Recent content by cham_beers

Lucky You're a lucky man, Sage! I hunt in West Central IA, and there are birds, but so far the rain has kept farmers out of the fields too much, and they're hard to find. Another couple weeks and the corn will be mostly out. That will improve the chances. If I get a limit once this year...

Anyone have any luck this weekend? Our group was able to stumble across 4 birds in West Central IA. There was so much corn left standing that it was hard to find them (and I refuse to walk corn!). I think there are birds out there, though, in spite of the DNR's poor road side counts. Another...

I also use the stand on wings and pull method. You can still keep the thigh/let meat, but I do it at home so I don't have to worry about keeping a wing and or foot to ID. If I was traveling a long way, or staying somewhere over night, I'd do it the "old fashioned" way and skin the bird leaving...

12 ga I shoot an OU, and won't change, but my brother has a Winchester Super X3 that he swears by. Little recoil so followup shots are faster without re-acquiring the bird. I'd talk to a salesman who knows his stuff. Tell him how you will use it, and make sure you get one that fits. There...

Great Story! I hope to have a similar IA one this weekend! Great looking dog too!!

IA pheasants I'm sure it isn't much different here than other parts, but by November the dumb birds will be dead. Pay attention to if/where the ditch ends, and have someone block when you can. Flushing dogs ARE better w/ wild pheasants. Although the GSP and English's will hold a point...

I think it is always worth getting a dog in the filed, but based on the DNR's roadside survey that came out yesterday, it is going to be a rough year in the vast majority of IA.

I have a yellow (very light yellow) that points and is a fabulous dog on pheasants and waterfowl. I would make sure that you are talking to a good breeder and that BOTH parents were proven hunters. If that is the case, I wouldn't worry about color. That's a little like saying blondes can't...

I was out Saturday but had to miss Sunday. We saw a few birds, got a couple of them (thanks to those big headed labs you talked about!) It was a beautiful day, which means poor hunting, and there was Corn standing EVERYWHERE. I hunt almost all private land, but think the public ground may...

I couldn't agree more! Keep putting your dog on birds, and it will only get better. Other than basic obedience so they don't run birds out of range, there is no training like "on the job training" for a bird dog!

Outlook for '07 season is average. The statewide bird counts by the DNR (check their web site) is about the same as last year and with some areas better than others. Specific to Opening day, though, we have had a LOT of rain the last week, so there will be a ton of corn left standing in the...