Ducks, Dogs, and Muzzleloaders

[SciAggie]

Today was a grand day. I have a Border Terrier that I do all the things with - AKC Rally, Scent work, and Earthdog events. These little dogs trace their origins to the Border Between Scotland and England in the 18th century. They were bred as working dogs. Today my little dog Rio would have made her ancestors proud.

Today I got five ducks - four in the water and one fell on land. She retrieved all four of the ducks in the water for me. Today was special because she’s young yet - and today the “light bulb came on.” She figured out what I wanted. The last two retrieves were done boldly and with confidence. This is pretty cool for a 16 pound dog.

The gun I used is a recent acquisition. It’s a pretty little 20 gauge Pedersoli SxS with browned barrels and checkered wrist and fore end. I was using 2 1/2 drams of Goex 2F and 1 1/8 oz of Bismuth #4 shot. I used a thick leather wad over the powder and a thin card wad over the shot. The barrels are imp cyl and modified.

I just thought it was pretty cool to be out hunting with an 18th century dog using a 19th century gun. Getting it done just like they used to do it.

She will turn 3 years old in April so I look forward to many good days afield with her.

 

[oldschoolhunter55]

Today was a grand day. I have a Border Terrier that I do all the things with - AKC Rally, Scent work, and Earthdog events. These little dogs trace their origins to the Border Between Scotland and England in the 18th century. They were bred as working dogs. Today my little dog Rio would have made her ancestors proud.

Today I got five ducks - four in the water and one fell on land. She retrieved all four of the ducks in the water for me. Today was special because she’s young yet - and today the “light bulb came on.” She figured out what I wanted. The last two retrieves were done boldly and with confidence. This is pretty cool for a 16 pound dog.

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The gun I used is a recent acquisition. It’s a pretty little 20 gauge Pedersoli SxS with browned barrels and checkered wrist and fore end. I was using 2 1/2 drams of Goex 2F and 1 1/8 oz of Bismuth #4 shot. I used a thick leather wad over the powder and a thin card wad over the shot. The barrels are imp cyl and modified.

I just thought it was pretty cool to be out hunting with an 18th century dog using a 19th century gun. Getting it done just like they used to do it.

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She will turn 3 years old in April so I look forward to many good days afield with her.

sounds like you and your buddy had a great day.wishing yaw many more years to come.love hunting dogs

 

[Brokennock]

That is absolutely FANTASTIC!!!!
I love it. What an awesome little dog, and a great day afield.

 

[Dusty_Traveler]

Best feeling ever when training a herding/working dog is that moment you just described, the .

Long live our dogs.

 

[R Ellis]

You may want to consider not using a collar for water work sometimes it can get hung up on something under water and cause serious problems if you know what I mean . Nice little dog I would hate for you to loose it

 

[Patocazador]

Nice mixed bag. Terriers are tough but usually just want to kill everything. I had one that I had to force fetch before she would retrieve but after that she was a whirlwind.
Females are the best to use for hunting IMO. They get down to business and don't have to scent mark every bush they encounter.

Diving ducks in the desert?

 

[Spikebuck]

That really was a great day! Terriers are extremely versatile, but never heard of a little one being used to retrieve waterfowl!

 

[stevew]

Man, I love that little dog.

 

[mnmuzzleloader]

That is a dandy drake Redhead. Nicely done with the 20.

 

[Phillip McDonald]

Great job sir

 

[Historian]

Ring Necks and Red Heads! Fantastic. Nothing beats hunting with a willing retriever for waterfowl. Have fun brother and treasure the moments with her.

 

[3Setters]

Helluva hunt.

 

[pamtnman]

I tried to "Like" this post a thousand times

 

[Big Flounder]

Geez the gun and ducks made for a pretty cool story but your little dog is awesome man! Lol! Thanks for sharing!