Written By: Lynn Dee Galey. Oscoda Cty, Michigan
https://www.Firelightbirddogs.com
I’m calling it restocking the gene pool. Otherwise, who in their right mind would enter the grouse and woodcock season with three spring-whelped puppies with plans to develop them solely on wild birds. I had figured that as the year rolled on that one or more of the pups would prove to not be a keeper yet when October came around all three were still here as contenders.
Today’s hunt though was Orange Crush’s turn. A bubbly 6 month old with an angelic face reminiscent of her great grandmother, I confess a definite sweet spot for this girl. It is early in the season so today was all about igniting fires and having fun. I was armed with only a phone/camera and a blank gun. A fellow recently told me my NEF is a vintage collectible which took me by surprise because heck, I bought it new just a few decades ago. (photo #1)
I took Crush to my favorite puppy training cover, a picturesque blend of aspen cut and conifers with blackberries and fern undergrowth. Entering the thick cover, the promising sound of a woodcock flushing a ways off brought a smile to my face. This was going to be fun. Crush bounced off into the cover with the energy and excitement that 6-month-old bird dogs puppies bring to our lives.
Within minutes I thought I saw a motionless patch of white up ahead and stepped around for a look. Sure enough, that pup was standing on point, head and tail high as if she knew what she was doing. (Photo #2) It lasted just long enough for a quick photo before she pounced and the bird flushed. She did not even hear my praise as she excitedly bounced round and round the spot where the bird had been, feeling that first high that addicts bird dogs to their life work. I have watched that addiction click in for 7 generations before her but I grinned with pleasure as if it was my very first time too.
I continued pushing and swatting my way through the thick cover and within minutes she had another point, this time holding for both a photo but also until my approach caused the bird to flush. (Photo #3) The style and class of both parents could be seen in this baby dog’s point, a reward to this breeder’s heart.
This was repeated with six more woodcock over the next hour with Crush’s steadiness, search and sense of cover becoming more skillful within that time. Quit while ahead is best practice so I called her around and we headed back to the car, both of us feeling the joy of this brilliant October day and looking forward to many more ahead.
