Gundogs on the Lamp

[Dave C 63]

Pretty new to Duck shooting so i got some good advice on the shooting section last week about leaving my shot ducks until the light has gone and retrieve them at the end of the flight, so as not to disturb other ducks flighting in and others on the water.

So i was out again Saturday night and did just that, but when the time came for Fern to retrieve the mighty number of 3 that i shot, i flicked on the Lamp and she didnt have a clue, she couldnt see my hand signals and seemed quite confused by the whole lamp thing.

 

So my question is, dose anyone do any training on water retrieves by lamp light ?

 

Also 1 of the ducks had completely vanished although it looked like it was dead in the air when i shot it, is it common for them to pull themselves together and swim off or dive.

 

Cheers

Dave.

Edited September 14, 2011 by Dave C

[Lab 10,979]

Pretty new to Duck shooting so i got some good advice on the shooting section last week about leaving my shot ducks until the light has gone and retrieve them at the end of the flight, so as not to disturb other ducks flighting in and others on the water.

So i was out again Saturday night and did just that, but when the time came for Fern to retrieve the mighty number of 3 that i shot, i flicked on the Lamp and she didnt have a clue, she couldnt see my hand signals and seemed quite confused by the whole lamp thing.

 

So my question is, dose anyone do any training on water retrieves by lamp light ?

 

Also 1 of the ducks had completely vanished although it looked like it was dead in the air when i shot it, is it common for them to pull themselves together and swim off or dive.

 

Cheers

Dave.

I'd say its 1 of the most difficult types of retrieving. You search an area when your finished where you think the birds have landed and sometimes they are just not there. Diving ducks and holes under the banks can be hard enough during the day never mind at night. I used to go back early morning and have a look for any that were missed.......often they were eaten by a buzzard and were a good bit away from the area i thought....

You cant really use hand signals in this situation so thats why i like my dogs to hunt for themselves..............trial dogs would struggle.

[The one 8,463]

Not done any wildfowl lamping but the last few time's we went lamping i took my lab and she soon cottoned on where the lamp light up there was a rabbit lying ,Not bad considering we only took her as the cover was so heavy we didn't want to loose any

 

So i reckon after the first time or two you will see a big differnce

[Francentey-FTB 29]

I would practice with a dummy on the field at night, dummy out, shine light directly on it, command of get out, making a learning chain, gradually building up to light where duck has dropped. dog will soon learn to trust you and lamp

[Dave C 63]

Yeh thats what i have been doing mate thanks.

After about 2 retrieves she seems to have got it, but we will see come the week end.

 

These are all training days at the moment, the real fun starts on the Ducks in October, so she will be spot on by then i hope.

Cheers

Dave.

[Rhodey 96]

As long as you dog has a good nose and you trust there judgement. Just leave them to find them. Like Lab said trial dogs will struggle were as a good picking up or rough shooting dog will do well.