Duck hunting
 

Saturday dawned with a hard frost, clear skies and around 30 degrees. A good day to take my best friend duck hunting. :)

He's going on 11 years old, and moves pretty slow most of the time. But he thinks he's a pup again when the shotgun comes out.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...s/P1270481.jpg

Taking a break, waiting for some to fly over.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...s/P1270476.jpg

The few we saw were too high/far away for a clean shot, so in order to satisfy his need (to retrieve), I threw the dummy into the lake a few times.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...s/P1270484.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...s/P1270494.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...s/P1270486.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...s/P1270501.jpg
Aw, do we have to go? C'mon, throw it a few more times! (I did.)
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...s/P1270506.jpg

Although we came home empty-handed, it was a good day in the field. ;)

Re: Duck hunting
 

beautiful dog, looks like a great pal. and trained very well ;)

Re: Duck hunting
 

Perty shots :), makes me miss duckin over my lab as a kid.

Airslot

Re: Duck hunting
 

I have a 4 year old lab and I swear that half the time I go hunting it is for him. He will stay in place waiting for the birds but he will be shaking with excitement the whole time.

2F

Re: Duck hunting
 

Great pictures Pipe. ;D ;D

Re: Duck hunting
 

Very nice! Billy Mac ;D

Re: Duck hunting
 

Thanks, everybody! :D

Fiddle, my boy is much the same way. When he has to sit still (in the blind) he begins to tremble, and even makes low, gutteral noises . . . not a growl, not a whine. Hunting is the ONLY time he ever does that. I enjoy hunting, but to see him work and his enthusiasm, that's what really motivates me to go!

Re: Duck hunting
 

Pipe - Does he see or hear the ducks before you do? My lab will turn and look the direction the birds are coming before I see or hear them.

He also gives "The Look" when you shoot and there is nothing for him to retreive.

2F

Re: Duck hunting
 

I can't say that he hears them before me. His hearing isn't what it used to be.

But he will give me the look, or he'll look away and let out a big SIGH.

Re: Duck hunting
 

Ooo... that is tough. At least my dog keeps looking at me. Did your wife help with the training?