This is a good question. Do you have to shoot nontoxic shot? If no, then go get a couple boxes of 1 1/8oz of #6 lead from Walmart and go get some birds!
I have hunted the Norton and Decatur counties for the past 20+ years and have seen a steady decline in numbers. I hunt exclusively on private land as well. They have not changed their farming practices, so I attribute it to weather, mainly drought.
We hunt a place that is a solid half-mile off the road. It is an absolute honey hole that holds birds like crazy, but no one goes there because of the walk to get there.
I just put the ecollar on the dog and mount the controller to the bike gooseneck. He stays close and gives him some freedom of movement, but I can control him pretty easily without a physical lead attached.
You will have some nice options in your area.
Justin - https://www.pointing-lab.com/ (Hunters Point Kennel is where my boy is out of)
Andy - https://highcaliberlabradors.com/ (I'd get a dog from Andy without hesitation)
Troy - http://www.northstarpointinglabs.com/ (I have seen some really good...
Dawgs... what is the SN?
I hunt with a 1944 16ga and a 1905 12ga. I shoot a 1oz load of #6 in both guns. The 12ga I shoot RST 2 1/2" load. The 16ga with a 1oz or 1 1/8oz of #6 will do just fine. It is most likely F/F or M/F choked.
16(left) English gun (middle) 12(right)
To add to the tote thing... a tote full of tools in the truck! You never know what will be needed to fix something on the road or in camp. Tow chain/strap to yank someone or yourself out of a ditch or rut. Medical kits!
I love the answer and can absolutely appreciate the position. I really do hope you can find the one you are looking for. There is nothing like having a great dog. I am glad I got to dig a bit more into this dog to learn more and expand my knowledge on Labs. There are so many great dogs out there...
Munster,
The dilution piece is interesting. In my very minimal understanding of genetics, etc. I can 'tell' if a particular dog is in the Yellow Pointing Lab line by the looks. When I look at my pup and his brother, and then look at his dad and grandfather, they are spitting images of each...
You are so right. I learned so much by joining my local AKC club and the APLA, as well as running hunt tests. This is where I met a lot of the breeders and trainers and got to know their styles and dogs. There are some amazing dogs out there.
Thanks for asking. He is from Hunters Point Kennel in Marshalltown, IA. He is out of Capone x Georgia.
This was the write-up on the litter and it is spot-on for my Whisky. He is sitting at 72lbs right now and he will drop a few LBS before hunting season starts.:
4XGMPR Capone SH -X- CPR...
You bring up a good idea about just reaching out to breeders with the questions. I know that before I got my Lab, I spent a fair bit of time, almost two years, talking and researching. Once I got in touch with a breeder that I had a good connection with, he was able to work with me on what my...