I was surprised that we moved 10 woodcock in 2 1/2 hours with Thicket giving me 5 beautiful points, two bumped birds (which I didn't mind due to her inexperience) and several birds that I "bumped" who got to fly away unharmed (for I only shoot at pointed birds). Her first point was in fairly open cover and I felt sure that I would drop the bird for her, only to have the 'cock use a big pine to make it's escape. The second point proved to be a wickedly fast, low flyer who also dodged both of the loads I threw at it. Finally as the third pointed bird tried to make it's escape I fired just as it disappeared behind some pines and I felt as though I may have hit it. When I made my way in search of it I found Thicket sniffing the fallen woodcock.
Her fourth pointed bird was in a multiflora rose hell and as I fought my way in the bird flew out over my head and I missed with one barrel before it was gone. Her fifth point was on a bird who was able to make it's escape without me ever getting off a shot and so ended our hunt with my shooting average dismal but with Thicket putting a big smile on my face with her superb bird work, showing me that she had the instincts to become a good solid bird dog.
3 comments:
Looks like Thicket is really figuring it out. My Brit and I had similar luck yesterday. Two Questions...do you hang your birds? And what's your favorite recipe?
No I don't hang my birds. I usually eat them the day I shoot them. I cut the breast meat into thin strips and sear it in a frying pan and dip in barbecue sauce. Woodcock aren't my favorite meal :) but I was taught, if you shoot it you eat it. :)
Great report Grayphase...glad to see your finding some...
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