N Dak bird hunting
 

We are going to take the boys to N Dak the end of October bird hunting. How is the weather going to be and are there deer ticks?

The boys are brittanys and used to hunting the AZ desert with cacti and other sticky stuff and are pretty tough. Any equipment like boots or vests that I should look into?

Thanks

Check out the dogs and watch the boys' hunting video
http://www.highdesertbrittanies.com/

RE: N Dak bird hunting
 

JAF - Depends on where you are going but the stubble fields are murder on the bellies of your dogs. bring your vests for them. I suggest chaps or good hunting pants that are waterproof. Gortex boots also are nice as the weather can get wet or snowy even that early. Gloves/hats with ear flaps, cold weather gear etc.

The birds love to run so should you! If your dogs like to get out there it will be a long day as you see the birds flying at the end of the field while you are trying to catch up. Some of the guys we met with pointers were having a lot of problems with the birds flushing way out in front of the dogs.

just a note : some landowners don' t like pointers because they range, cross lines, and push birds. I saw that when a pointer came running into a piece of land we were hunting. We had only one bird left to limit out so it wasn' t a big deal but the hunters were nowhere to be seen. They were at least 2 sections over and had completely given up on trying to run down this dog. (in no way does this represent all hunters/trainers or dogs just my experiance)

RE: N Dak bird hunting
 

That' s why only the boys are invited. Girls range out to far. Boys stay in about 30' and I can curtail them more. They are just plain meat dogs and frowned upon by all the longtailed dog owners around here. And they work together one points, the other cuts the runner off.

Thanks for the help. It' s a long trip and we want to be ready.

RE: N Dak bird hunting
 

I duck hunt with my lab in ND, and have not had a problem with ticks. I think they are usually gone by Oct. If your worried about it you could give them a dose of Frontline before you head up. As far as they weather is concerned, the end of Oct. is usually a great time to be in the field in ND. The really cold air and snow is a couple weeks away, but it' s still cool enough so you and your pup can walk all day without getting overheated. But you never know- last year most of the potholes were froze solid by Halloween.

RE: N Dak bird hunting
 

Used to use frontline, but it got to costly on four dogs and there is no ticks in AZ. At least not where we hunt and they don' t have any fleas either. I guess the dry hot climate isn' t a good breeding ground for these bugger. Heartworm is a problem and they are all treated for it.

And the dogs are used to heat but I guess they are going to freeze solid in N. Dak. The can' t handle the winter here and have to sleep in the house on the couch.

Thanks for the help.