite join the local nine, so after a long off season of negotiations, the big running pointer brings his skills out to left field. Think Ricky Henderson
Center Fielder: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon – After a cup of coffee with the big club last September, “Griff” makes the leap to the majors for good with his beyond-the-years maturity, speed and retrieving power. Think Ken Griffey, Jr.
Right Fielder: Golden retriever – Despite consistently picked last, the golden remains a fan favorite. When you need a big play in October, this pup is up for the big retrieve. Think Reggie “Mr. October” Jackson
Designated Hitter: Labrador retriever – Like Babe Ruth, the Lab moves from pitcher to the big stick in the lineup. Think Babe Ruth
The Babe Ruth of bird dogs?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on what breed would make a solid middle reliever, pinch runner, or closer. Remember . . . don’t take it all too seriously; it’s just a spring training game.
The Pointer is written by Bob St.Pierre, Pheasants Forever’s Vice President of Marketing.
What’s the Most Popular Bird Dog Breed in Pheasants Forever Land?
Wednesday, January 26th, 2011
These Pheasants Forever members display the diversity of tastes in bird dog breeds.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Labrador retriever continues to be the most popular dog breed in the United States. In fact, the Lab has held the top slot for 18 consecutive years according to the AKC.
From a bird hunting perspective, it’s hard to argue with the abilities of Labs. They retrieve with enthusiasm, swim like furry fish and cuddle like first girlfriends. While Pheasants Forever doesn’t have bird dog ownership statistics connected with our members, I believe I’m safe in assuming that Labs would rank as the most commonly owned breed in the Pheasants Forever membership as well.
After Labs, I think it’s anybody’s guess what dog breeds round out the top 5 most owned pups among Pheasants Forever members. After eight years working for Pheasants Forever and hunting with members from coast-to-coast, I know there are a wide variety of fine breeds represented. I’ve shot roosters over PF members’ Vizslas, griffons, Drathaars, setters and even poodles. So here is my completely unscientific, best guess of the top five most popular dog breeds within Pheasants Forever’s membership:
1) Labrador Retriever
2) English Springer Spaniel
3) Golden Retriever
4) German Shorthaired Pointer
5) Brittany
Remember, I’m not making any judgments upon ability; simply popularity.
So, with that in mind, what do you think are the most commonly owned breeds within Pheasants Forever’s 130,000 members?
The Pointer is written by Bob St.Pierre, Pheasants Forever’s Vice President of Marketing.
When is the Right Time to Add Bird Dog Number Two?
Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
At 3 1/2 years of age, Trammell is now entering her prime bird dogging years.
My good friend and FAN Outdoors radio partner, “The Captain” Billy Hildebrand stopped by the Pheasants Forever office this morning. In tow was his new Brittany pup “Snap.” Snap joins his eight year-old golden retriever, “Tess,” as the Hildebrand’s newest hunting family member.
I currently have a 3 1/2 year old German shorthaired pointer named “Trammell.” If you’ve read my blog before, then you know how much I adore my pup. Last year about this time I started toying with the idea of adding a second bird dog to the mix. I went so far as to put my name on the first pick of females in a shorthair litter planned for April. As that litter’s birth neared, I had second thoughts about the timing of adding that second dog to the family and pulled my name off the list.
As I enter the mid-point of this hunting season, I’m thankful I did remove my name from that litter. While I missed out on the joys of having a puppy this spring, I am benefiting from focusing on Trammell as she enters her prime bird hunting years.
The more seasoned dog owners I talk with, the more consistent the advice: “Add dog number two when your first dog turns six or seven. That way, you’ll always have a dog in its prime.”
Do you agree with that advice or do you have a different opinion?
The Pointer is written by Bob St.Pierre, Pheasants Forever’s Vice President of Marketing.
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