How are they flying for you?

[ICMCumin]

I had a pretty fair dove hunt yesterday over near new Braunfels. Between my brother and I, we shot 16, mainly white wings.

Are there any dove hunters on the board yet besides me?

If so, how did you do?

[Texpppr]

Well I had to hunt close to my new home in san benito. It was the special whitewing season. This weekend and next weekend from noon till dark. I got 9 in the bag, lost 2 in the tall weeds. Shot 3 1/2 boxes of shells (sore shoulder). The best part of the day was my 3 1/2 month old brittany puppy isn't gun shy. She had never been around a gun. I left her in her kennel in the back of my pickup. After every bird I shot, I would come over and let her smell it. etc. take her out and water her every hour. In the evening I put her on a leash, walked her out in the field. Doves flew over. I dropped her leash and fired 3 times. She didn't even react. It's a start. Next weekend I may do the same thing and the next time. tie her on a lead to the bumper. any ideas on this? Steve

[ICMCumin]

Sounds like your Brittany is a natural hunter.

Getting her past the gun-shyness is a HUGE step. Have seen some otherwise fantastic dogs that could not overcome this problem, and were relegated to just being the family pet or were sold.(What is that old expression, "Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, did you enjoy the play?")

I would suggest that you freeze a couple of your doves intact, feathers, guts and all, take them out and let her play with them, allow her to smell the frozen carcasses, run and grab them, fetch them if she will. Just like anything you do with a puppy, make it fun for her and don't overdo it from a time perspective. You may want to give her a treat after the first couple of times. Just remember, "rewarded behavior is repeated."

Hope your wife understands about dead doves in the freezer. Also an issue to overcome. Maybe take her out for dinner. Just remember "rewarded behavior is repeated". ;D

After she (the dog, that is) gets over the feathers in the mouth issues, start doing the same thing with dead, unfrozen (warm) carcasses.

Good luck !

[ICMCumin]

Hey Steve! (Texpppr)

Just realized who you were!

Welcome to the board and glad you got to go dove hunting!

Stay in touch - we'll get to go on that Dilley hunt sooner than you think. Maybe the first day of the second season which is between Christmas and New Years. (You know, when the in-laws have been there one day too long and the toy drum they bought your little boy is causing severe headaches.......)