Bob Paucek On Bird Dogs - Grouse Dogs, Training, and Trialing

Bob Paucek a long time trainer and trialer talks about dogs, training, and trials.

MN & WI Ruffed grouse counts still high - Up from 2010

Minnesota’s ruffed grouse spring drumming counts were higher than last year across most of the bird’s range, according to a report released by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“The grouse population is probably still near the high end of the 10-year cycle because drumming counts this spring were between the values observed during 2009 and 2010,” said Mike Larson, DNR research scientist and grouse biologist. “Drum counts from the last three years haven’t followed the same smooth pattern as during the previous two peaks in the cycle, but relatively small changes in the index may be due to factors other than the density of grouse.”

The averages, however, increased 18 percent in the northeast survey region, the core and bulk of grouse range in Minnesota, to 1.9 drums per stop. They also increased 16 percent to 2.1 drums per stop in the northwest and 32 percent to 0.4 drums per stop in the southeast.

http://outdoornews.com/minnesota/news/article_62eef136-9b77-11e0-884c-001cc4c002e0.html

Wisconsin

MADISON – There is good news for ruffed grouse hunters coming from 2011 spring drumming counts. Department of Natural Resources wildlife officials report that Wisconsin’s ruffed gouse population appears to have increased from last year, according to data collected by wildlife staff, foresters, wardens, and countless volunteers.

“Statewide, the ruffed grouse population increased about 38 percent between 2010 and 2011,” said Scott Walter, DNR upland wildlife ecologist.

“The southwest study region showed the greatest increase in drumming activity over the last year with a 118 percent increase, with all routes either increasing or remaining stable,” said Walter. “The central and northern regions both showed healthy increases of 31 percent and 43 percent, respectively.” No drumming grouse were heard on transects run in the southeast region, which contains the least amount of grouse cover in the state.

http://www.foremosthunting.com/Resources/HuntingNews/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1070/Ruffed-Grouse-Spring-Drumming-Counts-Increase-In-Wisconsin.aspx

MN/WI Pro Plan Cover Dog Derby of the Year: Northwoods Chardonnay

Northwoods Chardonnay - Cover Dog Winner

Northwoods Chardonnay edged out her litter sister, Northwoods Chablis, by two points to win the 2011 award. Another littermate, Northwoods Lager, was in the top four. That these dogs were so competitive is no accident. Grandmothers on top and bottom—Blue Silk and CH Houston’s Belle—won this award previously.

Chardonnay has had four field trial placements in as many starts. As a puppy in 2009 she placed second in the very competitive O-Kan puppy stake held in Oklahoma. (Lager placed first.) Later that spring she placed second in the MGDA derby. This spring she placed third in the MGDA Open Derby (beaten by littermates Lager and Chablis) and won first place in the Moose River Grouse Dog Club Open Derby. She pointed grouse in both of this spring’s wins.

Chardonnay is out of a litter bred by Paul Hauge in 2009. The sire is Blue Shaquille and the dam is our current producing female, Houston’s Belle’s Choice. We started four from this litter and each is a strong grouse dog.

Chardonnay did a fine job in our grouse guiding string last fall, especially for a 1½ year old. She has the classic Houston-line trademarks:  easy, attractive gait; lofty style on point; outstanding ability to find and point grouse.

Northwoods Bird Dogs have won or been in close contention for this award several times before.
2003:  CH Houston’s Belle, owner Paul Hauge, won
2001:  Blue Silk, owner Paul Hauge, won
1998:  Spun Gold, second in points
1997:  CH Blue Streak, second in points
1995:  That’s Afact Jack, second in points

In addition, dogs sired by our studs have won the award. 
2009:  Goodgoing Hannah Montana, owner Brett Edstrom/Good Going Kennel, was sired by Dashaway
1999:  Milk Run Jessie, owner Brian Miller, was sired by CH Blue Smoke

This accolade was started in 1994 and has subsequently been awarded 17 times. It has been won by pointers on 10 occasions. It is sponsored by Pro Plan who generously purchased the rotating trophy and supplies dog food to each year’s winner.  

Complete Article and Other News

Grand Rapids MN Ruffed Grouse Hunting 2010

Video Photo Montage of two weekends grouse hunting in Grand Rapids MN

The first weekend was just me and the dogs.  Weekend number two include friends Tony and Mark.

The Making Of A Champion Grouse Dog

Professional trainer, Dave Hughes and Long Gone Kennel owner Lloyd Murray discuss the bright future of two-year old Long Gone Buckwheat. Buckwheat already has a champion title.

Check out more Bird Dogs Afield @ http://www.myoutdoortv.com/hunting/bird-dogs-afield

Snakefoot
The Making of a Champion