Theories on Blockers?

whitewater

New member
In past seasons, I have hunted S.D. and Ks. Each time, there were only 2 guys and 2 dogs. Many birds were able to skirt out to the sides or jump well ahead of us. This coming season, we have 6 guns, 1 brittany and 2 labs. Could someone explain the best way to utilize our resources to the fullest without endangering anyones lives. It seems that blockers have a dangerous task.:confused:
 
Well, every situation will be unique but from my experience you would be best suited by bringing all the dogs with four drivers (obviously) and using two blockers at the most likely flight/run escape routes. That being said, I've never been in a situation (being either a blocker or driver) where I felt in danger or put someone else in danger. There may be certain instances at the end of the drive when birds get up in the middle of everyone but as long as everyone has been thouroughly educated and possesses total awareness they will be able to hold off on taking a potentially dangerous crossing shot. It's really not something that is dangerous in my opinion. Make sure everyone has protective eyewear.
 
Good tips, Win21!:thumbsup: I agree it is safe if everybody fully understands the plan before the hunt begins. Everybody needs to wear their orange also so that they can easily be seen by everybody else. If everybody is fully aware of their surroundings and exercises good judgement, then there should be no problems.

IMO, it's better to start newbies out driving fields without blockers at the end. It is just one less thing for them to worry about when a bird gets up. I think it's better for them to concentrate on carrying the gun safely, learning to read the dog, identifying roosters, learning to walk through cut milo or thick brush without tripping every 3 steps, etc...

I think if I was going to introduce a new hunter to walk and block hunting, I would probably start them out without a loaded gun at first. When my kids get old enough to hunt that's what I plan to do.
 
I use my truck as my blocker since I hunt alone most of the time. You may laugh but it works pretty good much of the time.
 
I use my truck as my blocker since I hunt alone most of the time. You may laugh but it works pretty good much of the time.

I've done that before and I leave the radio on for just a little noise! Yes it does work!! Good point
 
In past seasons, I have hunted S.D. and Ks. Each time, there were only 2 guys and 2 dogs. Many birds were able to skirt out to the sides or jump well ahead of us. This coming season, we have 6 guns, 1 brittany and 2 labs. Could someone explain the best way to utilize our resources to the fullest without endangering anyones lives. It seems that blockers have a dangerous task.:confused:

I've done that before and I leave the radio on for just a little noise! Yes it does work!! Good point

Yup, the old man taught me that trick! Sometimes if I'm feeling lazy I'll just drive to the end of the field and slam the door a bunch to get them moving then hurry around to the the other end and hope to get a dumb one.
 
I've heard of people using the truck as a blocker but I've never actually done it myself. This might be the year for me to try since my dad is out of commission
 
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