Today, Nov. 1st, my pup, Dakota turned 7 months old. She was born on April Fools day. I couldn't think of a better birthday gift than to take her on her first hunting trip. We went to a pheasant preserve about 30 mins from the house.

We ended up with 5 birds total on 4 shots. She caught one of the hens on the ground. All birds she found herself, flushed and retrieved to hand. I saw another rooster but he was high tailing it over a hil. We tried to get up there as quickly but he gave us the slip.

Here is a picture of her first flush and retrieve.


Picture of myself and Dakota.


Picture of Dakota.


I don't think we could have had a better birthday outing!!

Congratulations on a great start with a new dog. There is not much in this world more promising and encouraging than that.

Did she stay pretty close to you?

She did stay within about 15 yards on average and max 25-30 yards. Close enough for a good shot. You can always tell when she starts to get birdie because she will get lower to the ground and slow down trying to pinpoint the bird. Plus, her little tail goes 90 to nothin'. She quartered from side to side very well. Was not afraid to get in the thick stuff. As a matter of fact, I couldn't even see her when she flushed the first bird. She was in the middle of a thicket in front of me and to my left. I just heard the bird get up, I wheeled and shot. As I was shooting, out of the corner of my eye I could see her bouncing like a kangeroo out of thicket in high gear after the bird. It was certainly a site I'll never forget.

Next weekend we're headed down to Oklahoma for the first weekend of quail season. Hopefully, more pictures to follow.