The steps to nowhere. 5/24/14

Silas and I had took our walk into the steps to nowhere this morning. This is not an official name but the one I use to keep it a secret. This place is full of grouse. We walked about a half a mile along a tram road and then came back. He jumped into the stream to cool off. He took a long, fast leap into the water. This was his first time to play and swim in water. I just stood there and watched. I guess water is not an issue for him. He is now working in front of me on our walks. I try to keep the wind in our face. He is also beginning to explore more boldly on his own. He is also starting to chase robins, etc. He has pointed quite a few bees. I haven't weighed him in two weeks so he must be 15 or so pounds now. He is really getting tall and lanky. I don't really do any training with him at this point other than regular obedience around the house and yard. I just want him to explore and gain some confidence in the covers we walk. I have started some very light, early whoa training and he is doing well with it. He is a very smart dog!

Roderick Reserve, where the idea started.

I have hunted with beagles for much of my life, though I always wanted a bird dog. I had given up on the idea of another dog for a long time before I was reawakened to the idea one morning four years ago as I hid along the pond pictured above hunting ducks. As day was breaking I saw a steady stream of migrating woodcocks crossing the lake from Canada. Upon returning home, I started my search and study of potential bird dog breeds. I initially considered a Small Munsterlander. I spoke with a man in New England at length about one of his dogs, but decided the breed wasn't what I wanted. After some more searching I decided an Epagneul Breton was what I really wanted to help me chase the woodcock and grouse I desired. I grew more determined to have a dog after reading Frank Woolner and Burton Spillers work. There is something magnificent about the staunch point of a well trained bird dog. That said, I have never seen a dog point in person. A woodcock over a pointer is about as classy as you can get. So I came to find Jazz de Cache d'Or (Silas), from Bill Kelly's kennel in Frederick, Maryland. Today I took Silas to the Roderick Reserve. I wanted to see the place with him along. The desire that began again that day has come to fruition in Silas and it was nice to photograph him where the idea began. When he is ready, I will hunt for the woodcocks in the cover around the pond. I can't wait for that day.

Empty Purple Hulls

Silas and I took a walk early Sunday morning on Game Land 191, Erie county. The weather was beautiful, warm and calm. I have a small silver turkey bell I have been wearing on him in the field. I can here it quite well and he seems to enjoy it because it means we are going for a walk. We are able to go for 20-30 minutes before he seems to tire. I am fortunate to live where I can let him off the leash to really run a bit without fear of him running onto a road. We are always along dirt roads that get very little travel. He responds quite well to the whistle; two blasts and he checks back. I ran into some empty 16 gauge shells on our walk, two of them. I don't see many empty shotgun shells and even fewer 16 gauge shells anymore. I like to see them as they tell a little story of other hunters that passed by the same way at one time or another. I often wonder what they shot at and if they hit or missed. The second photo above shows our view at the truck. The view is long.

May 9, 2014

Silas was at the vet on Monday for his last shots of the year. He weighs 12.8 pounds. The vet said he was at an ideal weight. I feed him a half cup of Purina Pro Plan Puppy 2 times a day. He will be bumping up a little very soon. He and I spent the day lounging around since I was off for turkey hunting and killed one yesterday. Sarah got one on Saturday so we are both done for the spring. Silas sure loves turkey and pheasant feathers!