First Rooster

(Yes, the dead bird is laying in our partially remodeled kitchen. It was dark outside and we had to document by photo)

Took Chops out hunting for the first time this weekend. He did great and was able to quarter (zig zag back and forth) in front of Eric about ten yards with no problem. There weren't a lot of birds out but we kicked up a few. Man did that get Chops excited! He wanted to take off after all of them, but did great when we told him not to. Still needs some work on not chasing every animal he finds. The shotgun didn't seem to bother him (first time we've used the real thing) and he found his rooster with no problem. He didn't really know what to do once he found it though. It was still flapping and Chops just stood there and looked at Eric like "now what?" We let him fetch it in the yard when we got home, but he needs help figuring out how to pick it up and carry it. We're getting some partridge for him today for more practice.

As a side note...it was my first rooster also, and my first time going hunting for anything. If you haven't been, my take on it is that it's pretty much like hiking, except there is no trail and built in excitement (the birds). It's really kind of enjoyable if you have ear plugs for the shots and you aren't forced to pick up the dead birds (I think I have to work up to that). Oh and no cleaning the birds either. I have a ways to go, but made a good start.

 

This is Chops' reaction when you say "birds." He does this face right before he runs to the door to be let out.