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.
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