Posts Tagged ‘Springer spaniel’
Dog of the Day: “Lillie”
Tuesday, May 14th, 2013
Mike Morgen describes his two-year-old springer spaniel, “Lillie,” as a “hunting machine.” Morgen and his bird dog companion live in Menomonie, Wisconsin.
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: “Louie”
Tuesday, April 9th, 2013
“Louie,” Carl Bridenhagen’s springer spaniel, flushed and retrieved all six of these roosters for his hunting party this past December 29th near Aberdeen, South Dakota.
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 3rd, 2013
“Buddy,” Robert Jones’ springer spaniel pup, with his first rooster taken this past November in northern California.
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.
Do Gun Dogs Have an Innate “Autumn” Clock?
Wednesday, September 19th, 2012
Does “Hunter,” here with the author in North Dakota, get fired up for fall hunting because of an inborn sense? Or experience?
As the days shorten and the nights and days cool here in central Minnesota, I’ve noticed my springer, “Hunter,” is more fired up than usual over the usual cues such as going out, training or any movement I make toward the door.
I enjoy his increased enthusiasm. Last season was a breakout year for Hunter as far as finding birds and retrieving them. Recently, I’ve stepped up the refresher course using a check cord and tossing a retrieving dummy made of two fresh pheasant wings (I’m eating up 2011’s last birds). Hunter is in the groove and ready roll…and so am I.
I’m not sure if he reacts to the coming autumn because of an innate sense or because he knows from past experience that the hunting time is approaching. What do you think?
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 – Why Attend a Hunt Test or Field Trial?
Thursday, September 8th, 2011
As a few readers in my previous post correctly guessed, the Springer spaniel is a breed in consideration to become my first bird dog. And after having her heart melt for an English cocker spaniel at the most recent National Pheasant Fest (okay, ditto for me), Kaily – my partner and half financer in getting a pup – and I decided we should investigate these two breed avenues a litter further.
In addition to providing entertainment, attending Hunt Tests and Field Trials is a great way gain knowledge and resources during your dog search.
Having hunted behind a dozen or so breeds, I’ve witnessed a few exceptional springers, including Wolf, the late companion of longtime Pheasants Forever Journal Editor Mark Herwig. But I’ve never hunted behind a cocker, and Kaily’s only seen metro-walk-in-the-park springers, so we decided our best bet to get further acquainted with these breeds during the non-hunting season was to attend a Spaniel Hunt Test (just an FYI, Hunt Tests are open to all AKC registered Spaniels, including Boykin, Field, Clumber, etc.).
We barely made it home from the Hunt Test without this little guy.
My goals were simple: To watch dogs work, ask as many questions of participating dog handlers as humanly possible in a half day and not get sucked into buying a dog on the spot. I accomplished all three, though Kaily came dangerously close to caving on the third goal.
The biggest apprehension leading into the event was that I’d be imposing on this exclusive club of dog owners and they’d see me as an outsider – hey, confidence isn’t always in full supply. As you can probably guess, I couldn’t have been more wrong. We were greeted with smiles, questions were answered, references were made, dogs were watched and I got Kaily away from the litter of puppies that all-too-conveniently happened to be there just in time. A final decision has yet to be made, but we certainly feel more equipped to make the right pick for us having been active spectators at the Hunt Test.
Have any of your bird dog searches led you to check out a Hunt Test or Field Trial?
Previous “My First Bird Dog” posts
- Just Show Me the DOGFAX
- Gun Dog Experts’ #1 Piece of Advice
- What I’m Looking For
- Introducing “My First Bird Dog”
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.
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