Cornfields and the fever taking over…

I was looking at ESPN the other day and stumbled upon something that will make you slobber all over your computer screen. Whether it was being bored at work or the lack of good dove hunting in the last few years, I thought this article was worth a read. It may be more of a tease than anything since we don’t all make the big $$$. Not only is Argentina apparently the daddy of all Dove hunting, but it is also home to some very good fly fishing for those like myself who thrive on such an experience (or at least the thought of being there.) I definitely want to take a trip down there one day and do both!

Also, let’s try to get together some time in the near future for some clay shooting, grilling, and our hunting exaggerations…I mean stories.

take care,
Dewayne

Photo Journal: Training Last Saturday

Last Saturday Kenneth was kind enough once again to invite us out for some training. It was a beautiful morning and was pretty cool for the most part. The dogs had a blast as we ran them through some basic gundog drills. It was my first time to load a dummy launcher. We used four launchers total, two of which were Kenneth’s design. He warned me to be extremely cautious in loading them if I wanted to keep my face in one piece. I decided to do exactly what he said. I wouldn’t want to mess up these good looks! Of course the pups also spent some time in the water chasing bumpers and pretty much whatever else they saw. I finally remembered to take my camera and managed to take a few pictures in between drills. I put together a photo journal for you to check out. Let me know what you think and we can start doing more of these.

This is the pond in Kenneth’s field where he does some of his training. It is an extremely useful tool when you actually begin the gundog drills. If you look closely, you can see the decoys he has spread around in the water. It provides a very realistic scenario for the pups.

Training at Kenneth’s place tomorrow!!

Hey guys, Kenneth has given us permission to bring our pups to his place again tomorrow. He has great facilities including a nice pond where you can do some water training if you so choose. I hope to see a good turnout tomorrow morning. Let me know if you are interested in coming, and I will send you the directions. I’m sure we will probably start pretty early in the morning, probably around 7. Email me if you can come!

Make sure to thank Kenneth for his help and hospitality

thanks,
Dewayne

2007 DU report showing an increase in duck numbers

In a recent report by Ducks Unlimited the overall duck population was shown the be 14% greater than last year. What does this mean you might ask? This will most definitely improve the quality of duck hunts in the years to come if only we can keep the numbers increasing just as they did this year. Click here to read the entire report on www.ducksunlimited.com

Please join Ducks Unlimited today and help preserve our duck population for our future generations!

good hunting,
Dewayne

Photo Board

Hey guys,

We now have a photo board available for posting pictures of our pups, training sessions, hunting trips, or other misc. pictures. You can find the link for it in the “Pages” section on the right side of our site. I have placed an image on our photo board to show you an example of what it will look like. Email me your pictures so I can post them on the site! Don’t worry about sizing and stuff, I will do that. I hope you all are having a great week!

Also, there will be training in the morning at 6 a.m. Call me if you need directions: 256-337-4557

take care,
Dewayne

Last Saturday at Kenneth’s

Above is a picture of Allie and Dixie before they were loaded in the trucks. Yes, we did bring towels… Before I pulled out of his driveway, Dixie was already asleep. She slept most of the afternoon as well as all night. I need to take her down there more often I guess. Matt said Allie did the same thing. Left to Right: Dixie and Allie

Last Saturday Kenneth (duckdawg) was gracious enough to open his home/training facilities to the Rocket City Duck Dogs (a.k.a. amateur folk). There were two from our group which included Matt (beawingman) and I (Insane79 or Dewayne if you don’t know) and two others from the Tuscaloosa area. We enjoyed meeting and talking with those guys. I had to give them a big ROLL TIDE!

The overcast sky was a little intimidating as we made our journey to the vastly populated area of Somerville. It drizzled most of the morning, but we didn’t let that ruin our spirits. After letting the pups get to know one another, Dixie and Allie headed straight to the pond. Dixie was the first to cannonball in followed by Allie who entered with a most delicate approach. Allie didn’t care too much for the wake which lingered after Dixie swam off like a torpedo.

Little did I know, Dixie had her sites set on one of Kenneth’s Decoys. Let’s just say she did a very good job of fetching. All of the screaming and yelling was all for nothing as she swam back out for yet another decoy. This time she got tangled in the string and panic struck. She didn’t quite know what got a hold on her leg, but I could tell she didn’t want to stick around and find out. Between Dixie and I we pretty much moved every one of his decoys and some more than once. Finally she got the hang of “NO” means “NO” and left them alone. Allie chose to stay on the bank and be a spectator. She didn’t seem to interested in being a part of this chaos. Good job on containing her Matt!

Reminder: Training in the morning at 7am

We will be training in the morning at Kenneth’s place. If you need directions or more information just give me a call.

256-337-4557

Do you over-inoculate your dogs?

A very interesting article to say the least. Kenneth emailed me this link earlier today, and I found it quite interesting seeing that a large part of my paycheck lands in the already gilded hands of my beloved veterinarian. I don’t have a problem with the article, so to speak, but I want what’s best for both my pup and I. I have found that prevention of a disease can be much cheaper than the treatment. This is not to say that shots are cheap, because they sure the heck aren’t! If one dog isn’t expensive enough, try having two! Take a look at the article and share your thoughts with the rest of us.

http://www.newsday.com/search/ny-lspets5278482jul02,0,6559208.column

 Happy 4th,
Dewayne

*Please Read* — Training this Saturday at Kenneth’s

Hey guys (and gals if there are any),

Kenneth has invited us to attend a group training session at his place this coming Saturday, July 7th. He will be covering material from beginner to early gundog training. Please let one of us know who will be attending ASAP. Make sure to tell Kenneth how much you appreciate his time and willingness to help us. He has been extremely helpful to me as well as many others. If possible, please make plans to attend! Trust me, you won’t regret it. Let me know if you need directions.

I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday!!!

take care,
Dewayne

What: Training from beginner through early gundog
When: Sat July 7 at 07:00
Location: Kenneth Farris
Topics: Beginner through early gun dog

**R.S.V.P. is appreciated**

Take A Kid

     I got into water fowling when I was 11. I went on the youth hunt in Alabama; a friend said he would take me and I that I would love it. Man…was he right! After we launched the boat and road about 15 min, we arrived at the blind. My friend showed me how to set out the decoys and he let me help. After that it was a quick 30 min. nap. Then he pushed me and said “Get up! Here they come, get the gun and be still, don’t look up” Boy I didn’t know what to think with all those ducks coming our way. We let ‘em circle twice then…BOOM, BOOM,  a mallard drake hit the water. I had this feeling come over me and I really can’t explain. But from then on, I was hooked on Quack! I just love be out there, to here those whistling wings, and to fellowship with other hunters. So this year please take a kid.           

-Ethan Powers (YoungGun1991)