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Retriever Training CenterThe “Other” Standard for Goldens - Evaluating Retrievers and Selecting for Purpose
by: Ginnie Pastor and Dennis P. McConnell
If we are committed to keeping the Retriever in our Goldens, it is essential that we understand the qualities we are evaluating and selecting for. Our Breed Standard elucidates the blueprint for the Golden Retriever in physical terms, but is somewhat less illustrative in describing the functional attributes that make these magnificent animals what they are.(Read...) |
Double Mark Head-Swinging
by: James B. Spencer
Most retrievers, while learning double marks, slip into the counterproductive and aggravating habit of "head-swinging." This fault can take two forms, either of which adversely affects the dog’s marking and memory. In the first type, as soon as the memory bird comes down – sometimes even while it’s still falling-the dog swings his head around to look for the go-bird. This happens most frequently when the memory bird is a control bird and the go-bird is a shot flier. In dog-games, if the guns are visible from the line, a retriever can tell when one station is about to shoot a flier, which is far more exciting than a control bird.
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SpanielsOnline.com Training CenterStacking the Odds For Your Next Gundog
by: David Krassler
Well, in past columns I examined the different types of breeding that goes on in today’s world of breeding world-class gundogs. Hopefully, I have shed some light on the somewhat confusing world of dog breeding! Now you should have a good understanding as to the different varieties of dog breeding that take place when you speak to the breeder of your choice.(Read...) |
Gundogs & E-Collars
by: Rob Barlow
Ten years ago, if someone had told me that the only way to train a gundog was with the aid of an electronic training device, I would have laughed and bet the farm against it. Good thing I didn’t bet! Not that one needs an e-collar to do this, it just speeds things up a bit. What used to take three to four months now takes six to eight weeks depending on the dog. Technology has advanced tremendously in the last few years. The once barbaric shock collar is now a finesse-training tool. There are several collar manufacturers, as well as many dealers. One of the most frequently asked questions is “What collar should I buy?” The old line you get what you pay for still holds true. Although most novice trainers don’t require the advanced collars that most pros use, a good quality collar is going to run around $200.00 to $250.00. A collar in this price range should have multiple stimulation levels as well as continuous and momentary stimulation modes. After you have made a choice and purchased the collar of your choice please read the manual that comes with it. Read it twice and familiarize yourself with the operation of the collar.(Read...) |
Waterfowl HuntingIn Search of “The Magical Flute”
by: Jim James - Owner of Carlson Championship Calls and 1996 World Duck Calling Champion
How many duck calls do you have in your “call drawer”? How many have you tried and then relegated to the “call drawer” because “It just isn’t right” or, “It just doesn’t fit my style of calling”? I know of guys that not only have drawers full of calls but also sacks of calls. Some drag the sacks along every time they venture in to the field. How many guys do you know who insist they have a half-dozen duck calls around their neck while in the blind? They have one for hailing the ducks. They need another for when the ducks get closer. They need that “special call” for the real close-in ducks they don’t want to scare away.(Read...) |
Wing Shooting USALessons In Shooter Safety
OK, listen up. Firearm safety doesn’t end with proper firearm handling and care. It also includes hearing protection. This means wearing earplugs or earmuffs whenever you shoot a rifle, shotgun or pistol. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), 10 million Americans have already suffered irreversible damage from noise, and 30 million more are exposed to dangerous noise levels each day. An extreme noise, like the firing of a shotgun experienced at close range, can permanently damage your hearing in an instant. This is known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Noise-induced hearing loss can result from one-time exposure to a loud sound like gunfire, and it can also be caused by repeated exposure to harmful sounds over an extended period of time. Just ask any hunter over 50 who has not worn hearing protection!(Read...) |
The Golden Age of Shotguns
by: Bill Hanus
Without a doubt, the twentieth century ushered in the "Golden Age" of shotgun development. Small gauge shotshells -- and the small-framed guns to use them -- came of age- Charles Parker invented the 28 gauge. The legendary Moder 1912 Winchester was offered first in 20 gauge. Double gun makers from England and Europe competed with American makers to offer the greatest selection of side-by-side shotguns in history. In Europe, live pigeon shooters pioneered the use of ultra high performance 12 gauge ammunition and heavy guns to handle it. The legends of Parker, Ithaca, LC. Smith, Fox, Lefever, Iver Johnson, Remington, Baker, Stevens and many others were born and live on in gun cabinets of fortunate hunters and -- routinely perform their assigned tasks magnificently every fall.
