Saturday, July 25, 2009

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Everyone up and ready to go. We saddled horses and loaded dogs in the trucks. We cast off a brace of 4 puppies at the gate south of camp running them to Triple Gates.

Hills:
• Galt, Bart, Bert & Homer – off to the races. Galt took to the front and never looked back. He just hung out front looking for birds – clearly focused. At times Bart was with him and Bert and Homer were shorter and not as experienced but considerably younger. Galt the clear cut best young dog – unfortunately no birds that brace.

• Buck and Annie – off they went towards the lake. A couple of chickens seen early and Annie pointed at the south end of the lake. Buck rolling along and reaching nicely. A shot and a covey of birds – somebody called out chukkars but they turned out to be Huns – a couple of adults and 10+ young ones – ¾ grown. Our first documented carry over of released birds that produced in the wild. Some work for Buck that caused Dennis a bit of frustration but he finally got a good piece. Annie not showing a lot of drive. At least 30 birds of an assortment: Chickens, Sharptail & Huns with young bunches for each breed.

• Sol & Jordy – 2 of Bonnie and Dennis's dogs – got off to the south and I know that Sol had at least 4-5 pieces with a good one in the beginning and one at the end. He backed and so did Jordy – both dogs have great style and they had a great training session. At least 40-50 birds – in groups and singles with the shartail appearing to be the youngest -7-9 weeks old. The most bunches of young birds that we've seen in a long time.

• Tequi, Jimmi, Tippy & Rio - we ran these puppies back to camp or at least headed that way. Teaqui and Rio were so-so – a bit of hunt but all over and not enough front. Jimmi and Tippy got the hook early and other two 10 minutes later. It was getting too hot.

The rest of the day was an assortment of chores, some horse training for the Hidalgo's. Ed packed up and left around noon. The pollen really irritated his eyes. He'll be back in a couple of weeks. Dennis made a great dinner of Homemade Pizza. Roger's crew was working late.