Team disability scores again!!!!

[mark_t1012001]

I posted last year about my old bird dog. Here's a new season. The old girl (brittany) is 13 1/2 years old. With my cataracts, my vision is blurred. With my hunting hearing aids, hearing sucks. Rylee’s hearing sucks and her sense of smell is hugely diminished. Despite all this, we succeed!!!! I took the old girl to a favourite hot spot for grouse and woodcock. I was not at all surprised when she stayed on the trail with me and didn’t bush. We walked the rocks on the right. Only by the end of the first large rock opening did Rylee venture slightly into the bush but never out of my sight and she looked for me often. By the path through to the other rocks, she did venture far enough that I couldn’t see her. She didn’t cover most of the old favourite spots and only ventured out of sight that first time. As we neared the end of the rocks on the right, Rylee was ahead almost to the pond trail and I saw her bump a woodcock. The woodcock fluttered 10 yards ahead and landed. Only then, did Rylee point at the flush point. Likely the flush put enough scent in the air that she could smell it. I tried to get her to reset...but of coarse...she can’t hear!!! I moved forward and the large hen flushed. Amazingly, I hit it with the open barrel and dropped it. I tried to get her to find the bird. It’s so sad to watch. She never did find it. I had a hard time finally finding the bird. If I drop one in thick cover, I’m in trouble!!! None the less, success!!!!! I am beyond happy. The day has warmed up. It’s now 22C. The old girl even took herself for a swim in the new beaver pond at the 2^nd junction. When we hit the main junction on the return trip, Rylee crossed the clearing and worked the alders that always seem to hold woodcock. She then came out, checked on me and headed back across the clearing to work more favourite spots. She then crossed the trail and worked the cedars on the way out!!!! I kept hoping she’d bump something else my way! Good to see the old girl get her mojo back!!!!

[finsfurfeathers]

Good to hear things a still working out. Walks are a little shorter, the bag may be a little lighter but the memories are just as grand.

[ninepointer]

Thanks for sharing that experience. Still building memories together.

[mark_t1012001]

The old girl actually had a point the other day. The big hen woodcock was two feet from her nose. I got in to where she was but it was thick heavy cedars. The moment the bird rose it was out of sight. I snapped a shot but was behind it. Still great to see her working.

This is a "Goldylocks" season for me. I have an old girl that is past it....and a 5 month old rocket who hasn't figured out the game yet! When my daughter is home with her 3.5 y/o britt, she's just right....lol.

[vom Dufenshmirtz]

It's heartwarming when an old dog gets a bird or two

[mark_t1012001]

The old girl has had a great week. Mid week, she was working a scent in a small oak bush. As I walked the granite rock towards her, a grouse flushed half way between us. I managed to fold it nicely with the open barrel. Today, she had a perfect point on a male woodcock. I knew with her nose, the bird wouldn't be far. I got in to the dog and after a couple of 2 foot resets the little male tried to do the short 10 yard hop. He didn't make it. My daughter has pointed out that this is 14 seasons that I've shot birds over this dog. It sure makes you smile walking through the bush!

[Hawkman]

Great stories to read.
I have a very soft spot in my heart for Brittanys and your dog's successful hunting career is simply awesome!
My 10 year old GSP is a "trail hunter" as well and never ever points at woodcocks. I've had both cataracts done long time ago and had a vitrectomy two years ago.
For me, just being able to go out and play in the woods is a total GIFT from Heaven, so I cherish every moment no matter how much pain I'm feeling in my knees with every step. Hooray for ALL the "Disability Teams"!!!

[Redsoilreaper]

Thanks for sharing your adventures! There's a special place in my heart for Brittanys.