Deutsch hund uber alles!

Let's go Hunting.....

Get yer vest on, make sure you have plenty of shells, and be ready around the boys if they're on point....

Why do we hunt?

The boys ready to go afield for another hunt. You can almost hear the bells, their whining, straining to hit the ground and do the bidding of their genetics.

Manfred at 10 weeks. Probably the last "cute" photo opportunity for this dog, he still loves to crawl in the rack with the old man at night, and who am I to deny him?

Manfred at one year old had already begun to display the traits he exhibits on a daily basis as an adult – Hardcore, no nonsense, on the job 24/7. His middle name, Id, comes from the psychoanalytic concept of the Id, the pleasure seeking center of personality. I should have named him more appropriate to his personality profile. He has been given the moniker "Death Monster" from those we hunt with, for appropriate reasons.

Go to the Death Monster's Gallery of Hapless Victims......

"Right there!" Remy, on point on his second hunt. This dog came as a sort of rescue, his original owner had a small lot in the city, and the wife couldn't hack it. He had good blood, his grandsire is Manfred's dad, so I figured I'd take a shot with him. What an intense birddog! His points are classic, I think you'd agree.

Zoom out. The young pup shows the old man how to find birds. He was solid on point from almost the beginning, and steady to wing as well. Ever see a natural backer? He slams up tight when he sees Manfred go on point. Of course, with the elder dog out there, I've had to work on controlling their competitive instincts lately. They're beginning to get the idea.

January 1999, the Boys get some birds!

After a hunt for pheasant and quail. On this hunt, Manfred located a small covey of quail. We happened to get lucky and have a couple fly across the shot column, and while Manfred was retrieving one, he locked up on point. At first I refused to believe him, and when released he refused to move. See, there was a small bush at about 40 yards, and one of the singles was in it. Needless to say, I'm delighted there were the 5 other hunters to witness this.

During a pre-season tune up on released birds. Put out 4, came home with 7. This dog never fails to demonstrate superior ability while working. Look at the size of these roosters. Never a bad hunt at Rip's.

An early season mixed bag, the dog didn't have much input, but damn, did we have fun! The bunderbuss on the left is Bob's Petunia, a 12 gauge coach gun perfect for close up work. Never fire this gun one handed with heavy loads, I have scars to prove that episode of foolishness.

Mike, on the left, was kind enough to host John and I at the legendary Preston Mann's Hunter's Creek Hunt Club. This was a hunt that most of my ilk would die for. You arrive at Hunter's Creek early, mallards rising on the pond, fog breaking on the water. In the clubhouse, a round building 50 feet or so in diameter, 7 foot tall glass for walls, breakfast is served, fuel for the hunt. And the hunting was magnificent. The guide had us hunt Manfred exclusively in the morning, he made numerous points and retrieves, steady as he is, never flashy. After lunch, we brought out the guide's Griffon to hunt with Manfred, and we had several double points and good backing from both dogs. At one point, the Griff had located a pheasant near an old cattle hole, and the bird flew up. Everyone shot, and Manfred gave chase, expecting the bird to fall. He flew on across an open field, growing seemingly stronger with each wingbeat, until at about 80 yards he flew smack into the side of a barn, and was at last retrieved by Manfred. Well, if the guns don't get 'em, I guess the barn will. Thanks, Mike and John, for a day full of the greatest of memories.

One of the greatest benefits of hunting versatile breeds is the year round capability to hunt. Here, Manfred retrieves a rabbit shot over his point. He'll frequently make furred game around downed trees and brush piles, one must attempt to identify the game well in advance of the flush, as prey drive will kick in and the dog may chase. As experience shows, this can be troublesome around porcupines and skunks, and hopefully the dogs have learned this.

Links...

Gamebirds Shipped for Stocking and Training