Home Forums Birds & Dogs Hunting Dogs Better at birds than bunnies

Our little Beagle got her first taste of feathers today. Until now she's been motivated by heaps of praise when she flushes quail, which is typically out of range, but I wanted her to make the connection. I try to watch for her getting birdy, but she gives false hits on almost any exciting scent like jacks, 'yote poop, and who knows what, BUT today she flushed a covey and I connected. She was on the downed bird before the feathers floated to the ground. I let her have a several seconds to "savor the moment" before taking the bird. I'll work on the drop command after she's got another kill or two under her belt. As smart as she is, I'm positive that she understands what hunting means now. I just wish she was a pointer rather than a flusher.....

Cool photo!

Thanks. She's so fun to watch that it more than makes up for the fact that she's not a hotrod hunter like a English Pointer or GSP. Hopefully we'll BOTH improve as the season progresses....

222Rem just don't let her out of your sight in Eastern OR
in case she runs into the wolves that are moving in from Idaho
or you won't have her for long. Good Hunting cheers NC

She's got good instincts, and knows to keep me in sight. I'm aware of the wolf problem, but run a greater risk of encountering coyotes which are also much bigger than my little Beagle. I realize that #7.5 shot has it's limitations, so I always carry a pistol (at least the limitation will be ME not the projectiles). This early in the season with everyone chasing birds, critters are keeping their heads down. I'm more worried about her finding ticks, snakes, and pine pigs when in the timber.