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Sporting Clays
Sporting Clays is a challenging clay target game designed to simulate field shooting. On a Sporting Clays course, shooters are presented with a wide variety of targets that duplicate the flight path of game birds, such as flushing, crossing, incoming and other angling shots.(Read...) |
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Fish RecipesThe “Other” Standard for Goldens - Evaluating Retrievers and Selecting for Purpose
by: Ginnie Pastor and Dennis P. McConnell
If we are committed to keeping the Retriever in our Goldens, it is essential that we understand the qualities we are evaluating and selecting for. Our Breed Standard elucidates the blueprint for the Golden Retriever in physical terms, but is somewhat less illustrative in describing the functional attributes that make these magnificent animals what they are.(Read...) |
Double Mark Head-Swinging
by: James B. Spencer
Most retrievers, while learning double marks, slip into the counterproductive and aggravating habit of "head-swinging." This fault can take two forms, either of which adversely affects the dog’s marking and memory. In the first type, as soon as the memory bird comes down – sometimes even while it’s still falling-the dog swings his head around to look for the go-bird. This happens most frequently when the memory bird is a control bird and the go-bird is a shot flier. In dog-games, if the guns are visible from the line, a retriever can tell when one station is about to shoot a flier, which is far more exciting than a control bird.
(Read...) |
Saltwater Fish Species GuideSELF-POINTING
by: Ben O. Williams
You don’t need to have seasoned dogs in the field to train a pup. If a pup has what it takes, he will learn the ropes himself. The only advantage a pup gains from working with older dogs in the field is that he will follow the other dogs and cover more ground, which accelerates the desire to hunt. A pup on its own is a little more reluctant to cover ground when it first starts, but that changes quickly with more time in the field.(Read...) |
Pointing Dog Training CenterSELF-POINTING
by: Ben O. Williams
You don’t need to have seasoned dogs in the field to train a pup. If a pup has what it takes, he will learn the ropes himself. The only advantage a pup gains from working with older dogs in the field is that he will follow the other dogs and cover more ground, which accelerates the desire to hunt. A pup on its own is a little more reluctant to cover ground when it first starts, but that changes quickly with more time in the field.(Read...) |
Upland HuntingGun Dogs and Land Trapping
by: Carl Altenbernd
Land trapping is one of the most misunderstood sports practiced in the field today. It has been an easy target for the animal-rights groups thanks to myths and misunderstandings. As a dog owner, you should be aware of the basics of trapping. The snare, conibear, and leghold traps are not dangerous nor a threat to you or your dog. A controlled sport that ensures no endangered species are caught, trapping is an essential and necessary tool for the proper management of furbearers and predators.(Read...) |
Conservation USAAre Pen-Reared Quail A Disease Threat To Wild Birds?
by: Thomas H. Eleazer, DVM
Introduction by
Jim Evans, Consulting Biologist
Dr. Tom Eleazer received his degree of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia in 1958 and served Clemson University as a veterinary pathologist, studying poultry and game bird diseases for 31 years. Tom is still actively applying his skills as a poultry and game bird disease consultant. In the past he has served as president of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, served on the advisory board for the Institute of Wildlife and Environmental Toxicology, and also as a member of the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Advisory aaBoard for the South Carolina Wildlife Commission. He was instrumental in the development of the vaccine for “quail pox.” Now let’s hear what he has to say about the question:
Are pen-reared quail a disease threat to wild birds?
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Food and Nutrition CenterProtein: The Myths and the Reality
Is there an ideal source of protein? Is the promise of "no soy" in a pet food an assurance of high quality protein? Will high levels of protein in a pet food cause health problems? Sweep away the myths and the facts about protein may surprise you.(Read...) |
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