Finn from the Cascades, Season 3

[JLS]

I had planned to run Finn through his final two day utility test this year. Alas, COVID, a family death, and a major house project entirely derailed training. I was able to spend a little time on blood tracking and of course obedience. However, we shelved the testing until next year.

We embarked on our first fall trip into the middle of Idaho, in search of ursus americanus. I know, this is feathers and wings, but versatile dogs don’t care.

Requisite supplies.






Finn thinks 6.5s are cool.



Ima walking in the moonlight...



Midnight reservation for two please.



We left tracks all over.




Coffee break courtesy of Black Rifle Coffee Company



Finn wanted to model a little bit.




Our schedule will be pretty light on birds until October. 14 days for elk and bear coming soon. I have to say, Finn's developed into a wonderful all around hunting companion. He stays at heel, will immediately go into a down stay, and is decidedly low in the pain in the ass metric.

The next two weeks are crazy with work stuff, but I plan to put out 2-3 blood tracks before we leave.

 

[TwistedSage]

Bear hunt sounds like a great way to kick off the season. Are you taking Finn through the VGP next year?

When big game hunting do you take any special consideration for the extra blast of the high high powered rife? Like having down and stay at x amount of yards behind where your shooting? Or do you feel that there is sufficient exposure to gun fire from shooting over plenty of birds? Is that something you train and expose separately, the big game rifle and blood track?

 

[JLS]

Bear hunt sounds like a great way to kick off the season. Are you taking Finn through the VGP next year?

When big game hunting do you take any special consideration for the extra blast of the high high powered rife? Like having down and stay at x amount of yards behind where your shooting? Or do you feel that there is sufficient exposure to gun fire from shooting over plenty of birds? Is that something you train and expose separately, the big game rifle and blood track?

Yes, VGP next year. A huge problem was the nearest VGP test is right in the middle of the elk hunt I had already planned. I may look at different options next year to allow for the September testing.

I do try to make sure he's back behind me when I touch off the rifle. He really isn't sensitive to it, but I don't want to expose him to the additional hearing damage. One of the components of the VGP is the dog staying in a down stay in a place he can't see you, while several gunshots are fired.

The blood track is a component that you'll train completely separate from the gunfire exposure/steadiness.

When do you get your pup?

 

[Elkmagnet]

Beautiful time to roam the woods!

 

[noharleyyet]

Dang, wish I could grow a beard like that....

 

[JLS]

Dang, wish I could grow a beard like that....

You and me both. We're having a contest, no question who'll win.

 

[TheNorthStar]

You should switch to chewing your nails instead of chewing your cheaters, lol.

 

[Sawtooth]

You should switch to chewing your nails instead of chewing your cheaters, lol.

That's what happens when you are stuck trying to decide which of the three 4x4 mulies you should shoot. Hopefully your glasses will look like that when you return home from your Idaho hunt.

 

[TwistedSage]

Yes, VGP next year. A huge problem was the nearest VGP test is right in the middle of the elk hunt I had already planned. I may look at different options next year to allow for the September testing.

I do try to make sure he's back behind me when I touch off the rifle. He really isn't sensitive to it, but I don't want to expose him to the additional hearing damage. One of the components of the VGP is the dog staying in a down stay in a place he can't see you, while several gunshots are fired.

The blood track is a component that you'll train completely separate from the gunfire exposure/steadiness.

When do you get your pup?

Picked her up Friday night! Had her home Saturday night. Trying to stay on top of her and the kids as much as possible for the long weekend getting them all house broke. Had a chance to put some whole dove in the freezer before I got her and she doing great retrieving so far. We play games in the house retrieving with her toys and when we go outside we put on the collar and bring out the dove. I want to get a fresh dove for quick session then I'll probably cool it with the dead birds and go to mostly bumpers for retrieving.

 

[ashersdad]

Those are some good looking dogs you both have!

 

[stillkickin]

Drahts are looking good guys!

My old gal is going downhill fast at 12+. She won’t be hunting this year for the first time, just short 1/4 mile walks but hope to shoot a couple woodcock for her.

No new pup until she’s gone.

Please keep posting, I’ll be looking forward to them.

 

[Deleted member 38069]

What do you think of the instant BRCC?

 

[JLS]

What do you think of the instant BRCC?

Love it

 

[Deleted member 38069]

Love it

Me too. I'm glad I stocked up for the season.

 

[teej89]

Drove past chukar country this week, my buds couldn't understand why someone would go up there to hunt haha

Can't wait to see the birds Finn puts up this year!

 

[JLS]

 

[rtraverdavis]

Been wondering if you were out chasing elk. I hope you had a great trip and brought enough water this time!

 

[JLS]

The ridges were tall



The air was hot



The points and retrieves were money

 

[noharleyyet]

....elegante, muy estiloso

 

[Sawtooth]

The rattlers were......? Glad you were able to get out. Hoping to fill the freezer next week with some elk/deer steaks, so Rudy and I can join you in getting out after them in November.