Warming up for the season on sharptails

Louis Vuitton (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2015)

Nothing beats native sharp-tailed grouse for preparing a bird dog for the ruffed grouse season.

When the grouse woods are still lush with summer vegetation, sharptails provide a good training alternative. Our local population lives in native grasslands that are dotted with scrubby oaks and willows. The area is intensely managed with fire.

From a dog’s level, the terrain is similar to the woods. From my perspective, I get a good view of the action. These birds can be jumpy while at other times they’ll sit as tight as any woodcock. Sharptails are great for any age dog—whether to start young dogs or to polish older dogs.

Early mornings are often foggy and everything is drenched with dew. By mid morning, the sun can be hot enough to end the day’s training.

Here are some photos from my training runs this year. Enjoy!

Blitzen (CH Elhew G Force x Northwoods Vixen, 2016)

Rolls Royce (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2013)

Carbon (Blue Riptide x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2014)

Carly Simon (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2011)

Nickel (CH Shadow Oak Bo x Northwoods Chardonnay, 2014) honors Louis Vuitton (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2015).