Any Suggestions?

[bshadle 5]

Finally have all my gear together, comfortable that the dog will recall off-lead, and ready to give this the first try on groundhogs at a farm nearby. The dog and I are both rookies, but we're about as ready as we're going to be. Wish there was someone local to accompany, but there's not, so...

 

Anyone with suggestions/tips/recommendations/warnings?

 

Thanks.

 

[thurso jack 3]

good luck, sounds like the only way you and the dogs will learn is to go out and do it, hope you have a sucsessfull hunt. TJ

[bshadle 5]

This is the one going out for the first time.

 

[Great White Hunter 78]

you really should be going out with someone with a bit of experence . There is alot of things that can happen to your dog below ground . I know you have to be careful of Skunks over there . For your dogs sake wait for someone whos workss there dogs to go with you

[thurso jack 3]

you really should be going out with someone with a bit of experence . There is alot of things that can happen to your dog below ground . I know you have to be careful of Skunks over there . For your dogs sake wait for someone whos workss there dogs to go with you

 

in an ideal world yes, but what if there is no one to show him the ropes, as long as he has done his homework?

 

by the looks of all the gear he has, hes prepared for anything.

[Guest Dillon]

Good luck mate, it aint rocket science so forget all that bollox, first and foremost make sure you have the correct locating equipment as if you get in trouble and need to get help from landowners you are safe in the fact you will be digging to the right place, if you know your dog and you are sensible where you work her you will both learn from each other, don't put her in any deep spots or rocks. Its trial and error but rest assured if you cant resist throwing one over the knuckle when you break through you have cracked it.

 

All the best

[thurso jack 3]

sound advice dillion

 

where the pics of your new pup??

[Guest Haggler]

Anyone with suggestions/tips/recommendations/warnings?

Thanks.

 

 

Just out of curiosity, which locating system are you using?

 

Thanks, Haggler

[Guest Dillon]

sound advice dillion

 

where the pics of your new pup??

 

 

Hard to take photos when she is battering the terriers mate :11:

 

Will get some up as soon as I can she settled in just nice

[bshadle 5]

Keep the advice coming. I want to be sure all the bases are covered as much as possible. The theory is easy, applying it less so. If I have the answers to questions posted here, I hope to have them in the field as well.

 

GWH - Know about the dangers of skunks and that this time of year is the most likely to find one at home. Got my vet on speed dial on the cell, and a copy of the best treatment for skunking in my bag. Plus one of the best vet emergency centers in the country < 1 hour further and on speed dial as well. I'll be hunting holes I've been watching for several years while gunning, and while it doesn't eliminate the possibility of skunks, think it reduces it. Really wish there was someone to go along with the first couple times, but the closest real diggers are 4 - 6 hour drive away. Found one closer who digs < 1/year for the paper. Not interested in that aspect.

 

Dillon - The landowners are as interested in seeing this work as I am. The first place we're going, the owner specifically said he wants to see her in action so will be right there. We're staying away from the bottom of banks, and deep-plowed fields. Hitting a few hedgerows where the digs should be <4'. Probably more roots than rocks to deal with. The shovel's sharp, and there's a pruner and saw in the kit. The bar should move any rocks encountered, and if that one won't there'll be a heavier one in the truck.

 

Haggler - Deben LRTs. Looked at the BFs, and while the technology's good the size isn't. Been practicing with 'em 'til comfortable. If BF ever comes out with their smaller model...???

 

Thurso - Thanks for the vote of confidence. How's Archie coming along?

 

To everyone - keep those ideas and possible problems coming. I'll admit I'm a touch nervous about this and will be until the dog's safely out of the earth at the end of the day, but forwarned is forarmed

[thurso jack 3]

Keep the advice coming. I want to be sure all the bases are covered as much as possible. The theory is easy, applying it less so. If I have the answers to questions posted here, I hope to have them in the field as well.

 

GWH - Know about the dangers of skunks and that this time of year is the most likely to find one at home. Got my vet on speed dial on the cell, and a copy of the best treatment for skunking in my bag. Plus one of the best vet emergency centers in the country < 1 hour further and on speed dial as well. I'll be hunting holes I've been watching for several years while gunning, and while it doesn't eliminate the possibility of skunks, think it reduces it. Really wish there was someone to go along with the first couple times, but the closest real diggers are 4 - 6 hour drive away. Found one closer who digs < 1/year for the paper. Not interested in that aspect.

 

Dillon - The landowners are as interested in seeing this work as I am. The first place we're going, the owner specifically said he wants to see her in action so will be right there. We're staying away from the bottom of banks, and deep-plowed fields. Hitting a few hedgerows where the digs should be <4'. Probably more roots than rocks to deal with. The shovel's sharp, and there's a pruner and saw in the kit. The bar should move any rocks encountered, and if that one won't there'll be a heavier one in the truck.

 

Haggler - Deben LRTs. Looked at the BFs, and while the technology's good the size isn't. Been practicing with 'em 'til comfortable. If BF ever comes out with their smaller model...???

 

Thurso - Thanks for the vote of confidence. How's Archie coming along?

 

To everyone - keep those ideas and possible problems coming. I'll admit I'm a touch nervous about this and will be until the dog's safely out of the earth at the end of the day, but forwarned is forarmed

 

Good stuff bshadle, sounds like you have all bases covered, and only YOU know your dog and when its ready, you wont be the first to go it alone and you wont be the last, as long as you are confident you have taken all the nesecary precautions then go hit em!

 

good luck again and remeber to let us all know how you get on, ps Archies coming on good

[Guest The Shaman]

Considering it's your (and your dogs') first attempt you seem to have your sh*t together and have thought about things thoroughly. Take a camera - you'll be pleased as punch when you get your first - immortalize it with a picture. Good luck happy hunting.

[dodman 0]

have fun on your first hunting trip BUT walk the land before you let the dogs enter to ground

[JODYFOXHUNTER 0]

Make sure you put new batteries in your collar and box... there's nothing f@/king worse than realsing your mrs has had them in her 'electric man' so they've just got enough power left in 'em to work while you test, then packing up the minute your dog needs you!

Jb

[Vermin Dropper 2]

Have a look at the "Picking pumpkins and groundhogs at the patch" thread, and maybe talk to the woman that posted it,