Once he hits that point, it's all up to you. Managing what happens next can better ensure you actually hit a bird and reward your hard-working dog with a retrieve. I've pulled together some of the lessons learned the hard way that might help you next season.
From foot position relative to the birds' flight, to getting your dog to stay steady in the face of running birds - and the birds to stay put - to determining if you're cross-dominant (so that's why you miss!).
Perhaps it's not your fault at all - it's your hat's. Or maybe it's because you are looking but not seeing the bird. Have you considered your chokes? Patterned your gun? I'll explain why it will put more birds in your vest.
... and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.
HO HO HO! The annual gift guide for bird hunters and their dogs with a special appearance by Santa Claus
Who doesn't need a laugh? You might find one here as I answer some listener questions with tongue planted firmly in cheek
Shotgun buying and selling from an insider, gun care, shooting advice from a champion, bird hunting tips and hunting dog care
Valley quail primer: where, when, how and why to hunt them from a 30-year career chasing the little buggers!
Better bird hunting photos - your buddy and your dog will thank you; find mountain quail, check his pads
Required listening: 40 years of bird hunting advice from a pro outfitter, public-access hunting, and tailgate exam, part 1
Wild food: simple tips, ideas, suggestions and cautions to ensure a feast, not a flop.
Dog-training monks and revelations about e-collars - a new paradigm for bird dog trainers
The nationwide effort to boost pheasant numbers; hunting tips and tactics from an expert
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and how bird hunters fit in ... challenges to the Great American Outdoors Act
Hunting hacks and saving a buck ... your suggestions, and time-tested ideas from thousands of miles on the road
50 hunting travel tips from 30 years in 26 states hunting public land and lodges
Gun Dog columnist on getting your dog across the training "finish line," hunting strategies and must-take gear
30 years of chukar hunting: tips and tactics, where to go, and more. Plus, why doesn't my dog come back to me?
Spaniels! Training, e-collar use, the evolution and diversion ... Jerry Ray Cacchio, Gun Dog columnist. And a challenge to wild bird hunters.
New e-collar product - before it's out, how-to tips, bird dog training advice, walk-in hunting spot from pro trainer Pete Fischer of Dogtra
Gunner Kennels' founder talks safety, dog training, hunting ... plus a new publicly-accessible chukar spot
A bird hunting hit man ... Idaho sharptail destination ... do face masks confuse your dog?
What bird hunters - and their dogs - should put in their mouth and why, fitness tips for both of us!
Chukar dogs, hunting strategies and tactics, training, breeding and picking puppies ... from a pro wirehair breeder/trainer
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