My first cover dog trial !

I finally got a chance to visit Gladwin field trial grounds in Michigan.
5000 acres with numerous courses allocated for field trials.No hunting or dog training are allowed on the grounds.
The grounds are specifically managed for woodcock and grouse.

I entered a derby brace which runs for 30 minutes and we moved 3 grouse .
My dog Rookie I thought did ok but my handling needs some work.
All participants including the judges at my brace where all welcoming and helpful.

A special thanks to Eric and Ann Naus from Ontario. Ann scouted for me and certainly help me along.
She has placed numerous times recently ,which is not an easy task.

I also like to thank Spencer Ray from Creek Haven Ranch.Working pheasants and local woodcock on his Ranch was a blast.
He planted the seed which convinced me to enter the Gladwin cover dog trials.

For a great weekend in grouse country paradise you got check this venue out.

Well done. Having done it once do you plan on continuing in this game? Also how long a drive from Richmond Hill?

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Originally Posted by terrym

Well done. Having done it once do you plan on continuing in this game? Also how long a drive from Richmond Hill?

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The drive is 6 hours.

Time permitting I would love to continue in the field trial arena.
Competing pushes me to improve the dog work and my handling.
For myself when a trial is approaching this motivates me to work the dog more than i usually would.
Also watching bird dogs working game gives me a buzz.
Field trials allows me to watch dogs, handlers and of course meet some great folks.

At the end of the day ,I think working my dog in field trials will improve my dog work and my hunt in the fall.

Glad you had a good time. Be careful it's addictive.