I just like seeing dogs hunt no matter the breed, so kudos to Lab lovers, however you quote :late season birds I hunt simply won't stand still and hold for pointers I've hunted with" and "they are too busy RUNNING and FLUSHING" then how does the Lab ever get close enough for the gun?
We get close enough because I read her well enough, and hustle after her when things get hot. I think that the birds make mistakes (even runners) when they are dogged for long distances (with any breed). They just cant take it any more. If I hustle up on her and hunt aggressively, I can quite often be in position for a shot.
We get close enough because I read her well enough, and hustle after her when things get hot. I think that the birds make mistakes (even runners) when they are dogged for long distances (with any breed). They just cant take it any more. If I hustle up on her and hunt aggressively, I can quite often be in position for a shot.
IMO a good dog from any of the hunting breeds can learn to handle pheasants pretty well.
The Labs, Chessys, Springer style is well suited for very heavy cover. The pointers and setters do very well in cover that allows scent to travel more on the wind. Running pheasants in wheat stubble has become one of my favorite types of hunts. To hunt big fields like this you need a dog that is ranging out and can hold a bird for a significant amount of time for you to get there.
SetterNut,
Well said. A great dog in its own elements will figure this out in time. I have seen a dog do remarkably well in certain types of vegetation, only to struggle a little on the very next drop in different cover type or crop field. Each type of breed has its benefits and shortfalls.
Then there are the quail, and that is were the pointers and setters really shine.....
Thanks SN, its just that coveys aren't that hard to locate out hear so we are better suited with a dog that flushes from heavy cover (berries, roses, etc...) and retrieves well. Singles would be fun to hunt over points though.
Okie. Just a little more salt, I could take you straight to well over 50 covies of 30-75 quail within 45mins of my house. Getting in good shooting range is another story this time of year though.
Thanks SN, its just that coveys aren't that hard to locate out hear so we are better suited with a dog that flushes from heavy cover (berries, roses, etc...) and retrieves well. Singles would be fun to hunt over points though.
Okie. Just a little more salt, I could take you straight to well over 50 covies of 30-75 quail within 45mins of my house. Getting in good shooting range is another story this time of year though.
I think you will find that a good experience pointing dog will handle them just fine.
You have I nice looking dog, that I see you put to good use :thumbsup: