Shortening Up a Big Running Bird dog

I have been doing this a long time AND my setter is 11 1/2 years old so, keep this in mind. The thing is, when you hunt your dog completely silently and you know where she is (roughly) and she just knows where you are, it is something truly amazing. The entire experience transcends you. It affords you the opportunity to experience upland hunting at a level so few have enjoyed. It's hard to put into words.
Don't get me wrong,. I have used a bell but only in competition where dogs are run in a brace and time is a critical factor - a dedicated application.

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Originally Posted by Ugo

I have been doing this a long time AND my setter is 11 1/2 years old so, keep this in mind. The thing is, when you hunt your dog completely silently and you know where she is (roughly) and she just knows where you are, it is something truly amazing. The entire experience transcends you. It affords you the opportunity to experience upland hunting at a level so few have enjoyed. It's hard to put into words.
Don't get me wrong,. I have used a bell but only in competition where dogs are run in a brace and time is a critical factor - a dedicated application.

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Still there's nothing wrong with hunting loud and proud. When you and your dog can work together to put the birds in a shootable position that's upland hunting at its best...at least to me.

To go out targeting woodcock one week and not sweeting bumpinging a grouse


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Because you'll just get them the next time.
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We're talking two very diverse almost unrelated experiences Fin.
Like we say, ".....something for everybody."

Hunting loud and proud might get you some birds where you live Fin but you can leave the shotgun at home if you try that around here.
Heck, I know chaps that will casually take over 30 grouse per season - no dog and with a single shot .410! The point is it isn't a reflection of their dog, their shooting skills, or their hunting style.

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Originally Posted by Ugo

Hunting loud and proud might get you some birds where you live Fin but you can leave the shotgun at home if you try that around here.
Heck, I know chaps that will casually take over 30 grouse per season - no dog and with a single shot .410! The point is it isn't a reflection of their dog, their shooting skills, or their hunting style.

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Curious where "here" is and if that's the case why would I even want to hunt there. Guess not only hunting the wrong way but seems the wrong birds now. Never really had a problem with birds in the 1 to 1 1/2 hour drive from where I live. Even some days have to use the .410 as they are sitting to tight as in the first picture.

Fin, "here" is most of southern Ontario.

Gentlemen
You are both valuable contributors to this board and I for one continue to learn a lot from both of you.

Obviously you are both successful within the context of what you want to achieve in the field and woods.

Bell, beeper or none of the above it works for you and most importantly like most of us you cherish the time we spend passionately pursuing this game.

Personally when I hunt with and without a bell with no rhyme or reason since I have no idea how a grouse thinks.

I appreciate and value both of your contributions here to this thread and others but this one may have run its course. Let's just agree we all do things differently and as long as we are promoting and enjoying our passion as good sportsmen then you are both correct.

Thanks again and I'm looking forward to your contributions and help on how I can find more of these challenging birds in southern Ontario.

It's almost September!

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Originally Posted by Ugo

Fin, "here" is most of southern Ontario.

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Great than I don't have to leave my gun at home as those grouse in the picture came 20 minutes south of Orillia.

Yes, it appears it has run it's course Joe16 and thank you for that.

My pleasure do NOT stop posting please I'm learning a little every time