Feb. 11

I’m taking the day off and giving the dogs a break. I edited some of the video’s from yesterday and got some decent stuff. It’ll probably the end of films for a while. It’s time to put the camera away and just enjoy the dogs. But here’s what I got.

In this first video, you can see that there is still some snow to plow through but a lot ore burnt off slopes for the dogs to enjoy. I wanted to show how my dogs, especially my four year old Grady, cover the country. He is out there about three hundred yards and rarely goes much further than that. That’s plenty for me because in most chukar country that takes me quite a while to cover. If they were some of these 1/2 mile or more dogs, I’d only get to see 3 or 4 points in a day. Towards the end of the clip I finally got to film Grady slamming on point while Jake, at 9, covers the country at a different pace.

The next clip isn’t very good but it’s a chance to show what happens as many times as great points. The dogs were on point about 150 yards ahead of me and I was headed their way. Suddenly over the ridge came about 20 chukars with the boys in hot pursuit. I don’t know what happened and don’t really care. I trust them and know that it can’t be perfect every time.

In fact, some times, what looks so promising is a false point. There was no bird here but Grady was sure there was. One of those moments we just scratch our head and move on.

The next video, although awful shaky, shows how little cover it takes for a chukar to hide in. Many hunters pass up these areas that have little cover because they feel the birds won’t hold. If you give your dog a chance, they learn how not to pressure these birds. It just takes lot’s of wild bird encounters.

Another point by Grady with Jake honoring. It always amazes me how the dogs can be hunting in complete different directions and still find each other on point.

One more video. Chukars love areas like this. After I turned the camera off on this video another 10 or so birds erupted right above us.

So, that’s the end of the camera for a while. Just thought I’d show some of the excitement I get to have with my dogs. We’ll be still going out but I’ll be enjoying the boys without a camera. It’s been a rough year for Barb and I and being on the mountain with Jake and Grady have been what helps to keep my mind clear.

I also want to thank you for reading and commenting. On these days when I’m not on a mountain somewhere this blog helps keep things on a positive path. As the year progresses, I’ll try and let you know what I am seeing out there and I hope it’s positive. Meanwhile thanks again for reading.