“Roy (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2012) is doing extremely well…He has been hunting every weekend of the season. Although the grouse are down compared to last year, we are still seeing our share…I have noticed the experienced dogs (Piper, Rosie, Sage and Kally) are finding significantly more birds than the younger dogs. As the grouse population declines, the good/experienced grouse dogs really separate themselves from the others.” ~ Chris
By November, the grouse woods have changed. Leaves have fallen from deciduous aspens and maples. And besides the occasional green of conifers, colors have faded to soft shades of tan, brown and gray.
“Willow (Ridge Creek Cody x Northwoods Chardonnay, 2013) continues to shine and excel every time we get out. She is still the sweetest around the house, but turn her loose in the woods and she transforms into a very focused, bird finding and hunting machine….Has been just a wonderful fall so far despite limited grouse…I think 18 days in the field so far.” ~ Gregg
Izzie (Westfall’s Black Ice x Northwoods Prancer, 2011).
Many clients took to the fields in November. Some hunted pheasant in Minnesota and the Dakotas; others had their setters on Montana sharp-tailed grouse.
“Just got back from a quick 2-day hunt in SD. Stoeger (Ridge Creek Cody x Northwoods Chardonnay, 2013) did great, even with the chilly weather. Rock solid points and tireless enthusiasm.” ~ Drew
Kiki (English setter female).
Simon, on left, and Biscuit (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2011).
Buddy (Elhew G Force x Northwoods Vixen, 2013).
Nemo (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2011), on left, and Midas (Houston’s Blackjack x Northwoods Chablis, 2013).
Zada (Ridge Creek Cody x Northwoods Chardonnay, 2013).
Jerry and I had a small group of puppies in for our November Quail training program. With the exception of Josie, a German short-haired pointer, all were puppies we bred this year. Jerry was able to work them every day—even after a three-inch snowfall.
Shelby (Houston’s Blackjack x Northwoods Highclass Kate, 2013).
Dixie (Houston’s Blackjack x Northwoods Highclass Kate, 2013).
Mac (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2013), on left, and Beemer (Houston’s Blackjack x Northwoods Chablis, 2013).
Mercy (Houston’s Blackjack x Northwoods Chablis, 2013).
Scout (Houston’s Blackjack x Northwoods Highclass Kate, 2013).