Keeping the dog on birds
 

I have a nine month old balck lab who just finished her first year of pheasant hunting. She had a great year, and by the end was retriving wonderfully and even pointing. What is the best way to keep her on birds in the off season. There are no dog clubs in the area that allow labs, and I was wondering what the most affordable way to continue working with her would be. Any suggestions would be great.
Obby1

RE: Keeping the dog on birds
 

Get some pigeons. You can usually find a place to trap them near by, an overpass is a great spot. If you have the space you may want to build a coop and raise some so you have a steady supply.

RE: Keeping the dog on birds
 

Yup, what JJ said. Also, if you are a member of a Hunting Retriever Club, there are often birds left over at the end of training days or test days. The club will usually let you buy them at club price (cheap). Or you can get ahold of the club's "Bird Marshall" and have them pick up a few extras for you to buy - or find out where the club gets their pigeons and go through the pigeon raiser.

RE: Keeping the dog on birds
 

JJ

Thanks for the advice. Should I shoot the pigeons everytime? I have heard of people tying cardboard strips to the birds leg or tying the birds to a stake, so they can only fly ~10 feet. Also, are pigeons as effective as using real pheasants?

RE: Keeping the dog on birds
 

Use a net to catch them, and you can tie a drag device so they don't fly too far, I am assuming you are teaching him to flush/point. Pigeons are not as good as real pheasants, but they will keep your dog training in the off-season.
Doc has a good suggestion about contacting the dog clubs to check out their source for birds. You should also visit feed stores and with the local Fish & Game folks, they will be able to put you on some bird sources.