Despite some poor weather, Buck and I had a fun weekend afield in southern Minnesota. Had to cancel going out for the goose opener on Saturday due to heavy thunderstorms that lasted almost 'til noon, but I went for the alternative and was out dove hunting as soon as the storms ended. The public land was already full of other hunters that were sitting along a gravel pit and set up for pass shooting birds, so we just worked around an unoccupied area of woods interspersed with grassy clearings upland style. Buck flushed two and I nailed one.



On Sunday my cousin and I made our way to a muddy shallow lake south of my hometown and had to wait out storms for about an hour at daybreak before we could head out. So much for trying to get there early. We got to our spot and kicked up a huge flock of geese along the way. They flew to the other side of the lake and never returned. Once we were set up and settled down, there were dozens of mallard and teal ducks buzzing around and we could have limited out on them in minutes. Saw hundreds of ducks through the morning but no geese. Oh well. Being opportunists (and bored), we turned our attention to some snipes that were flying around and I shot four. Buck finally got his opportunity to retrieve some birds from water for the first time and I was thrilled to see him launch into the water as soon as he saw me shooting. He got all four like he knew what he was doing and was a happy dog, which made me even happier.



Now we're ready for getting big geese and ducks out of the water.



Yesterday we went out after doves again before making the drive back home and I was one for one after a short hunt. Now I have half a dozen tiny little birds in my freezer, ready to be wrapped in bacon and grilled. A good start to this year's hunting season!

Congratulations ,beautifull dog .I have 3 labs and one is very similar to yours .

Congrats on your early success! I have two English Springer Spaniels that are 8 months old and this will be their first season afield.

quote:

Originally posted by juanpozzi:
Congratulations ,beautifull dog .I have 3 labs and one is very similar to yours .

Thank you! I do love hunting with labs.

quote:

Originally posted by Highlander7:
Congrats on your early success! I have two English Springer Spaniels that are 8 months old and this will be their first season afield.

Thanks, and best of luck to you and your spaniels!

I have had others and hunted with many different types but I keep going back to labs.

I have a big chocolate one now great dog.

Nice Job Buck