English Setter Hunting Photo Gallery XII

Zeb is growing fast and learning what these wonderful adventures in the woods, meadows and two track edges are all about! The pup is 6 months old and growing fast, he flushed his first Grouse last week and the flutter of the wings brought the sparkle to his eyes. Hopefully, the recent rains will increase the chances of finding more birds. Watching him quarter and work ground and the eagerness on his face keeps us going out again and again. The musical sound of his bell is a soothing reminder of the wonder of working dogs.

"Gerry has been hunting every week at a game preserve since the end of January and LOVES it! Gerry is an eager hunting dog who is absolutely BIRD CRAZY. Gerry SLAMS to a stylish point when he scents a bird and has begun working with me as a true hunting partner. He will point very dramatically and beautifully with a high tail and mesmerizing eyes fixated on the bird. BUT as I just said he will scent a bird and he will flag his tail slightly while investigating a covey or clump of grass where he scents but has no sight. I can trust Gerry when he can't see a bird but becomes a statue pointing and waiting for me to flush! And he's been right EVERYTIME! He isn't very steady on wing and shot, and he is NOT an expert retriever, YET. He's even buried birds in the snow, when he was supposed to bring them to me! But he makes up for those short comings with LOVING the gun, throwing great points, finding a downed bird EVEN UNDER WATER!! Also he won't stop looking for a downed bird until I call him, and even so out of the 50 birds he's had shot over him in the last few weeks he has NEVER lost a bird yet! As you can tell, I've very proud, but also I've found a new level of respect for Gerry as a hunter and teammate. The truth of the matter is none of these things were ever taught to Gerry; it's all built-in. We are really learning how to communicate and trust one another in the field, and helping him steady up and refine his instinct and natural skill! Hope all is well and here are some pics of Gerry's latest hunt this past Monday, where he pointed and found eight Chukar Partridge. I've included a soaked Gerry bringing a downed bird from a very cold and deep water swamp! GOOD BOY!"